Here we have a lovely example of a 1943 Ebel Antimagnetic stainless steel cased watch. It has the 32.5mm case with the angular lug design. The dial stands out with the ‘bullseye’ design with the black outer ring with gold arabic markers and the inner gold tone sector. It has the central second hand which corresponds with the inner 1/5th seconds track between the two sectors. The hour and minute hand are of syringe style, with the luminous in-fill and thermally blued tone. To the right the crown is chunky and well-proportioned with the domed face. The case back screws in place and is signed with the reference and the watches properties. Inside is the Ebel calibre 101 manual wind movement, which is an AS1158 base calibre. It has been recently serviced and has a daily variation of 20 seconds per day.
The watch comes with the original certificate from ‘The Victory Stores’ watchmakers and photo dealers, in Cairo, Egypt, which is dated 18/04/43. It also comes with the original Ebel guarantee with the same date.
The watch has a detailed service history, with a full record of its servicing and the related correspondence. It is very rare to find a watch such as this, with Mr R H Allison being such a meticulous owner, keeping all the records, correspondence and postage stamps.
The watch was first service in 1954, with a later service in 1963. Servicing was dealt with via Regent jewellers in London, who were the UK stockist of Ebel watches.
The watch had been so dependable that Mr Allison wrote to Ebel in 1985, offering the watch for examination. Ebel were receptive and with their response they enclosed a box of chocolates.
In 1999 a letter is sent by Mrs Allison to Ebel, stating that she hoped to get her late husbands watch running again.
The watch:
The dial is undoubtably the standout aspect of the watch. It is of bullseye configuration with the black outer sector having contrasting gold tone arabic numerals. They are of a radial layout, following the flow of the case. The central second track is detailed with the 1/5th seconds graduations. It is sandwiched between the two sectors and is eye-catching with is closer proximity to the centre of the dial. The inner sector is the rich gold tone, with a lightly spotted patination. It is signed below 12 with the Ebel Antimagnetic signing. Above 6 it is marked as ‘water-proof’ and ‘shock absorber’. The hands are of syringe style and are thermally blued, with the luminous in-fill to the centre. The central second is thin and neat. The hands have aged to a purple tone, which catches the light.
The case is neatly proportioned, measuring 32.5mm x 32.5mm. The crown adds to the presence taking the total width to just under 35mm. The lug to lug measurement is 38.75mm, with a good lug width of 18mm.
It is formed of stainless steel and has the double stepped, notched bezel design. The lugs are an interesting design with the angular, bevelled tips, which meet the wrist. To the right-hand side is the recess, which the crown sits within. The case back is a screw back which has the clear Ebel engraving with the reference and serial number. It is also proudly engraved with its properties; antimagnetic, shock absorbing and waterproof.
The movement is the Ebel calibre 101 which is an Ebel branded AS1158 base calibre. It is a well designed and dependable movement. It is manually wound and benefits from the central second and shock proofing. It has been recently serviced and has a daily variation of 20 seconds per day.
The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference.
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Dial:
The dial is original and is in good condition. It has the light spotting to the centre.
Hands:
The hands are original and are of Syringe style. They are in good vintage condition with the oxidised purple tone. The luminous in-fill is original.
Glass:
The crystal is a replacement which is in perfect condition.
Crown:
The crown appears original with the domed style. It has some light marking.
Case:
The case is stainless steel and is in good condition with only light marking associated with age.
Case back:
The case back is in good condition with only light surface scratching. The engraving is clear.
Strap:
The watch comes on a new genuine leather strap which is in unworn condition.
Movement:
The movement is the Ebel calibre 101 which is an Ebel branded AS1158 base calibre. It is a well designed and dependable movement. It is manually wound and benefits from the central second and shock proofing. I
The movement has been recently serviced and is running well and keeping time to within +20 seconds a day. It has an amplitude of 300 degrees and a beat error of 0.5m/s.
Case dimensions:
Case width: 32.5mm
Case width with crown: 34.8mm
Case length: 32.5mm
Case length lug to lug: 38.75mm
Case Depth: 11mm
Lug width: 18mm