Seiko 5625-7070 Gold cap Hi Beat

Seiko 5625-7070 Gold cap Hi Beat

This watch, produced around the 1970s, is a key model in Seiko's history and is now very popular among vintage watch collectors.

Watch Basic Information

· Model: 5625-7070

· Series: Seiko 5

· Production Year: Circa 1970s

· Movement: Seiko 5625 Automatic

· This is a very reliable and durable movement.

· Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour

· Power Reserve: Approximately 40 hours

Appearance and Design Features

1. Iconic Case: The classic 1970s "abalone" case, with its rounded lines and a strong, one-piece design, is highly recognizable.

2. Dial: Typically silver or dark gray, with distinctive hand and hour marker designs, it exudes the rugged style of a tool watch.

Porsche design Indicator 6910.10.40.1149

 Porsche Design Indicator Watch 6910.10.40.1149 .

The INDICATOR is world first in mechanical watches. Not a watch created with just its external appearance in mind, but the fruit of functional internal design. Their perfect mastery of the technique gave the in-house designers total freedom to explore every imaginable option of form, colour and material.

First turns of the wheel
At the end of 2000, Ernst F. SEYR, president and managing director of Eterna SA (owned by Porsche since 1995) suggested the idea of a super chronograph by Porsche Design/Eterna. As an amateur pilot fascinated by mechanics, the new head of the group knew how hard it can be to use a classic chronograph in real-life, and how stress, poor light or vibration can make them almost impossible to read.

The next step from there was to envisage the development of a real instrument that could be used as a chronometer at a glance without having to decipher minute auxiliary dials.

That’s where the INDICATOR came in. At the end of 2000, Porsche Design gave engineers the go-ahead for development, and entrusted a feasibility study of the INDICATOR project to the Master watchmaker Paul Gerber. A year later, a dozen engineers, technicians and watchmakers from Eterna undertook the development of the revolutionary chronograph’s first prototypes and limited series production. After three years of relentless effort, the first INDICATOR saw the light of day.

Perfectly legible in any circumstances
The finely studied detail of the dial and hands on the INDICATOR is designed for perfect legibility whatever the circumstances.

The semi-skeletal hands, coated in superluminova, obscure the main indicators as little as possible to give a precise reading, even in poor viewing conditions. The figures and hours are also coated in superluminova.

Design directly inspired by the Porsche Carrera GT
The slightly domed 42mm sapphire crystal, in built motion work, clear and simple dial structure, easy-to-handle elongated push buttons with transverse grooves in Porsche drive mechanism, and 9mm screwed down winding crown… all of the elements of the new Porsche design are reminiscent of the Carrera GT. On the back of the case, a sapphire crystal base secured by six magnificent screws lets you admire the winding crown’s splendid rotor in the form of a Carrera GT wheel rim. The titanium rotor wheel offers an excellent resistance/volume ratio, and the solid red gold exterior rotor supplies the requisite energy to the INDICATOR’S four spring drums.

The INDICATOR is fitted on a solid black rubber strap that has the Carrera GT’s Michelin tyre tread on its inner surface. Grooves on the strap’s outer surface help reduce perspiration and improve comfort and ease of wear. The strap is fastened with double tongue buckle, and finished with two elegant titanium loops.

Technical details
The calibre that drives the INDICATOR was developed from an ETA base. As well as a new main plate and house-manufactured bridges, it incorporates over 400 new components in the cage. A real mechanical masterpiece, it comprises almost 800 pieces in all.

This plate of this impressive movement is 36mm in diameter, which is the right vital dimension for good legibility of the digital display. Four spring drums provide it with energy. The first drives the basic movement. There are three others (whose force is controlled by three centrifugal brakes) for the display mechanisms’ chrono-digital functions. The indicator disks are commuted in two tenths of a second and returned to zero by an “engine drive.”

In other words, they are rest to zero the classic way, by a simple action on the lower push button.

Three primary functions:

[1] Chronograph indicator
Essential function of the INDICATOR, situated at 3 o’clock. Iindicated mechanically in digital mode by rotating disks (hours from zero to nine, in units and the ten minutes). Seconds count indicated in analogue display from the centre.) After nine hours 59 minutes, like the flag-out warning for flight navigators, the “out of service “signal appears in the hour window.

[2] Power reserve indicator
The design of the common power reserve display for all functions is protected by a special patent. The INDICATOR’S power reserve shows how much residual power remains in the four spring drums relative to the state of activation of the four winding springs. The colour-coded display enables immediate reading of the watch’s power reserve.

