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.

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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.

Vintage ZRC Watches

The Crown Jewel: The ZRC Grands Fonds

When people talk about vintage ZRC, they are almost always referring to the Grands Fonds (French for "Great Depths") model, first introduced in the early 1960s.

1. The Defining Feature: The "Turtle Case" and Reversed Crown

The ZRC Grands Fonds is instantly recognizable due to its revolutionary case design.

· The "Turtle Case": The case back is not flat; it's a large, domed, and sculpted piece that curves dramatically to fit the wrist. This unique shape gives it the nickname "Turtle Case" among collectors. Its primary function was ergonomic—to provide extreme comfort and stability on the wrist, preventing it from spinning or catching on equipment.

· The Reversed Crown at 6 O'Clock: This is ZRC's masterstroke. By placing the winding crown on the bottom left side of the case (for right-handed wear), they completely eliminated the chance of the crown digging into the back of the hand. More importantly, it protected the crown from accidental impacts and ensured a perfect seal against the case, as water pressure would push the crown into the gasket, rather than trying to force it out. This required a specially designed case with an internal tunnel for the crown stem.

2. Historical Context and Military Pedigree

ZRC's design wasn't just for show; it was born from professional need.

· French Combat Divers: The ZRC Grands Fonds was officially adopted and issued to the legendary French Combat Divers (Nageurs de Combat) of the French Navy, notably the Commando Hubert unit. This elite military pedigree is a huge part of its appeal and authenticity.

· Rigorous Testing: The watch was built to withstand the demands of military use. Early advertisements and military documents highlight its testing to depths of 300 meters (and later 500 meters), which was exceptional for the era.

· A Tool Watch in the Truest Sense: Every aspect of the Grands Fonds was designed for function: the highly legible dial, the robust bidirectional bezel (often with a prominent grip), the screw-down case back, and the ultra-comfortable case.

3. Key Characteristics and Evolution

Vintage Grands Fonds models can be categorized by their era:

A. Early Models (c. 1963 - Late 1960s)

· Reference: Often known as the Type 1 or "No Feet" model.

· Bracelet: The most iconic feature is the integrated ladder-style bracelet that seamlessly integrates with the turtle case. The early versions had bracelets that attached directly to the case without visible "feet" or end-links.

· Dial: Typically black with tritium markers, often with the text "ZRC" and "GRANDS FONDS." The "ZRC" logo was usually applied.

· Bezel: Often a serrated, bidirectional bezel without a pip.

B. Later Models (Late 1960s - 1970s)

· Reference: Often called the Type 2 or "With Feet" model.

· Bracelet: The design evolved to include visible end-links or "feet" that the ladder bracelet attached to. This made the bracelet more versatile but less visually seamless.

· Dial: Similar to early models, but you might find "500m" added to the dial text.

· Caseback: Often featured engravings of the Commando Hubert insignia (a swimming frog holding a dagger) and the text "Nageurs de Combat Commando Hubert."

C. The "Spatiale" (Space) Model

A rarer variant featured a gradated blue "ombré" dial, often referred to as the "Spatiale." This is highly sought after by collectors due to its unique and beautiful appearance.

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Summary

A vintage ZRC Grands Fonds is more than just a watch; it's a piece of French military history. It represents a brilliant, no-compromise solution to a specific professional problem. Its radical design, elite military connection, and relative rarity make it a grail for serious dive watch collectors who appreciate engineering and history over brand recognition.

For anyone interested in the "big three" of quirky, purpose-built vintage divers (alongside the Rolex Sea-Dweller and Omega Ploprof), the ZRC Grands Fonds is an essential and arguably the most ergonomic of them all.

Monday, July 03, 2017

Vintage ZRC series 3

Lately, I have been asking myself what should be my focus. Given the high prices of vintage Rolex sports models, it does not make sense to buy them at such prices any more. As such, I have decided to collect some small micro brands with history as my core collection and the ZRC is my current focus as I love the design and the diving history it has with the French divers. 

This is a vintage ZRC series with date in leather strap from one of my regular dealer from France. The overall condition  is quite nice with clean dial and a relatively clean bezel as well as many of the bezels tended to have scratches owing to usage. This watch will fit nicely with my small ZRC collection consisting of the ZRC Spartiale, ZRC series 2 and another series 3 without date. Given the rarity of the ZRC, I couldn't resist getting this. Just wondering if I should get a bracelet to upgrade it as a project or leave it as it is?

This shall be my last watch for the year unless I can sell off some watches.

Monday, May 29, 2017

Vintage ZRC dive watches journey

I have started to collect the rare ZRC vintage Diver watches one year ago with the first with the ZRC Spartiale 300, as a reward. The vintage ZRC is a cult brand and the hunting for it has been a tough one as not many vintage watches are out there for sale. Many collectors tended to hold on to them as the distribution was limited to France in the past.

Moreover, these are the tool watches used by professional divers, not many are available to people who are non divers. These were sold in the professional diving equipment companies and therefore has limited circulation. In addition, as a result of its small circulation, be prepared that the parts such as the hands, bezels etc may have been switched as the owners (Not collectors) then were not particular of the state of so called originality of the watch as long as it was usable and functioning. My ZRC Spartiale is a NOS in full original mint condition while my series 2 had the hands changed. As a vintage watch collector, I am fine with these changes as if anyone wants all perfect watch should get a re-issued ZRC instead. One way is try to find NOS spare parts for them, which is a fun and challenging project. 

Later, I have managed to find the ZRC Series 2 from France.

