Collectible! Restored Circa 1960s Paul Garnier Minu-Stop Parking Meter Cal. 394-4 17J Mechanical Watch (OH)

Make: Paul Garnier France
Type: Mechanical
Model: Minu-Stop Parking Meter
Year of Production: Circa 1965
Movement: 394-4
BPH: 21,6000
Number of Jewels: 17
Hand and Dial: 3D Gold Plated Baton Indices with Baton Hands
Width: 33.8mm
Height: 40.0mm
Thickness: 10.6mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Strap: Hi-Quality CITES Approved Crocodile Calf Skin Brown Leather Strap with Gold Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

"In the middle of 1843 the brilliant French mechanic and watchmaker Jean-Paul Garnier (best known for providing railway stations in France, Argentina and Romania with station clocks), filed a patent application to the Department of Agriculture and Commerce for a mechanical calculating machine (France was one of the first major industrialized countries to adopt legislation on patents in 1791.) The six-years patent for a simple adding device was granted on 30 October 1843 (see Brevet d’invention No. 15915).

"The calculating machine of Garnier (see the patent drawing on the lower image) seems to have a simple and reliable construction and a watch-like result mechanism (dials). Unfortunately, nothing (besides the patent description) for this device survived our time.

Interestingly, Jean-Paul Garnier started his career as a watchmaker in 1820 in the workshop of the famous French watchmakers of the 18th and 19th centuries—Lépin" - Computer Timeline.com

Here we have the iconic circa 1960s Paul Garnier Minu-Stop Parking Meter watch in stunning condition.

A deep cleaning was conducted on the main dial, mini-dial, 3D-styled baton indices and hands to reveal a beautifully preserved dial in stupendous condition that is extremely pleasing to the eye.

Its cylindrical shaped gold filled case was deep cleaned and buffed to reveal a fantastic finish albeit a few miniscule scratches are present. Because of the unique high-dome shaped crystal, project Skunk Werx had reproduced the crystal, and the watch is now in near mint condition.

Two unsigned crowns are located at the 2H and 3H position for easy accesibility. The 2H is for the resetting of the countdown parking meter. The 3H is for the quicksetting of the hands.

The movement was carefully stripped, meticulously cleaned, oiled, re-assembled, and calibrated on 14 October 2025. In short, it was given an overhaul and not a general servicing. It should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the highly prized 394-4 mechanical movement, it has 17 Jewels and operate at 21,600 BPH. The time-grapher shows stunning readings of +1 seconds and amplitude of 265 with a SINGLE straight centered line! Such readings are stunning even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, the meticulous care provided over the years, and expert calibration.

The case width and height are approximately 33.8mm (w/o crown) and 40.0mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm.

The strap provided is a hi-quality CITES approved genuine crocodile calf leather brown strap with gold buckle and can accommodate wrists up to 21.0cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original Paul Garnier components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket parts.

Due to its age, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested.

The pictures provided shows the watch in near-mint condition, and the movement within squeaky clean and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear + tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box. An aftermarket box or purposeful carrying case will be provided instead.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cherished and preserved for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Yes, there are many other same / similar models in the market, BUT none as beautifully aged and as well maintained as what you see here. Hence, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone! Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 200.00 to S$ 300.00 for a proper overhaul including customised crystal, and an estimated S$ 120.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition - these costs do not apply when purchasing this timepiece. So, if anyone was to sell such a timepiece at a low price yet claim that it has been serviced, one has to ask what kind of servicing was conducted, if any.

This is a ultra rare Paul Garnier Minu-Stop Parking Meter Mechanical timepiece in near mint condition; so, be unique and own a watch that is almost impossible to source.

This is a must-have for the Paul Garnier die-hard fan, and in fact, any serious watch collector!