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This listing is for:-
FROM MY PERSONAL COLLECTION, A RARE 1998 CUVÉE MICHEL JORDI 'ETHNO' GOLD PLATED STAINLESS STEEL SWISS MADE QUARTZ WATCH - LIMITED GIFTED ISSUE WITH A FULLY WORKING SWISS ETA 955.414 CALIBRE 7 JEWEL QUARTZ MOVEMENT
COMPLETE WITH ORIGINAL PRESENTATION CASE AND CUVÉE 1998 ANNIVERSARY CARD
+BONUS SWISS 5 RAPPEN COIN DATED 1991 (See last 3 photos)
THE STORY
In 1989, in preparation to mark the 700th Anniversary of Switzerland (1291-1991) in 1991, Michel Jordi launched the first of his Swiss Ethno watches bearing various references, over the range, to Swiss folklore using images/motifs such as Edelweiss, Herdsmen, Cows, Sunflowers and, of course, the famous Swiss flag white cross, under the theme "The Spirit of Switzerland".
It was the plan to create a new Cuvée each year, some of which I have seen and personally owned, paying homage to different 'Cantons', or subdivisions of the Country, using their individual Coats of Arms as the featured central shield-shaped insert on the rear of the watch case. Over 20 different strap and watch designs were produced.
Sadly, in August 2002, this division of the Company based in Nyon (in Canton Vaud) ceased production of the ethno-design watches following its demise.
"The fashion wave, which made my designs a success, is over", Jordi is quoted as saying.
During that time more than 500,000 watches were sold from this collection.
Comparatively, very few seem to have survived to now recirculate in the second-hand market and, certainly even less in such good condition.
This watch is one of an unknown quantity chosen to be presented to 'Colleagues' of the newly created UBS AG Swiss Bank by the then CEO, Marcel Ospel, on 8th.December 1998 to commemorate the 1st Anniversary of it forming and this is detailed on the rear casing. The details included card on a card from the CEO ( which is taken from the original document in a fresh listing of a new version of this watch) reads as follows:-
QUOTE :-
"Dear Colleagues,
On December 8th one year ago, we made an announcement which since has changed all of our professional lives. Thanks to the exceptional efforts of each and every one of you, we have created a new bank - UBS AG.
I would like to take our first anniversary to dedicate a symbolic gift to you all and express our gratitude for your personal commitment towards building our future success. A great challenge lies ahead : let's tackle it together.
On behalf of the Group Executive Board and your respective Divisions, I thank you for your devoted work.
Sincerely,
MARCEL OSPEL"
DESCRIPTION
The watch has a 37mm round x 7mm deep, polished gold plated stainless steel case with a raised fixed bezel depicting 10 cows surrounding an unblemished bevelled mineral crystal over a white face with black Roman I-XII numerals, gloss black raised enamelled sword shaped hour and minute hands with a red enamelled baton shaped seconds hand. There is a date aperture at position 3 adjacent to which, on the case, you will find the ornate gold plated crown bearing an enamelled Swiss white cross.
The clean coin-edged stainless steel rear case-back reads as follows:-
1991 - SUISSE 1291 (Enamel Insert) - IN HELVETIA CONFECTUM (Made in Switzerland) - MICHEL JORDI - "From the CEO, 8.12.1998" (Engraved independently) - WATER RESISTANT (Not tested or guaranteed), however, it was noted as a fresh Renata battery was professionally installed into the Swiss ETA 955.414 Calibre 7 Jewel quartz movement, that the original factory gasket/seal was in excellent condition when silicone coated and the cover tool-pressed firmly back into place.
Attached is a brand new dark brown WELLY MERCK Croc patterned genuine leather strap which includes a gold plated WM branded buckle.
A clean well preserved 25 year old fully working timepiece from a very special era of Michel Jordi's watch production.
I do have other M.Jordi watches listed in a used condition without a presentation box. If you wish to view, click on my 'Other Items' .
PLEASE STUDY CAREFULLY THE INCLUDED DETAILED PHOTOS AS THEY DO FORM AN IMPORTANT PART OF THIS DESCRIPTION.
ALSO, PLEASE DO BEAR IN MIND THEY ARE CLOSE-UP MAGNIFIED AND MAY ACCENTUATE BLEMISHES THAT ARE NOT VISIBLE AT NORMAL WRIST-DISTANCE VIEWING.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
I POST SAME/NEXT DAY FREE TO THE U.K. VIA THE ROYAL MAIL 1ST.CLASS SIGNED-FOR SERVICE AND USE THE EBAY GLOBAL SHIPPING PROGRAMME FOR ALL INTERNATIONAL SALES.
PLEASE NOTE - I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE G.S.P. COSTS AS THEY ARE SET BY EBAY. ALSO, WHEN MAKING AN OFFER IT IS ASSUMED THAT THE BUYER HAS TAKEN ACCOUNT OF THESE CHARGES AND, UNDER THIS SYSTEM, THERE IS NO MEANS OF CONSOLIDATING POSTAGE ON WON ITEMS. YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL SHIPMENT. I'M SORRY, BUT I HAVE NO JURISDICTION OVER THIS.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST !