Marc Obermann's acquisition of a vintage Boucheron La Carrée, likely from the early 1960s, offers a fascinating glimpse into a lesser-explored facet of horological history. His detailed initial research and stunning photography highlight the exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design of this era, inviting collectors to appreciate Boucheron's significant contributions to watchmaking beyond its renowned jewelry heritage. Obermann's journey into understanding this unique timepiece underscores the enduring appeal of vintage watches and the thrill of uncovering their hidden stories.
Hi all,
So after my post of yesterday and all the great comments and advice I got from my fellow addicts oop's sorry I meant to say collectors later that afternoon I pulled the trigger and bought this watch and it arrived just half an hour ago including its original Boucheron box. To say i am happy or pleased with it would be a gross understatement I simply can't stop smiling and I am already happy with its size and fit on my wrist, I have fallen deep down the rabbit hole of vintage Boucheron as I try to learn as much about this watch as I can. What i have learned so far is that it is very likely a very early model that was made in 1960 or the early 60's which makes it a birth year watch or very close to one for me.
It really is in an amazing condition considering that it could be up to 65 years old and what i do know so far is that the diamond pattern on the dial and case is all done by hand the level of skill of the artisan that did this is just mind blowing to me. I have also found out that in 1964 this was advertised as the thinnest watch in the world, It also has a french patent number on the case that refers to a Boucheron patent gained in 1958 unique to Boucheron allowing for single piece straps detacting by sliding a "lug". I am still in the very early stages of researching exactly which hand wound movement powers this watch as it is unlikely to be an Omega as there would be an Omega symbol on the case if this was so. It may well be an UN or another french movement manufacturer but it certainly is a high quality hand wound movement as Boucheron would accept no less, having just been serviced its winding is buttery smooth and I will report back on time keeping in a week or two. Here are a few too many shots of the watch to show its size and thinness as well as the special way the lug attaches. i am also already in communication with Sidney of Molequin to have a couple of one piece Saffiano custom straps wait as will much prefer that to the current two piece strap. Anyway here are far too many pictures for you to enjoy.
Marc
Boucheron La Carree 1
Boucheron La Carree 2
Boucheron La Carree 3 lug strap attachment
Boucheron La Carree 4 lug detached
Boucheron La Carree 5
Vintage Box
Boucheron La Carree 6
Boucheron La Carree 6
Caseback showing lug attachment
Boucheron La Carree 7
Lug slide
Boucheron La Carree 8
Crown side
Boucheron La Carree 9
Boucheron La Carree 10
French Patent Number
Boucheron La Carree 11
Serial number
Boucheron La Carree 12
Wrist shot 1
Boucheron La Carree 13
Wrist shot 2
Boucheron La Carree 14
Wrist shot 3
I just realised I forgot to mention one last thing I contacted Boucheron to find out about if they offered an Extract from the Archives and to my delight they do. They send a client adviser to your home in a Bentley Arnage who then flies the watch to Paris on a Gulf Stream jet and searches the archives for a couple of months. He then returns with all the information a vintage bottle of Krug and 100gms of Beluga Caviar all for the reasonable price of just £2000. OK some of what I have claimed is just not true but the £2000 and a couple of months is.
Marc
About the Antoine Preziuso Concept Ref. 2000
The Patek Philippe World Time reference 2523, launched in 1953, is distinguished by its innovative two-crown system. One crown serves for winding the watch, while the second, positioned at 9 o’clock, controls the city disc. This design marked a significant development in the functionality and user experience of world time complications for the brand.
The reference 2523 was offered in two primary versions. The initial ref. 2523 featured larger lugs that extended above the bezel, with a case diameter of 35.5 mm. A subsequent variant, ref. 2523/1, presented a slightly larger diameter of 36 mm and thinner lugs that were integrated without extending above the bezel. Both versions were powered by the caliber 12-400 HU, which incorporated the world time module developed by Louis Cottier.
This reference appeals to collectors interested in Patek Philippe's historical advancements in complicated watchmaking, particularly the evolution of its World Time series. The distinct design differences between the 2523 and 2523/1, especially regarding lug integration and case dimensions, provide specific points of interest for enthusiasts tracking the model's development and variations.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 12-400 HU
- Case
- White Gold
- Diameter
- 35.5mm
- Dial
- Silver
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
