Rolex Oyster Royal Ref.6426 dated 1963
First up this week is a 1963 Rolex Oyster. The dial is in lovely condition with multi-faceted hour indexes and Alpha-shaped hands. Unusually all the hour indexes are of equal size rather than allowing the quarter hours to dominate. Such an arrangement accentuates the applied Rolex crown emblem at 12 o’clock which is the only ‘numeral’ of difference. It’s a manually wound model that has the classic Oyster case with its smooth chamfered bezel.
Longines Conquest Calendar Ref.9007 invoiced 1959
This is a wonderful wristwatch from Longines’ iconic Conquest range…for those of you who have it, you’ll find it’s also published in my book, The Watch: A Twentieth-Century Style History, on page 156. The watch’s dial is in outstanding condition with an excellent lustre, strong two-toning and applied pink gold multi-faceted indexes. The upper case has a pink gold capped surface – this is formed from a sheet of pink gold fused to the steel body and is a much more hard wearing and robust finish than standard gold plating. Turning the watch over reveals the weighty stainless steel screw-down back with its central pink gold medallion. The medallion features the Longines fish logo which is heightened with translucent green enamel. Significantly the watch is fitted with both its original pink gold caped crown and original synthetic crystal. The crystal has a circular magnification above the date aperture. There are two small internal cracks to the synthetic crystal at the edge between 12 and 1 o’clock and at the edge above 4 o’clock but as these are minor, do not significantly detract from the watch’s appearance and the crystal is original, it has not been changed during servicing.
The Longines archives confirm that this watch was originally invoiced in 1959 to their agent in Kuwait.
Omega Dynamic Ref.135.033 c.1969
Omega Seamaster Ref.165.009 c.1962
This Seamaster model has a bold case and although it dates to the early 1960s, is still heavily influenced by 1950s watch design. The steel case has a broad polished bezel and lugs whilst the dial features applied Arabic/baton indexes. The case has been polished in the past and the crown is an Omega replacement. There is light oxidation across the surface of the dial. Automatically wound via the Omega calibre 552.
Junghans Max Bill Watches
We’ve updated our Junghans range and now carry 11 different models all based on the iconic designs of the artist Max Bill. The dials are elegantly calibrated with minimalist calibrations consisting of slim baton and/or specially designed Arabic numerals. Max Bill studied at the Bauhaus in Dessau and the watches clearly show the influence of that famous German art school.
Black Bough is an official Junghans stockist and all Max Bill watches are sold with a two year manufacturer’s guarantee. Prices start from £295.
Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope PVD coated steel
This bold black and white chronograph is a recent release by Junghans which plays brilliantly on the original minimalist designs of Max Bill. The stainless steel case has a blackened matt finished PVD coating while the dial is matt white but with black numerals and hands. Cleverly the outer track at the edge of the dial and the subsidiary counters for the chronograph are all light grey. Such a combination means that hands and numerals visually ‘pop’ from the dial while the subsidiary tracks appear visually recessed. The theme is repeated by the special edition strap which has a grey textured surface and black sides and lining.
Junghans Max Bill ‘Bauhaus’ Ref.027/400.902
Another recent release is this inspired variant of the Max Bill model. The layout follows the standard Max Bill format but the addition of the red filled hands and date add subtle accents. Turn the watch over and you’ll find an ingenious display back featuring a view of the Bauhaus in Dessau with its red door. In fact it’s the red door that provides the visual cue for the red highlights to the watch’s hands and date. Look through the grill of the Bauhaus building’s windows and the watch’s automatic movement is visible beneath.
The ‘Bauhaus’ model is fitted with sapphire crystal and I love the grey, sand-blasted style matt finish to the case. The black calf strap is also a special design with a textured matt surface that is styled to compliment the finish of the case; the pin buckle is made from the same textured steel as the case.
Junghans Max Bill Ref.027/3500.00
This Max Bill model is one that incorporates the artist’s specially designed Arabic numerals in combination with slim, elongated baton indexes. The hands are luminescent and there are also luminescent dots above 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock.
Like all the Max Bill range, this model is produced by Junghans in consultation with the heirs of the designer and the Max, Binia & Jakob Bill Foundation. Head over to our Journal where you’ll find a brief potted history of Max Bill together with pictures of the man himself and some of his creations.
Junghans Max Bill Aluminium Clock
Before producing designs for watches, Max Bill designed a kitchen clock for Junghans. The clock shown above is based on a Max Bill original from the year 1956 and would frankly look super stylish in any room or office. The dial has an ultra-clear layout with an inner ring for hours and a clearly separated outer minute track. The case is made from satin finished aluminium and the bezel has a polished finish.
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