1960s Signal Ladies Mechanical Watch
1960s Signal Ladies Mechanical Watch
Reference Number: N/A
Manufactured Date: 1960
This 1960s Signal ladies mechanical watch is a charming example of mid-century women's wristwatch design, combining delicate proportions with distinctive architectural details. Its warm champagne-colored dial features applied silver-tone hour markers, prominent Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12, and a contrasting red seconds hand. The polished, sculpted silver-tone case surrounds a softly squared crystal, while an unusually large, ridged crown adds character to its petite silhouette. Completed with a narrow silver-tone expansion bracelet and decorative articulated lugs, this vintage Signal offers an appealing combination of jewelry-inspired styling and traditional mechanical watchmaking.
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Sizing
Sizing
Case: 20mm
Dial: 12.25mm
Lug-to-Lug: 28mm
Thickness: 9.75mm
Strap: 15.9cm
Strap Style: Metal Bracelet with Expanding Portion
Timekeeping
Timekeeping
Watch Type: Mechanical Analog
Watch Movement: UT
Watch Complications:
- None
Movement Caliber: Mechanical
Watch Lume: None
Watch Night Light: None
Color & Finishing
Color & Finishing
Case: Silver
Dial: Champagne
Strap: Silver
Research & Restoration
Research & Restoration
Caseback Style: Snapback
Restoration Thoughts / Notes:
- A Distinctive Mid-Century Design - During the 1950s and 1960s, women's watches increasingly incorporated decorative case shapes and bracelet designs that blurred the distinction between jewelry and timepieces. This Signal is particularly interesting for its sculpted case shoulders and articulated bracelet connections, which create the appearance of a small ornamental centerpiece rather than a conventional round wristwatch.
- The Unusually Large Crown - One of this watch's most striking features is its oversized, deeply ridged winding crown, especially noticeable against the relatively small case. On manually wound watches, the crown serves two functions: winding the mainspring to store energy and adjusting the hands to set the time. Its generous diameter would also make the watch easier to wind than many tiny ladies' watches from the same period.
- An Unexpected Splash of Red - While its champagne dial, polished case, and applied silver-tone numerals reflect restrained mid-century styling, the bright red seconds hand introduces a distinctly playful detail. Red seconds hands were often used to improve visual contrast, making the movement of the hand easier to follow against a light-colored dial. Here, that small touch adds a sporty element to an otherwise elegant, jewelry-inspired watch.
Original Catalogue Description: N/A
Original Wholesale Price (1960): N/A
Original Retail Price (1960): N/A
