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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Diver's wristwatch

BWC self-winding wristwatch

Partially verified

This BWC self-winding wristwatch dates to around 1970 and is set in a stainless steel cushion-form case measuring approximately 42 x 37 mm. The blue dial features rectangular luminous indices, central sweep seconds, and a framed date aperture at 3 o'clock, with text noting 'AUTOMATIC 25' and '200 METERS'. Surrounding the dial is an external rotating bezel calibrated to 60 units. The auction house reports an ETA calibre 2782 movement with an Incabloc shock absorber, flat balance spring, and flat rim balance, enclosed by a screwed-down case back. The watch is paired with a neutral black leather strap.

BWC automatic wristwatch with cushion case, calibrated rotating bezel, blue dial, and black strap
BWC automatic wristwatch with cushion case, calibrated rotating bezel, blue dial, and black strap — Henry's Auktionshaus. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Wristwatch · Diver's wristwatch
Maker / attribution
BWC
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
3017
Source-reported date
around 1970
Country
Switzerland

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

Identity and Case Construction

Described by the auction house as a BWC self-winding wristwatch originating from Switzerland around 1970, the watch features a cushion-shaped stainless steel case measuring approximately 42 x 37 mm. Visual inspection shows a brushed finish across the top surface, hooded lugs, and an outer rotating bezel calibrated with 10-minute numeric indicators, minute hash marks, and a triangle marker at 12 o'clock.

The cataloguer notes a screwed-down case back. The watch is mounted on an unbranded black leather strap fitted through the hooded lugs.

Evidence for this section
  • “measures approx. 42 x 37 mm”
  • “screwed down case back”
  • “neutral leather strap”
  • “Cushion-shaped stainless steel case with integrated hooded lug design and brushed top finish”
  • “Outer rotating bezel calibrated with 10-minute numeric markers, minute hash lines, and triangle marker at 12 o'clock”

Dial and External Features

The blue dial provides indications for hours, minutes, sweep seconds, and a framed date window at 3 o'clock. Markings on the dial include 'BWC SWISS' below the 12 o'clock position, and 'AUTOMATIC 25' over '200 METERS' above the 6 o'clock position.

The German description notes 'ab Herst. 200m wasserd.' (manufacturer-rated to 200 meters water resistance), though this reflects historical specifications rather than a verified contemporary performance test.

Evidence for this section
  • “display of hours, minutes, sweep seconds & date”
  • “ab Herst. 200m wasserd.”
  • “Blue dial marked 'BWC SWISS' below 12 and 'AUTOMATIC 25 / 200 METERS' above 6”
  • “Framed date window positioned at 3 o'clock”

Reported Movement and Verification Limits

According to auction cataloguing, the watch contains an ETA calibre 2782 self-winding movement featuring a flat rim balance, flat hairspring, and Incabloc shock absorber. The movement itself is not depicted in the provided imagery, meaning its internal configuration and calibre stamp rely entirely on the seller's documentation.

The dating of 'around 1970' is an estimate provided in the auction listing, as no specific serial number or production ledger is recorded in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “calibre ETA 2782”
  • “incablock shock-absorber”
  • “flat rim balance”
  • “flat hairspring”
  • “Switzerland around 1970”

Open research questions

  • What reference or model markings are stamped on the interior or exterior of the screwed-down case back?
  • Can direct examination of the movement confirm the ETA 2782 calibre marking and reveal a movement serial number?
  • What is the current mechanical condition and pressure seal integrity under testing?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for BWC self-winding wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement CalibreETA 2782“calibre ETA 2782”
Case MaterialStainless steel“stainless steel case”
Case Dimensionsapprox. 42 x 37 mm“measures approx. 42 x 37 mm”
Shock ProtectionIncabloc“incablock shock-absorber”
Original Water Resistance Rating200 meters“ab Herst. 200m wasserd.”
Balance TypeFlat rim balance“flat rim balance”
Hairspring SpecificationFlat hairspring“flat hairspring”
Auction Catalog Condition2“condition 2”

Visible details

  • Cushion-shaped stainless steel case with integrated hooded lug design and brushed top finish
  • Outer rotating bezel calibrated with 10-minute numeric markers, minute hash lines, and triangle marker at 12 o'clock
  • Blue dial marked 'BWC SWISS' below 12 and 'AUTOMATIC 25 / 200 METERS' above 6
  • Framed date window positioned at 3 o'clock
  • Black textured leather strap fitted through hooded lugs

Research qualifications

  • Case back and internal ETA 2782 movement are not visible in the photograph; mechanism details rely entirely on auction house claims
  • Water resistance of 200 meters is an original specification on the dial and description, unverified for functional status

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: BWC self winding wristwatch

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 40e10e9928

Terms in this record

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

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