Ernest Borel are more known for their exotic Cocktail watches, but this stainless steel watch is more sensible. Model reference 351330.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
As far as we know there is no way of dating Ernest Borel watches from their serial numbers, but based on the movement production dates combined with the styling we would estimate this watch was made circa 1955.
CONDITION
This would not have been a cheap watch when new. You have a nicely finished (in copper plating, like Omega used to do) ETA 1100 manual winding movement with centre seconds and 17 jewels. You wind this via a signed crown, which fits into a stainless steel case. And the case is not only large for the time at 36mm, but it also has a nice sweep angle going from lug to lug down both sides. The dial is a linen pattern, which normally are quite dirty as cigarette smoke tends to stick to the ridges, but this one is very clean. The dial also has applied hour markers rather than just printed, and all the processes involved in making this would have meant this Swiss watch could not have been made cheaply. The only negatives are the seconds hand has some corrosion, and there is a small ding on the side of the case nearest 8 – hardly bad for approaching 70 years old. The leather strap is new, and could be swapped for a different colour if preferred.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
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SIZE
Width with crown 38.7 mm
Width without crown 35.9 mm
Between lugs 18 mm
Lug to lug length 42.6 mm
Case Thickness 9.6 mm
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 2 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.