The Cocktail watch was a huge success for Ernest Borel, and they remain popular talking points today.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
Ernest Borel patented the design of these watches in 1952 and the earliest models hit the shelf in 1953 – which were all manual wind like this one. This one uses a movement first available in 1950, and we have a copy of an advert from 1956 for a watch with the same distinct bezel and lugs as this watch (the advert is black and white, so not sure if the one in the advert has the red dial). Given all of this we think this watch was made circa 1956. You can buy a new Ernest Borel cocktail watch, with a red dial, from them here for CHF1840 (around £1,760).
CONDITION
The Cocktail design is a simple design, which looks complex. The movement required little to no modification – this uses a manual wind, 17 jewel ETA 1311 that is signed for Ernest Borel, wound via the original signed crown. Hour and minute hands are mostly hidden by a static patterned disc, with just the tips protruding to allow you to tell the time. The seconds hand has been replaced by a disc that revolves just like a seconds hand would, but given it has complimentary pattern to the static disc as it passes it reveals a kaleidoscopic effect. Genius bit of engineering really! The case is gold plated with hour markers on the bezel and unusual lugs, and in good order. Unusual for the time is an exhibition case back, still rarely seen on ladies watches now. The leather strap is new, and could be swapped for a different colour or material if preferred. The watch is signed on the dial, movement and crown.
This watch will be supplied with our branded and reusable zipped travel case and cleaning cloth, 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 26.6 mm
Width without crown 24.9 mm
Between lugs 12 mm
Lug to lug length 33.2 mm
Case Thickness 9.3 mm
All sizes are approximate. The watch is photographed on a wrist of 170mm/6.75 inches.
Included with this watch is a 3 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.
