An automatic Ernest Borel watch, with a lovely dial and clever movement for the time.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
While we can not be certain about the production date for this watch, we have found two Ernest Borel adverts. The first, from 1949, shows off the new regulator system called Incastar that was exclusive to Ernest Borel that is fitted to this watch. The second, from 1957, shows a similar cased watch called the Datoptic (it had a magnifier or cyclops over the date). We therefore beleive this watch sits somewhere between these two dates.
CONDITION
This watch immediately reminded us of the 1952 Longines we sold with a similar dial pattern to the edge. However, this watch is not gold but is 20 micron gold plated instead. While this keeps the cost down hugely, it also comes with the caveat that there is some damage to the bottom right lug. If the dial were not so nice this would have put us off, but we are prepared to overlook the scratches on this case. The dial is good but not perfect – there is patina across the centre – but that does show some age and a 1950’s watch dial should show some age. Inside you have a Felsa 692, a 17 jewel movement that has bi directional winding (called Bidynator) as well as the fine adjust via the Incastar regulator. The calendar has no quick set function. The acrylic glass is new, and the leather strap is lightly used but suits perfectly. You can have a new strap if preferred.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 35.0 mm
Width without crown 34.4 mm
Between lugs 17 mm
Lug to lug length 41.6 mm
Case Thickness 13.3 mm
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 1 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.
