Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Self-winding wristwatch

Buren Grand Prix Super Slender Wristwatch

Partially verified

This gentleman's self-winding wristwatch was manufactured by Buren in 1964. The timepiece features a stainless steel case and is identified as the 'Grand Prix Super Slender' model. It is powered by a self-winding movement that utilizes a mini-rotor, a technological development by Buren in 1954 intended to facilitate thinner case profiles. The watch is marked with the serial number 774501 on its back, and the dial bears the inscriptions 'Buren Grand Prix', 'Super Slender Automatic', and 'Swiss Made'. The physical configuration includes a white dial accented with raised pointers for the numerals and a minute ring consisting of silver dots. Time is displayed via silver hour and minute hands accompanied by a central sweep seconds hand. The object is currently held in the collection of Museums Victoria under the registration number ST 25567 and is measured at approximately 3.5 cm in outside diameter.

The Buren Grand Prix Super Slender wristwatch as catalogued, featuring a light dial and attached strap.
The Buren Grand Prix Super Slender wristwatch as catalogued, featuring a light dial and attached strap. — Museums Victoria. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.museumsvictoria.com.au
Category
Wristwatch · Self-winding wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Buren
Reference
Grand Prix Super Slender
Catalogue / lot identifier
ST 25567
Source-reported date
1964
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
774501

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Design and Dial

The watch features a white dial characterized by a minimalist aesthetic, utilizing raised pointers for the hour markers rather than numerals. Surrounding the periphery of the dial is a minute track composed of silver dots, which provides a clear interface for timekeeping. The indication of time is achieved through a set of silver hands for the hours and minutes, supplemented by a central sweep seconds hand.

The case is constructed from stainless steel, contributing to the 'Super Slender' profile achieved by the internal mini-rotor mechanism. This configuration minimizes the overall thickness of the timepiece, focusing on the design intent of creating a slim automatic wristwatch.

Evidence for this section
  • “White dial has raised pointers for numerals and a minute ring of silver dots.”
  • “Centre sweep seconds hand and two silver hands.”
  • “Buren 'Grand Prix Super Slender'”

Movement and Technical Construction

The movement is a self-winding mechanism, a category for which Buren is noted for having introduced the mini-rotor in 1954. This specific design innovation allowed manufacturers to significantly reduce the thickness of the automatic watch case compared to traditional central-rotor movements.

The internal spring mechanism enables the self-winding function, which operates through the motion of the wearer.

Evidence for this section
  • “Buren developed the mini-rotor for self-winding watches in 1954, allowing them to be made much slimmer.”
  • “Self-winding spring.”

Identification and Markings

The watch is identified by the serial number 774501, which is found on the back of the case. The dial and the case back both carry the brand identifier 'Buren Grand Prix' and the model designation 'Super Slender Automatic'. Additionally, the dial confirms the origin of the watch with the inscription 'Swiss Made'.

The object is catalogued by Museums Victoria under the registration number ST 25567. The physical dimensions of the case are recorded as 3.5 cm in outside diameter, with a total length including the wrist band of approximately 200 mm, based on exhibition management measurements.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial and back marked 'Buren Grand Prix, Super Slender Automatic'.”
  • “Dial is marked 'Swiss Made'.”
  • “Back is marked '774501'.”

Open research questions

  • Was the 1964 date derived from the movement serial number or acquisition records?
  • Does the watch retain its original crown and internal movement components as manufactured?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Buren Grand Prix Super Slender Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ManufacturerBuren“Association: type: Manufacturer, name: Buren, date: 1964, locality: Buren, country: Switzerland”
Registration NumberST 25567“Registration number: ST 25567”
Serial Number774501“Back is marked '774501'.”
Dial InscriptionsBuren Grand Prix, Super Slender Automatic, Swiss Made“Dial and back marked 'Buren Grand Prix, Super Slender Automatic'. Dial is marked 'Swiss Made'.”
Case MaterialStainless steel“Gents self-winding wrist watch, stainless steel case”
Mechanism TypeSelf-winding with mini-rotor“Buren developed the mini-rotor for self-winding watches in 1954, allowing them to be made much slimmer.”
Diameter3.5 cm“3.5 cm (Outside Diameter)”

Visible details

  • White dial with raised numeral pointers
  • Minute ring composed of small silver dots
  • Centre sweep seconds hand
  • Dark leather-style strap attached

Research qualifications

  • The source attributes the watch to 1964, but does not provide documentary evidence for this specific date of manufacture.
  • Technical internal condition is not stated.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Wrist Watch - Buren 'Grand Prix', 1964

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 3e070a4456

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other self-winding wristwatch records