Circa 1960s Ernest Borel Cal 26 Ladies Cocktail Kaleidoscope Dress 17J Mechanical (OH)

Type: Mechanical
Model: Ernest Borel Kaleidoscope Lady Series
Year of Production: Circa 1950s - 1960s
Movement: 26
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 17
Hand and Dial: Black Hour Markers with Red Marker Hands 
Width: 25mm
Height: 33mm
Thickness: 11mm
Lug Width: 12mm
Strap: Hi-Quality Genuine Leather Strap with Gold Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

Ernest Borel was founded in 1856 by Jules Borel and Paul Courvoisier in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Initially known as "Borel Courvoisier + Cie," the brand began by producing pocket watches.

In the late 19th century, the company change their name "Ernest Borel" as the brand identity.

In 1952 and 1953, Ernest Borel patented and introduced the "Cocktail" line of watches respectively. These watches often featured delicate designs, gemstone embellishments, a moving kaleidoscope at the center of the dial, and intricate craftsmanship. The Cocktail watch was discontinued in 1975 when the company was bought over due to the quartz crisis. 

Here we have an overhauled circa 1960s Ernest Borel Cal 26 Kaleidoscope Cocktail Lady Mechanical Watch in near mint condition. 

A good and thorough clean-up has revealed a beautifully preserved Dial, Hour Markers, Red Hands and a kaleidoscope in the center of the dial that slowly rotates as time goes by.  

Its gold-plated case and crystal were buffed as best as possible without compromising its shape, lines and gold-plating albeit a few minor scratches that are barely noticeable. 

The signed crown is located at the traditional 3H position and is easily accessible. 

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled, and calibrated on 18 April 2024. In short, it was given an overhaul and should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby giving the owner peace of mind. 

Equipped with the Cal 26 movement, it has 17 Jewels and operate at 18,000 BPH. The time-grapher shows stunning readings of +8 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 182 with a straight centered line! Such readings are truly exceptional 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, excellent power reserve, the meticulous care provided over the years, and expert calibration. 

The case width and height are approx. 25mm (w/o crown) and 33mm respectively. The lug width is 12mm and the strap can accommodate wrists up to 17cm. 

The timepiece comes with a hi-quality reptile genuine leather strap with gold buckle. 

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

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

The pictures provided shows the watch in excellent condition. 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. A brand new EVA pouch is provided instead.

This extremely rare watch will make a beautiful birthday present for that special someone, and its value will appreciate over time.

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. 

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for an overhaul, an estimated S$ 100.00 to calibrate, and S$ 120.00 to clean, polish and tighten the bracelet links (if applicable) of this watch - 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 must-have for the Ernest Borel die-hard fan, and in fact, any serious watch collector for that matter!