FS: Phenomenal Vintage Gubelin Ipso Day Automatic in 18K Yellow Gold - $1499

[eelpie]

This is probably the nicest example of this watch remaining anywhere in the world, and I would rate it at excellent-plus.

Unusually, this watch has a 16.3 gram 18K yellow gold case, and a screw-down stainless steel case-back. You don't see many watches with gold cases and steel backs.

As pointed out to me by a gent in the UK, the quick-set button at 8 o'clock on the case of this watch pre-dates the quick-set date-change on the Rolex Datejust by almost two decades!

Gubelin have told me:

"Because of custom restriction and regulations Swiss / USA, to keep taxes low, and other agreements, the case back was of steel ... The case itself is of Solid Gold 18K, yellow or white.

The movement is a Felsa 690 type, or Felsa 692, with calendar mechanism. Produced 1952 -1962.

This specific watch was sold 1953."

In an effort to clear up the question of the movement, I contacted vintage movement expert Roland Ranfft in Germany The movement in my watch is actually based on the Felsa 694 Bidynator (with quick-set date) which is apparently more unusual than the Felsa 690 / 692 suggested by Gubelin. Herr Ranfft also confirmed that Gubelin was one of the few manufacturers ever to use a steel back on an 18K gold case . . .

The full automatic movement has 25 jewels, and is adjusted to two positions.

The mint 35mm stepped dial features two tones of gold hue, and a date aperture at 3 o'clock. The dial and hands are immaculate, and the watch is keeping superb time.

Just fitted with a new dark brown genuine lizard strap, this classic is ready to wear and enjoy . . .

$1499 plus actual carriage . . .

Accepted forms of payment include personal cheque, cashier's cheque, money order, or wire transfer. Paypal will only be accepted with 3% added to the total for US domestic transactions, or 4% added to transactions initiated in foreign funds.

Please contact me through the board's PM or e-mail system. Postage will be determined by the service desired, and the delivery address or region.