Provenance: This very watch sold in an Antiquorum watch auction titled “Important Watches, Collectors Wristwatches and clocks” at Hotel Richemond Geneva, on October 13th 200. It had an estimate of CHF 400-600, but clearly caught the eye as it achieved a hammer price of CHF 1,750.
A very complex, rare and potentially unique model from the 1950s. This watch represents a mid-century modern twist on the Calatrava design. It is a smoother, more rounded approach, presenting a UFO case shape with recessed crown. At 34mm x 34mm it’s an excellently sized watch. The standout elements of this watch are lengthy. The beautiful smooth UFO case, the power reserve indicator, the sunburst dial finish, the textured star pattern, the unique hand style, the beautiful steel hour markers, the recessed crown, the in-house record 174 bi-directional automatic movement, the chronometer grade timekeeping. This is a special watch and you will not find another.
The dial is an area in which this uniquely designed watch excels. It is in sensational original condition, with very little ageing. The dial is a silver base tone, with a quadrant sunburst finish. The dial has a textured star finish radiating from the centre, which is beyond words in terms of quality and effect. This is an incredibly complex dial. The power reserve indicator in inset into the dial, below 12 O’clock. The seconds track runs around the edge of the dial with 1/5th of a second graduations. Set on the 5 minute/hour points are beautiful original radium lume pips. The hour markers are silver and are arrow shaped, with an Arabic 9, 12, 6 which balances beautifully with the date window at 3 O’clock.
There is a lovely rose gold tone chapter ring which surrounds the dial, delivering a neat and bright cap to the dial, leading up to the profile of the crystal perfectly.
The hands are original and of a very unique Lance Dauphine style, with non-traditional base extending in an arrow shape beyond the central mounting. They are silver in tone with the original Radium lume infill to the centre. This has aged to a beautiful pumpkin tone. The central second hand is also original and is in excellent condition. It has an excellent thermally blued tone having minimal discolouration.
The case is made of Stainless Steel and is in good condition. The case consists of a heavy front section and the screw back. The main body of the case is sturdy with a chunky circular polished case, with thick lugs to match. The bezel is in good condition with a smooth polished finish. This gives way to the imposing lugs, with the sides of the case flat and polished. The case resembles the mid-century modern idea of the UFO saucer shape. The case is unpolished and original.
The case back is Stainless Steel and is in very good condition for the age, with nothing more than light surface scratching. It is a screw back that helps provide good water-resistant properties. It is engraved; Record Watch Co. Non-magnetic, Incabloc, Swiss, Water-resistant, Automatic. It is signed with the serial number 33952. The inside is signed: Fond Acier Inoxydable, Brevet 260128.
The movement is a Record calibre 174. This movement was designed in-house by Record, who had a reputation for creating well-made and designed calibres. This particular movement had a bi-directional rotor, with twin winding barrels. It also has the premium addition of a power reserve indicator below 12 O’clock. This was uncommon during this period and this movement really was something to shout about, which they did. The watch also has incabloc shock protection and strong anti-magnetic properties. It has 21 jewels and a frequency of 18,000 BPH, whilst having 3 adjustments.
It has been recently serviced by ourselves. The quality of this movement is evidenced by its timekeeping, currently at a rate of -4 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 312 degrees and a beat error of 0.4m/s.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Dial:
The dial is yet another area in which this uniquely designed watch excels. It is in sensational original condition, with very little ageing. The dial is a silver base tone, with a quadrant sunburst finish. The dial has a textured star finish radiating from the centre, which is beyond words in terms of quality and effect. This is an incredibly complex dial.
Hands:
The hands are original and of a very unique Lance Dauphine style, with non-traditional base extending in an arrow shape beyond the central mounting. They are silver in tone with the original Radium lume infill to the centre. This has aged to a beautiful pumpkin tone. The central second hand is also original and is in excellent condition. It has an excellent thermally blued tone having minimal discolouration.
Glass:
The crystal is the original acrylic lens, which is in perfect condition, fitting the profile of the watch perfectly.
Crown:
The crown is the original plated crown, which is inset into a recess in the case. This creates an incredibly neat case. The finish of the crown has some minor pitting.
Case:
The case is made of Stainless Steel and is in good condition. The case consists of a heavy front section and the screw back. The main body of the case is sturdy with a chunky circular polished case, with thick lugs to match. The bezel is in good condition with a smooth polished finish. This gives way to the imposing lugs, with the sides of the case flat and polished. The case resembles the mid-century modern idea of the UFO saucer shape. The case is unpolished and original.
Caseback:
The case back is Stainless Steel and is in very good condition for the age, with nothing more than light surface scratching. It is a screw back that helps provide good water resistant properties. It is engraved; Record Watch Co. Non-magnetic, Incabloc, Swiss, Water-resistant, Automatic. It is signed with the serial number 33952.
The inside is signed: Fond Acier Inoxydable, Brevet 260128.
Strap:
The watch is on a period Bonklip Stainless Steel bracelet which is in excellent original condition.
Movement:
The movement is a Record calibre 174. This movement was designed in-house by Record, who had a reputation for creating well-made and designed calibres. It has been recently serviced by ourselves. The quality of this movement is evidenced by its timekeeping, currently at a rate of -4 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 312 degrees and a beat error of 0.4m/s.
Case dimensions:
Case width: 34mm
Case width with crown: 34.3mm
Case length: 34mm
Case length lug to lug: 42.5mm
Case Depth: 11.5mm
Lug width: 17.5mm