[3] Functions control indicator
Porsche Design envisaged an innovative functional control with the basic calibre. The movement function is controlled second by second with a new “mechanical flash display. Three dial windows show a disk with red and white segments whose alternating colours indicate the movement is working as it should. With this new style of display, you can see immediately whether the instrument is ready to fulfil all functions.

The INDICATOR comes in two versions, natural grey titanium or titanium with black finish. The exterior measurements and complex mechanics of this monster of technology are frankly impressive: 49 mm diameter, 18mm thick, water resistant to 50 meters. Produced in very limited edition the INDICATOR is already an exceptional piece that only very few, very rich enthusiasts will ever have the chance of getting hold of. Even they will have to sign up to join the waiting list at one of the rare retailers Porsche Design has selected to represent their new watch making jewel.

The new Porsche Design INDICATOR is an exceptional piece in every sense of the word.

Gigantic at first glance, its titanium structure and rubber strap make it very light and agreeable to the touch. Its imposing outline becomes almost natural when strapped to the wrist with the virile double tongue strap buckle. From then on, the size is less noticeable. The watch, on the other hand, becomes an object of contemplation. The simplicity of the dial, the subtleties of the counters and see-through hands are a real pleasure. A spectacle concentrated into 49mm diameter! A watch you immediately feel at ease with. A time-piece designed to go adventuring with you with absolutely no malfunction, in short, zero error equipment. Though maybe there’s just one small problem. 

Source : https://www.watchprosite.com/collectors-market/fs-porsche-design-p6910-indicator/712.570271.3532871/

https://www.ablogtowatch.com/porsche-design-indicator-watch-available-on-james-list/

Vintage Cloisonné dial watches

 Vintage Cloisonné dial watches 

Vintage Genex watch Made for India

Vintage Genex watch Made for India.

Some information which I have found from the internet.:

The Genex brand has a notable history tied to Rolex. It one of several secondary brands that Rolex marketed, primarily in the pre-World War II era. These watches were often housed in Rolex-stamped cases but used movements sourced from other manufacturers. They were designed to offer "an accurate timekeeper at a moderate price," making them more affordable than primary Rolex models [oai_citation:1,Every watch brand ever made by Rolex/RWC - Rolex Forums - Rolex Watch Forum](rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=635606) [oai_citation:2,Can Anyone Help Me With This Vintage Rolco Please? | UK Watch Forum](thewatchforum.co.uk/threads/can-anyone-help-me-with-this-vintage-rolco-please.63565).

Genex, along with other brands like Marconi, Unicorn, and Rolco, was part of Rolex's strategy to cater to different market segments without diluting the Rolex brand itself. These secondary brands were marketed under the Rolex Watch Company (RWC) umbrella, but they did not carry the Rolex name on the dial to avoid brand confusion and maintain Rolex's premium image [oai_citation:3,Wilsdorf's and Rolex's Other Brands]

(vintagewatchstraps.com/wilsdorfsotherbrands.php).

A vintage Rolex Oyster Genex from around 1934, for instance, showcases the early use of the Oyster case design. This specific model features a 15-jewel Swiss movement signed by Genex and was noted for its octagonal shape and weathered but original dial, indicating its collectible value [oai_citation:4,Vintage Rolex Oyster Genex in 3 piece case circa 1934 - Used and Vintage Watches for Sale]

(yorktime.com/shop/vintage-rolex-oyster-genex-in-3-piece-case-circa-1934).

Overall, while Genex watches do not hold the same market value as Rolex-branded watches, they are significant in the history of Rolex's brand development and offer an intriguing piece of horological history for collectors and enthusiasts.”

Longines Enamel dial watch made for the Middle East market

Longines Enamel dial watch made for the Middle East market. it was made for king Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia who reigned as King from 1932-53. There are also similar watches made by Patek Philippe, Omega, Eska and Universal Geneve.

Sotheby's is auctioning the Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster watch in Geneva on November 9th.

Sotheby's is auctioning the Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster watch in Geneva on November 9th. This is a highly significant event because:

· It's a landmark watch: This is one of the most famous and important waterproof wristwatches in the world.

· First time in 25 years: It hasn't been at auction for a quarter of a century, making its appearance a major event for collectors.

· High Estimate: It is expected to sell for over 1 million CHF (approximately $1.3 million).

The Historical Significance of the Watch

The value and fame of this watch are directly tied to its unique history, which was a masterstroke of marketing and engineering by Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf.

1. The "Vindication Swim": In 1927, Mercedes Gleitze became the first British woman to swim the English Channel. Rolex gave her one of their new "Oyster" watches to wear during a subsequent swim, dubbed the "Vindication Swim," to prove her first success was legitimate.

2. Living Proof of Waterproofing: After more than 10 hours in the icy waters, the watch emerged in perfect working order. This provided Rolex with irrefutable, real-world proof that their Oyster case was truly waterproof—a revolutionary claim at the time.

3. A Marketing Masterpiece: Rolex capitalized on this success with a full-page advertisement in the Daily Mail celebrating the watch's survival. This transformed public perception of the wristwatch from a delicate piece of jewelry to a robust and reliable tool.

Why This Watch is So Important to Rolex

· Genesis of Modern Sponsorship: Mercedes Gleitze is considered Rolex's first-ever testimonee (brand ambassador). This partnership marked the birth of the modern sports sponsorship strategy that Rolex and many other brands use today.

· Defined the Brand's Spirit: Gleitze embodied the "pioneering spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence" that Rolex still markets today.

· A Pre-Patent Rarity: The watch for sale is an exceptionally rare pre-patent model made in 9ct yellow gold, making it one of the very first of its kind and one of the most consequential watches in Rolex's history.

In short, this watch isn't just a timepiece; it is the physical artifact that launched the mythos of Rolex as a maker of robust, reliable, and high-performance watches. Its upcoming auction is a landmark moment in the world of collectible watches.

Goofy Cartoon watch by Helbros

This watch was manufactured by Helbros Watch Company in 1971 with licence from Walt Disney Productions. 

The Helbros "Goofy" or "Backward" watch is a fantastic and quirky piece of mid-century design that has become a real collector's item. It's a perfect example of a "conversation starter" watch.

The Core Concept: Why It's "Backward"

The most striking feature is that the watch is designed to be read by someone else facing you, not by you looking down at your own wrist.

· Backward Dial: The numbers on the dial are printed in reverse order (clockwise: 1, 2, 3... becomes 11, 10, 9...).

· Backward Movement: The watch movement itself runs counter-clockwise. So the hour and minute hands move "backward" around the dial.

· The Result: When you hold the watch up for someone else to see (like to tell them the time), the dial is oriented correctly for them, and the hands point to the correct numbers from their perspective.

Key Features and History

· Era: Primarily from the 1940s and 1950s.

· Brand: Helbros was a well-regarded American watch company, and this is one of their most famous and memorable models.

· Nicknames: It's most commonly known as the "Goofy Watch," but you'll also see it called the "Backward Watch," "Reverse Watch," or "Upside-Down Watch."

· Design: They typically came in a simple, elegant gold-filled or chrome case. The dial is often a clean, two-tone design with simple hour markers.

How to Read a Helbros Goofy Watch

Reading it takes a little mental gymnastics until you get the hang of it.

Method 1: The Intended Way (for others)

Simply hold your arm out, showing the watch face to the person you're speaking to. For them, it will look like a perfectly normal watch, and they can read the time instantly.

Method 2: Reading It on Your Own Wrist

This is the tricky part. You have to "reverse" the information.

1. Look at where the hour hand is pointing.

2. Instead of reading the number it's near, think of its position as a mirror image.

3. A common trick is to imagine a "phantom" hour hand on the opposite side of the dial and read the number near that point.

Example:

· If the hour hand is pointing directly at the "9" on the dial, it's actually 3 o'clock.

· If it's halfway between the "10" and "11", it's halfway between 1 and 2 o'clock.

---

Why Was It Made? The Story Behind the Design

The most popular and charming theory is that it was a watch for:

· Salesmen

· Doctors

· Teachers

· Anyone who frequently needed to tell the time to others

The idea was that a salesman could quickly check his wrist during a presentation without being rude by turning his wrist away to read it. He could just glance down, see the backward face, and the client across the desk could also see the correct time without any effort. It was a tool of convenience and subtle showmanship.

Collectibility and Value

Today, the Helbros Goofy Watch is a sought-after vintage item.

· Condition is Key: As with all vintage watches, value depends heavily on the condition of the case, the clarity of the dial, and whether it's running well.

· Market Price: A working Helbros Backward Watch in good condition can typically be found in the $100 to $300 range, with exceptional examples or rare variations potentially going higher.

· Where to Find Them: Look on eBay, Etsy, and vintage watch forums.

In short, the Helbros Goofy Backward Watch is a clever, charming, and brilliantly executed gimmick from a golden age of watch design. It's more than just a timepiece; it's a wearable conversation piece.