Cortébert - χωρίς τιμή ασφαλείας - 130401 - Gold-plated - Άνδρες - 1950-1959

EU-based professional seller — no import taxes for EU buyers.

Get your hands on this serviced 1950s vintage Cortébert 130401 with cal. 697, patinated crosshair dial, gold-plated case, new crystal and 3-month functionality guarantee.

Model History:

Cortébert was a historic Swiss watch manufacturer with roots dating back to the late 18th century. The company became particularly well known for producing its own mechanical movements and for supplying dependable watches to several European railway systems. Its calibres were respected for their traditional construction, durability and straightforward servicing.

The watch is powered by the Cortébert calibre 697, a manually wound Swiss movement introduced around 1955. This particular example has 18 jewels, central seconds and a shock-protected balance. The calibre operates at a traditional frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour.

The dial bears the inscription “Unbreakable Spring”, a period marketing term referring to the use of an improved alloy mainspring designed to be more resistant to fatigue and breakage than traditional blued-steel springs. It should not be interpreted literally, but it highlighted an important advancement in the reliability of mechanical watches at the time.

Specifications:

Brand: Cortébert
Reference: 130401
Estimated production period: Circa 1955–1960
Movement: Cortébert calibre 697
Movement type: Hand-wound mechanical
Jewels: 18
Frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour
Functions: Hours, minutes and central seconds
Case: 20-micron gold-plated case with stainless steel caseback
Diameter without crown: Approx. 32.5 mm
Diameter including crown: Approx. 34.5 mm
Lug-to-lug: Approx. 40 mm
Lug width: 17 mm
Dial: Champagne crosshair dial
Crystal: New, scratch-free crystal
Strap: New black leather strap
Box and papers: Not included
Service: Fully serviced
Guarantee: 3-month functionality guarantee

Condition:

The watch is in honest vintage condition and displays an attractive, naturally aged appearance. The champagne crosshair dial has developed extensive and fairly even patina, with visible spotting, discolouration and age-related marks throughout. The printed details remain legible, including the Cortébert signature, “18 Jewels” and “Unbreakable Spring” inscriptions.

The applied hour markers and dauphine-style hands show visible ageing and surface wear consistent with the condition of the dial. The 20-micron gold-plated case has scratches, marks and areas of plating wear, particularly along the edges, sides and ends of the lugs. The stainless steel caseback also shows light surface scratches from normal use.

A new, scratch-free crystal and a new black leather strap have been fitted. The hand-wound Cortébert calibre 697 has been fully serviced and is covered by a 3-month functionality guarantee.


I aim to capture the condition of the watch accurately. Please make sure to review the pictures closely before bidding.

The watch has been completely serviced by a professional watchmaker and tested for full functionality. The water resistance of the watch cannot be guaranteed.

Shipping from Hungary with tracking and insurance.

If you have any questions or need support after your purchase, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for condisering this timeless piece, and happy collecting!

- SpecialTimer