Description An elegant and rare example of mid-century Swiss watchmaking from Helvetia (General Watch Co.). This Reference 2021 model captures the transition from robust military engineering to the refined "Sartorial" dress style of the post-war era. Historical Context: Helvetia was a powerhouse of innovation during the 1940s, sharing a manufacturing heritage with Omega through the General Watch Co. While famous for their "DH" military issued watches, they also produced oversized civilian dress watches like this one, featuring their highly regarded in-house calibers. The Dial & Design: The watch features a beautiful champagne/silver sunburst dial with a minimalist layout. It utilizes a "3-6-9-12" configuration with Roman numerals and raised dot indices. The rose-gold leaf hands and the sunken sub-second dial at 6 o'clock provide a sophisticated aesthetic typical of the late 1940s. The Movement (Caliber 82C): At the heart of this timepiece is the Helvetia Caliber 82C, a manual-wind movement entirely designed and manufactured in-house. Introduced in the mid-1940s, it is known for its reliability and features a specialized "C" suffix denoting the two-screw crown wheel design—a detail prized by collectors for its technical distinctness. Specifications • Brand: Helvetia • Reference: 2021 / P • Movement: In-house Helvetia Cal. 82C (Manual Wind) • Jewels: 15 Jewels • Frequency: 18,000 A/h • Period: Circa 1946-1949 • Case Material: Gold-plated (with Stainless Steel back) • Dial: Original champagne/silver with sub-seconds • Crystal: Acrylic • Strap: Modern brown suede leather (aftermarket) • Case Back: Signed internally with Helvetia Watch Co. serial #4416516 Condition Report • Movement: Running and functional. The movement (Cal. 82C) appears clean with the correct bridge shapes and original "Helvetia Swiss Made" engravings. (Service history unknown; professional regulation recommended for daily use). • Case: Displays an authentic vintage patina. There is significant "brassing" (wear to the gold plating) on the lugs and bezel edges, revealing the base metal beneath—a common trait for watches of this age that adds to its character. • Dial/Hands: The dial is in excellent vintage condition with minor aging. Hands retain their original rose-gold luster. • Crystal: Minor surface micro-scratches visible and a very small crack on the top right side