Collectible! Circa 1970s Mon Bijou Tank ETA-2512 17J Mechanical Watch (Fully Serviced)

Make: Mon Bijou
Type: Mechanical
Model: Tank
Year of Production: Circa 1970s
Movement: ETA-2512-1
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 17
Hand and Dial: 3D Baton Indices with Sword Hands
Width: 28.2mm
Lug to Lug Height: 37.1mm
Thickness: 6.5mm
Lug Width: 16mm
Strap: Brand New Genuine Reptile Leather Strap with Silver Buckle

Mon Bijou was a relatively smaller watchmaking Swiss company. The name "Mon Bijou" itself translates from French as "My Jewel" which suggests a strong focus on creating watches with a strong emphasis on aesthetics and elegance. However, due to the lack of extensive records and documentation, it is challenging to provide a comprehensive history of Mon Bijou.

This cult brand, like many others, struggled during the Quartz Crisis of the 70s and eventually faded into obscurity circa 1980s after unsuccessfully embarking on quartz watches. Today, Mon Bijou watches are extremely rare and have become highly sort after by watch enthusiasts.

Here we have a highly sort-after circa 1970s Mon Bijou Tank Cal ETA-2512-1 in stunning condition.

A good and thorough clean-up revealed a beautifully preserved Midnight Blue Black Dial, Silver Baton Indices and Sword Hands.

Its classy and stylish tank shaped case was buffed as best as possible without compromising its shape and lines albeit miniscule scratches that are barely noticeable. The original mineral crystal was buffed and is in good condition albeit scratches are still present.

The unsigned crown is located at the traditional 3H position and is easily accessible. The quick time-set is adjusted via the traditional method of uncorking the crown and turning the crown accordingly.

The Caliber ETA-2512 movement was carefully stripped, meticulously cleaned, oiled, re-assembled, and calibrated on 22 August 2024. In short, it was given a thorough servicing and should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby giving the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the high grade and highly prized Swiss Made Cal ETA 2512-1 movement made from stainless steel, it has an 17 Jewels and operate at 21,600 BPH. The time-grapher, after hours of calibration, shows stunning readings of -1 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 181 with a relatively straight centered line! Such readings are 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, the meticulous care provided over the years, and expert calibration.

The case width and height are approximately 28.2mm (w/o crown) and 37.1mm respectively. The lug width is 16mm and the strap can accommodate wrists up to 20cm; thus suitable for men and women.

The timepiece comes with a brand new good quality genuine leather brown strap with silver buckle.

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

This timepiece is not water-resistant.

The pictures provided shows the watch in stunning condition (no dents and major scratches), 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, so a simple aftermarket box / pouch will be 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.

Because it is extremely rare, this 17J Mon Bijou Tank Caliber ETA-2512-1 movement is not easily found on auction and online sites.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for a thorough servicing, and an estimated S$ 100.00 to calibrate, and S$ 40.00 to clean and buff the case - 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 highly sort-after Mon Bijou Tank Cal ETA-2512 in stunning condition; so, be unique and wear a watch that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition.