Ernest Borel Kaleidoscope “Cocktail” Dial Wristwatch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Mid-20th century
This mid-20th century Ernest Borel 'Cocktail' wristwatch features a 32.1 mm gold-tone case with openwork geometric lugs and a domed acrylic crystal. Its signature optical display incorporates a rotating central disc forming a kaleidoscopic pattern, indicated by two red arrow markers.
The black inner dial is signed 'ERNEST BOREL' and 'Cocktail', alongside 'MOD. DEP. SWISS PATENT' at the base. According to the auction description, the watch is powered by a signed 17-jewel mechanical movement and retains its original signed crown, strap, and buckle.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Mystery / kaleidoscope dial wristwatch
- Crystal
- Domed acrylic
- Jewel count
- 17 jewels
- Case diameter
- 32.1 mm
- Case material
- Gold-tone
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Dial description
- Original Kaleidoscope rotating dial with red indicators
- Maker / attribution
- Ernest Borel
Design
- Visible features
- • Central rotating disc displays a kaleidoscopic petal or sunburst pattern. • Two red triangular arrow indicators point outward across the dial face. • Outer perimeter underneath the domed crystal features stylized gold-tone numerals and indices. • Gold-tone case is constructed with open geometric bracket lugs. • Textured winding crown is positioned at 3 o'clock. • Dial is printed with 'ERNEST BOREL', 'Cocktail', and 'MOD. DEP. SWISS PATENT'.
- Visual Dial Composition and Display
- The watch features a central rotating disc displaying a kaleidoscopic petal or sunburst pattern. Time indications are marked by two red triangular arrow indicators pointing outward across the dial face. Underneath the crystal, the outer perimeter features stylized gold-tone numerals and indices. The dial is printed with 'ERNEST BOREL', 'Cocktail', and 'MOD. DEP. SWISS PATENT' along the lower edge.
- Case Architecture and Fitted Components
- The timepiece is housed in a gold-tone case constructed with open geometric bracket lugs, with a case diameter cataloged at 32.1 mm as measured with calipers. A textured winding crown is positioned at 3 o'clock. The crystal is listed as domed acrylic. The seller additionally describes the crown as 'Original, Ernest Borel signed' and notes an 'Original Ernest Borel–signed leather strap with original buckle', though neither the movement, case back, nor buckle markings are visible in the catalog image.
- Reported Movement and Catalog Classification
- The internal mechanism is reported in the listing as a mechanical, 17-jewel movement signed by Ernest Borel. The auction description notes the operational status as 'Running and keeping time; light wear consistent with age', alongside a notation that service is suggested. Production is classified broadly by the seller as 'Mid-20th century'. Reference and serial numbers are not specified in the auction listing, and internal movement caliber details are not documented in the source.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Movement, case back, and buckle markings are not visible in the provided photograph.
- Research required: Reference and serial numbers are not specified in the auction listing.