~ Ladies Circa 1968-69 Swiss Empress 21 Jewels 9ct Gold Incabloc Watch ~
Here is an interesting manual wind Swiss Empress gold wristwatch, a fine example of mid-20th century Swiss horology, combining elegant aesthetics with the durable precision of a 21-jewel mechanical movement and the protective Incabloc shock system. This watch reflects the high standards of Swiss watchmaking during the 1960s, a time when mechanical watches were the pinnacle of style and craftsmanship. The silvered dial is oval in shape and has the numbers displayed as batons.
It is fitted with a decorative 9ct gold chain.
The dial is named “SWISS EMPRESS 21 JEWELS INCABLOC”.
~ Dimensions ~
The gold strap is 7 ½ inches (19cm) in length from tip to tip, also the watch strap is adjustable so it can be made smaller by up to ¾ inches (2cm).
The bezel measures 1.7 cm wide by 1.8 cm tall.
The weight of the watch is 11 grams.
~ Condition ~
All in good vintage order with minor wear. We have tested the watch and it keeps good time.There is a minor scratch on the left side of the screen.
Swiss Empress Brand
Swiss Empress was a brand known for producing stylish, reliable, and often luxurious wristwatches. While not as globally renowned as some of the top-tier Swiss brands, Swiss Empress watches were appreciated for their craftsmanship, precision, and elegant design, especially in the ladies’ watch market. During the 1960s, Swiss watches were highly sought after, and the Swiss Empress brand catered to women looking for sophistication and reliability in a timepiece.
9ct Gold Case
The watch features a 9-carat gold case, indicating that it is made of 37.5% pure gold, with other metals (typically copper and silver) alloyed in to improve durability. 9ct gold is commonly used in wristwatches because it offers a good balance of luxury and strength, making it resistant to everyday wear and tear while still having the appealing look of gold.
Gold Hallmarks: The watch case likely bears a hallmark, which would identify the gold content (usually stamped as 375, representing 9ct gold), and may include additional markings such as the country of origin and the manufacturer.
21 Jewels Movement
The 21-jewel movement is a mechanical movement, most likely automatic or manual-wind, depending on the specific model. In mechanical watches, jewels (usually synthetic rubies) are used at critical friction points within the movement to reduce wear and improve accuracy. The use of 21 jewels indicates a high-grade movement, with additional jewels used for smooth operation in components such as the balance wheel, escape wheel, and gear train.
Automatic vs. Manual Wind: If this watch features an automatic movement, it would be designed to wind itself through the natural motion of the wearer’s wrist, a popular innovation during the 1960s. However, if it’s a manual wind model, it would require regular winding by turning the crown.
Incabloc Shock Protection
The Incabloc system is a shock protection mechanism designed to protect the delicate balance wheel pivots, which are essential for the accurate timekeeping of the watch. Introduced in 1934, the Incabloc system became the standard for shock protection in many high-quality Swiss watches by the 1960s.
Functionality: The Incabloc system works by allowing the balance staff (the part that holds the balance wheel) to move slightly upon impact, absorbing shocks that would otherwise damage the delicate pivots. This makes the watch more resistant to drops or knocks, an important feature for a mechanical timepiece meant for daily wear.
Design and Features
Dial and Hands: The dial of the Swiss Empress watch is likely to be minimalist and elegant, in keeping with the fashion trends of the late 1960s. Common features would include gold-tone hour markers or Roman numerals, slim hands, and possibly a subtle sunburst or textured dial finish to add visual interest.
Case Size: As a ladies’ watch from the 1960s, the case size would be relatively small and delicate, typically ranging from 20-25 mm in diameter. This smaller size was typical for women’s watches during this period, prioritizing elegance and discreet luxury.
Strap: The original strap could have been a gold bracelet or a leather band, both common options for luxury watches of this era. Many of these watches featured a matching 9ct gold bracelet, but over time, straps are often replaced with leather for comfort or fashion preferences.
Market and Cultural Context (1968-69)
By the late 1960s, wristwatches were not only functional but also key fashion accessories, especially for women. During this period, watches became an expression of personal style, and gold watches like the Swiss Empress were symbols of status and sophistication.
Swiss Watchmaking: The late 1960s represented the golden era of Swiss mechanical watchmaking before the quartz revolution of the 1970s, which introduced affordable, battery-powered watches. As a result, the Swiss Empress 21-jewel mechanical watch would have been a mark of luxury, blending precision with timeless design.
Women’s Watch Market: The late 1960s saw increasing demand for ladies’ watches that combined elegance with functionality, reflecting a growing sense of independence and modernity among women. The trend for smaller, more refined watches aligned with the fashion of the time, where accessories were meant to complement a polished and sophisticated look.
Collectibility and Value
The Swiss Empress 21 Jewels 9ct Gold Incabloc Watch is a desirable piece for collectors of vintage watches, especially those focused on mid-20th-century Swiss craftsmanship. Several factors contribute to the collectibility and value of this watch:
Gold Case: The 9ct gold case adds intrinsic value due to the precious metal content.
21 Jewels Movement: Watches with 21 jewels typically indicate a high-quality movement, especially from the Swiss watchmaking industry. This makes the watch both valuable and reliable.
Incabloc System: The inclusion of the Incabloc shock protection system is a desirable feature, particularly for those who appreciate vintage mechanical watches with advanced engineering for the time.
Condition and Originality: The condition of the case, dial, movement, and whether the watch has been serviced or restored affects its value. A well-maintained or fully original piece with minimal wear will command a higher price.
Rarity: While Swiss Empress watches were not produced in the same quantities as some other brands, they still maintain a niche following among vintage watch enthusiasts, making well-preserved models more collectible.
The Ladies Circa 1968-69 Swiss Empress 21 Jewels 9ct Gold Incabloc Watch is a beautiful example of mid-century Swiss horology, combining an elegant 9ct gold case with a reliable and precise 21-jewel mechanical movement. The Incabloc shock protection system adds durability to this stylish timepiece, making it both functional and fashionable. For collectors and vintage watch enthusiasts, this watch represents the luxury and craftsmanship of Swiss watchmaking in the late 1960s, before the quartz revolution changed the industry.