ERNEST BOREL

Ernest Borel, a Swiss watch manufacturer founded in 1856 In Neuchatel, Switzerland, it builds its reputation by 165 years of watchmaking savoir-faire and heritage. Inspired by the corporate ethos of ‘Romantic Moments’, the creations of Ernest Borel are recognized for their excellence design and quality, confirming the brand’s legacy as the paragon of Swiss-made couple watches and the leading position in the Swiss luxury watch industry.

The Cocktail Watch

Of all the innovations and novelty ideas that the Borel company came up with, none was so popular or important to the firm as the Cocktail kaleidoscopic watch. This watch was patented in 1952 and introduced in 1953. The Cocktail Watch was produced continuously from 1953 right through to about 1980, by which the Ernest Borel company had been taken over by another concern.

From Christopher Ward Forum Website – “For the first years of its production, the kaleidoscope Cocktail Watch had a relatively small market niche, but with the birth of psychedelic pop culture in the sixties, the model suddenly came into its own and reached a whole new audience - an audience that required Ernest Borel to not only produce a men's version but also to provide variations in the central pattern. Thus, in addition to the original sunburst design, arrow and star patterns emerged as did floral examples.”

The Ernest Borel Cocktail watch was “never sold in the US”, but most were purchased on cruise ships and holidays. Some reference to the watches in The Virgin Islands Daily News, July 1958, a listing for a shop called Little Switzerland, "Look for the Ernest Borel Cocktail Watch, an amazing 17 jewel timepiece. Its face is a constantly changing kaleidoscope of flower like patterns. Prices start at $33."

Old brochures show listed stores where Borel Cocktail watches were sold: US Virgin Islands (St. Thomas; St. Croix; St. Martin; St Bartholomew), Singapore, Tinidad, Johannesburg, Santa Domingo, Aruba, St. Maarten, Port-A-Prince, Hong Kong, Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, Paris, Calcutta, Madrid, Toronto, Rio deJaneiro, Antwerpp, Nassau, St. Johns, Gibralter.

ERNEST BOREL
Cocktail Watch
Swiss Made

This is an absolutely pristine example of a novelty timepiece, what I can call a romantic piece! From the 1960s models, this is a vintage Ernest Borel Cocktail wristwatch that was for sure purchased on cruise in the Caribbean at the famous shop the Little Switzerland on May 27, 1967.

The Little Switzerland shop is a preeminent luxury jeweler in the Caribbean, today it features 15 Little Switzerland stores and branded boutiques on 7 different islands, Little Switzerland is the largest and most reputable authorized dealer in the Caribbean for world class luxury brands.

It is manual winding (hand-wind) watch powered by a signed Ernerst Borel movement caliber FHF 67, sweep-second, 17 jewels, 18,000 A/h, 51 hours power reserve, unadjusted, Swiss made.

The most incredible feature in this watch is the mystery rotating black and gold kaleidoscope dial, that is sure to mesmerize all who gaze upon it. It also has the original black dial with gold hour markers and very unique red arrow minute and hour hands. The dial is signed with the Borel name/logo and the patent Cocktail.

It is cased in a 32mm round yellow gold-plated case with fixed stepped bezel and unique fancy lug design. One of the side is also signed “Ernest Borel Swiss.” Display back and original Ernest Borel crown.

This watch comes on the original Ernest Borel Neuchatel Swiss black two-piece leather strap with the original Borel buckle as well.

To complement the watch perfectly, it comes on a full kit including the Ernest Borel Guarantee Certificate wit the purchase stamp and the original Little Switzerland display box. As if all came from a time machine, all is in excellent condition and very well cared for.

The watch is in LOVELY condition, it runs and keeps excellent time. The kaleidoscope disk functions flawlessly. Is quite mesmerizing to behold. Truly would be a wonderful addition to any collection.

Thank you for looking! Please feel free to contact us with any questions or respectful offers.

IMPORTANT – Please be prepared to stand behind any offer you make. Once we accept an offer, it takes the product off of the market for us AND other buyers. If you are considering making an offer and would like to know if we would accept a price, please simply message us and ask PRIOR to making the offer. We ask that you please make a formal offer only once you are committed to the offer.

Case Markers:
ERNEST BOREL SWISS

Movement:
ERNEST BOREL
Seventeen 17 Jewels
Swiss
Unadjusted
FHF 67

Measurements (mm):
Case Diameter 32
Case Lug to Lug 41.4
Case Thickness 11
Lug Width 18
Band Width 18

Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men’s watches typically measure between 29-36mm wide (some larger, some smaller) excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women’s watches from the 1900s-1970s were also much smaller than today's offerings. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size.

We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust lighting when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.

The condition is pre-owned.
The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear but is fully operational and functions as intended.
Please review the photos and feel free to ask any questions you may have.

It will be carefully packed.

Please view our other listings.
Thank you for looking!

WA-3686

Cordura