Founded in Neuchâtel, Switzerland in 1856, the
Ernest Borel Watch Company has long been associated with unique watch designs, including its famous “Cocktail” kaleidoscope dial series. In 1975 the company was purchased by the Synchron Group, its mechanisms and winding crowns stamped with the Synchron logo.
I am pleased to offer for sale the following men’s timepiece from Ernest Borel, dating to ca 1978 and a lesser seen Conquistador (conqueror) model. This is a quick-change, double date model with a distinctive blue dial and 17 jewel automatic wind mechanism, the first time I’ve seen or owned this model.
Quadruple-signed, it measures 39.5mm lug tip to lug tip and 35mm in width (37.5mm with signed Synchron crown). It is powered by its original 17 jewel automatic Synchron “5 o’5” mechanism, recently serviced to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time.
The sky blue enamel finished dial is 100% original and in excellent shape. It features a 60 second outer track, applied silver hour markers (small age mark near the 9), silver steel hands, sweep center seconds hand and a quick-change double date window featuring a black day of week and red calendar number. Signed Ernest Borel by Synchron below the 12 marker and Conquistador Automatic above the 6 marker. It is further signed Swiss Made at the base.
The original armored acrylic crystal is in excellent shape. The brushed finish stainless steel case has polished sides and is in spotless condition, as is the winding/setting crown that is signed with the Synchron trademark.
Looking at the back lid I see that it is a screw-down design stamped Stainless Steel, Automatic, Water Resistant. Also notice that it’s signed “Vitalis U.S. Olymp[ic] Invit[ational] – 1500m Second, 1978.” This suggests that the athlete it was presented to may have also competed in the Olympics at a later date but I don’t know his name.
Peeking inside I find a clean rotor automatic mechanism signed Synchron 5 o’5 Seventeen 17 Jewels. This is a caliber A.S. 2066 as stamped below the balance wheel, made by Schild from 1969 to 1978 and very popular. The inside case lid is signed SYNCHRON S.A.. 
This watch winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time. To set the date(s) you pull the crown out to the FIRST position and then turn it either forward or backwards to change the day or date. To set the time you pull the crown out to the SECOND position. 
This watch is fitted on a new dark navy blue leather DeBeer watch strap with contrast stitching and stainless buckle. It works nicely with the blue dial but if you prefer a black band I can do that too. Thanks for taking the time to view this very cool, well made and original Swiss Borel!
- Since 1998, Holben's Fine Watches' goal has been happy customers. I treat buyers as I like to be treated: with courtesy and respect. I am especially proud of my excellent feedback and high number of repeat clients.
- Watch sizes: I provide exact case measurements in millimeters (the watch industry standard) and inches, and include a U.S. quarter in one photo as a size reference. Draw the measurements on paper to help visualize the watch on your wrist. Remember, watches for men made from the 1910s to 1970s were noticeably smaller than what is considered normal today.
- U.S. winners pay $6.75 for fully insured, safely boxed USPS shipping with door to door tracking. Washington State residents (and those with shipping addresses in Washington State) are required to pay 8.8% sales tax.
- Canadian bidders pay $22.00 for Priority Mail shipping with tracking (I pay the insurance) or $28 for Global Priority Express, about 3 days faster. International buyers pay $44.00 (actual or below cost) for Global Priority Express Mail with door to door tracking. I pay for the insurance.
- International buyers, please note: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding. I ship within 24 hours of receiving your cleared payment but your local custom authorities can cause delays.
- Payment is due within three days of auction end, unless you have contacted me prior to arrange otherwise. In accordance with eBay policy, payments not received in four days will initiate an unpaid item case through the Resolution Center.
- In the rare event that a watch needs further service upon receipt, I ask that you return the wristwatch to me (or mailed to my watchmaker, David, in New York City) at my expense. It will be corrected and quickly mailed back to you. NOTE: I will not pay for or offer a partial refund for work done by another watchmaker. ALL of my watches are under warranty; you may either return the watch to me for a refund or have my watchmaker David fix it at no charge to you.
- If you like unique and collectible vintage or antique wristwatches, add me as one of your favorite sellers. I specialize in American and Swiss timepieces from the 1900s to the 1970s. My selection changes weekly, and is comprised of manual wind and automatic watches from the following categories: WWI trench; WWII; military; fancy case, art nouveau; art deco; mid-century modern; stainless steel; sterling silver; white, yellow and rose gold; solid gold; platinum; and diamond, ruby and/or sapphire ladies cocktail watches.
 | Our sister store, Holben's Fine Watch Bands, offers an extensive selection of straps including Fluco, Bonetto Cinturini, deBeer, Di-Modell, Hadley-Roma, Hirsch and Staib; deployment and flip lock clasps; metal bracelets; canvas, genuine and silicone rubber divers; carbon fiber; Kevlar; LORICA; Cordura; GT rally tropic perforated; alligator-, crocodile-, lizard-, ostrich- and buffalo-grain; chrono sport; riveted; waterproof / water resistant. |
- Cautious Carl (my old and kind dog friend) and I want to thank you for dropping by and we hope you place a bid. Let us know if you have any questions too!
On Nov-19-14 at 19:36:37 PST, seller added the following information:
