1960’s ARDATH (Dreyfuss & Co., Swiss) Super Automatic Watch – 21j Felsa Cal. 692 Bidynator

If you followed my online store you would know that I like ARDATH a lot and this one is no exception. It has been professionally inspected inhouse by Localtime and received new gaskets and plexi. The matte stainless steel case is unpolished and with no serious signs to mention. The glossy black dial is wonderful and has a kind of a stardust effect under some strong light angles. The indices are bronze in colour and so is the dial text, except from the very cool blue star above 6h. This is quite a peculiar model as you can remove the watch from its case by pushing it on top and through the case, as shown on the 4th photo. For this reason, the crown is hidden. You can actually carry it around in your pocket without the case and strap! The only downside is that it makes it harder to wind it so be prepared to only have a power reserve while on the wrist or by shaking the watch to wind it. The watch is carrying a fantastic Felsa Cal. 692 Bidynator movement and is wearing a dark brown premium leather strap handmade in Italy by CAMPAGNOLO to my specifications (these lovely straps are also listed separately in the store). As with all the watches we handle inhouse, the listed buy-it-now price includes a 3-month written warranty from the time of purchase. Do not hesitate to contact us for any further information you might need.

Important Note: Sometimes I am asked what I exactly mean with ‘professionally inspected by Localtime’. Here is my theory on vintage watches: as a purveyor of vintage watches, my effort is to always do only what is needed to the watch. I do not buy ‘junk’ watches to resell. I am choosy with my purchases and always sell watches that are, to my knowledge, authentic and in good condition. I first inspect the watch, both visually (cosmetically) and then mechanically. If I judge that the watch is not yet in need of a full service then I do not put the watch through a service which, by the way, entails a lot of risks too. Instead, I give it what I call my ‘Spa’ treatment which will include a cleaning, changing of gaskets, oiling, lubricating and mechanical testing. If the plexi is heavily scratched or discoloured and it can not be cleaned, I change it. If the crown is wrong or worn, I also change it. Now, if the watch is in need of a full service, then my ‘professionally inspected’ description becomes ‘professionally serviced’. In both cases, I mention what has been changed (if anything) on the watch and I include a written warranty with my listed price.

Important Note On Straps/Bracelets: The straps I use on my watches (leather, canvas, suede, rubber) are always brand new, unless otherwise mentioned and, in most cases, I also sell them separately in my store, in different colours and sizes. In the case of metal bracelets, if the watch is NOS, the bracelet is also unused. If the watch is pre-owned with its original bracelet, then the bracelet is also pre-owned, unless otherwise mentioned. Either way, if in doubt, please ask.

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