One of the collectors I know (and often buy from or sell to) stumped me today.

He brought in a really good looking Blancpain that I couldn't even confidently date. Can anyone throw some light on this?

Sorry but, for whatever reason, I can't upload images. Tried a dozen times so I'm posting this hoping that I can add the (quick and dirty) photos below.

 

Probably mid-late '50s, though that is just an educated guess.

 

Did they use a full rotor in the 50s?

The recessed crown made it a wonderful shape to my eyes. In addition, I'd bet the indices are gold. The glass was in such a state that I wasn't sure if there was tarnishing on the hands or it was shadows and reflections. It just "felt" pure quality... know what I mean?

 

The serial number on my '50s Bathyscaphe is 5 digits long. This one seems to be 6 digits. For what it's worth...

 

what is written and covered by the hands on the dial? which caliber number? look up Ranfft, when this caliber was produced. looks like an AS movement. is the blancpain rotor engraved or printed on ? have a close look at the inside caseback Blancpain engraving. stamped or engraved ? somehow it does not check out; looks like 70`s to me. but the swiss only on the dial should be different then..... kind regards.achim

 

(Damn, why didn't I think to go straight to Ranfft?)

Everything on the rotor and caseback is stamped or engraved - there's nothing printed. Beneath the hands is a number... 1765, from memory? If it's a fake, it's not a modern one - it was bought some 20+ years ago at auction with no history.

Simple, honest and helpful input as always, Achim - thank you.

 

Well, Dr Ranfft to the rescue again!

It seems to be an ETA 1258 dating 1954-1961, so everyone got at least a little part of it right!

http://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?10&ranfft&2&2uswk&ETA_1286

That's the movement identified... onwards to see if I can identify the watch itself later today... I must make a move now or nothing will get done on the long list of outstanding jobs!

 

ok. 1961 and maybe a few years later used...... makes the swiss only on the dial valid. might be before 1963/64 latest. therefore i`d be pretty happy with it. kind regards. achim

 

@watchyouwant achim –

Why do you assume that this watch is from the '60s, rather than the '50s?