There is a very attractive Series 2 with the large hour and minutes hands as well as a dotted Bakelite bezels. I have been looking for it for over one year and it is getting closer...

My Dream watch & photos of watches from the internet

Thursday, June 01, 2017

Z.R.C. étanche grands fonds series 2

The vintage ZRC was a niche micro tool watch brand from the 1960s. I was fascinated by its history and I have been looking for the etanche grands fonds watch series 2 for a long time. After searching for more the a year, I have finally found one from France. This is one of my favorite watches as at one stage, I was even contemplating of getting the reissued version. Lucky, I have waited.

This is a series two with the much desired dotted Bakelite bezel and larger hour and minute hands. Among the plethora of "diver's watches" this ZRC has the unique design features of having luminous dotted bezels, extra large hands and winding crown at the 6 o'clock position and is a definitely a refreshing alternative to the Submariner and its legion of clones and derivatives.

This shall be my last serious watch purchase for the year 2017. Eagerly awaiting for its arrival. Life is good!

As a small tool watch brand, I see there are variations in the hands.

The photos of the nice ZRC from the net seconds hands look similar to mine

http://militarywatch.over-blog.com/pages/Vintage_divers_watches-5284026.html

The watch model and design looks like the second one form the left:

Source: http://forumamontres.forumactif.com/t151433p30-resurrection-zrc-grands-fonds

http://monochrome-watches.com/cousteau-and-the-timepieces-of-the-calypso-team-part-1/
https://monochrome-watches.com/cousteau-and-the-timepieces-of-the-calypso-team-part-2/
http://monochrome-watches.com/cousteau-and-the-timepieces-of-the-calypso-team-part-3/

Photo below showing the Re-edition:

http://houseofchronos.com/brands/adventure-gives-rise-revolutionary-product-zrc-grands-fonds-300/

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Vintage Le Jour ZRC 300 diver watch

I love the vintage ZRC watches and I have just found a rare LeJour branded ZRC 300 divers watch for the American market.  ZRC has a strong following for french and diving watch fans.  What makes this reference so desirable is the beautiful sunburst dial, this one being in excellent condition with perfectly matching patina on the dial and hands. Combine that will an all red day/date wheel and a faded two tone bezel and this makes for one uncommon, stunning vintage tool watch. I have always love restoring watches and I am now waiting for the watch to arrive and install a NOS bezel for it to bring it back to its previous glory.

I have already owned a ZRC spartaile but there are several differences:

The Day is in English while the other one is in French.

This one is named LeJour while the other is ZRC Spartiale

One is with 17 jewels and another 25 jewels

One more unique feature is that there is a spelling mistakes for this as it is spelled Self "Wimding", instead of Winding.

In addition, look at the advant garde design for its watch case, which makes it a timeless beauty. The constructions adhere to the principle of Forms follows Function and these are tools watches made for diving and very few of  these watches were made and it took me years to find another piece.

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Restoration Project 3: NOS Bezel Ring for ZRC series 3

My earlier ZRC series 3 is in good condition except for the used and aged ZRC bezel insert. Actually, it looks quite alright for a tool watch used for diving.

 

I was surfing and looking through the instagram and came across a rare NOS bezel for my ZRC from Switzerland. As the ZRC watch is quite rare plus it is not easy to find a NOS spare part for the ZRC, I have decided to to upgrade the watch with original part to bring it to its former glory.  One of my hobby is to find original parts of vintage watches and upgrade them. Next is to look for a set of NOS hands...

After installing the NOS bezel and NOS hands 

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

ZRC variations

ZRC variations

Photos from the net. Recent addict...😊 ZRC diver watches were sold at diving shops and these are real tools watch used by divers. As a result, many ZRC bezels and parts get changed in the life of the watch, which add history and colors to the watch. Not your usual watch bought from watch boutiques..

Photos from the Internet

My ZRC

Friday, September 16, 2016

ZRC Diver watches

Vintage ZRC diver watches

These French diver watches were made famous by Jacques-Yves Cousteau ; commonly known in English as Jacques Cousteau & his team of divers.  He was a French naval officer, explorer, conservationist, filmmaker, innovator, scientist, photographer, author and researcher who studied the sea and all forms of life in water. He co-developed the Aqua-lung, pioneered marine conservation and was a member of the Académie française.

Cousteau described his underwater world research in a series of books, perhaps the most successful being his first book, The Silent World: A Story of Undersea Discovery and Adventure, published in 1953. Cousteau also directed films, most notably the documentary adaptation of the book, The Silent World, which won a Palme d'or at the 1956 Cannes Film Festival. Besides the ZRC, there are many other interesting diving watches worn by the team

For who love bigger watches, this ZRC Spatiale will be the ideal one as its bigger then the version 1,2.

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

NOS Bezel for ZRC

I have traded my rare ZRC hands for a NOS ZRC bezel in preparation for the coming ZRC Spartiale diver watch. Finding spare parts is always a challenge.

Sunday, June 11, 2017

Z.R.C. étanche grands fonds series 2 part 2

Z.R.C. étanche grands fonds series 2 part 2

Buying vintage watches is like forced saving for me. I take it as my little investment for the future. This is another all original Z.R.C. étanche grands fonds series 2 from Belgium. I was having a long negotiation with the collector and finally succeeded in an agreement. I believe Keith will like this watch when he starts to work after his University as this watch has its own character. As a small tool watch brand, it has the innovation of its time as well as form follows function. It will be nice when father and son can wear the same design watch! : )

https://moonphase.fr/le-retour-de-la-zrc-grand-fond-marine-nationale-la-montre-des-hommes-du-commando-hubert/