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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Mystery / kaleidoscope dial wristwatch

Ernest Borel Kaleidoscope “Cocktail” Dial Wristwatch

Partially verified

This mid-20th century Ernest Borel 'Cocktail' wristwatch features a 32.1 mm gold-tone case with openwork geometric lugs and a domed acrylic crystal. Its signature optical display incorporates a rotating central disc forming a kaleidoscopic pattern, indicated by two red arrow markers. The black inner dial is signed 'ERNEST BOREL' and 'Cocktail', alongside 'MOD. DEP. SWISS PATENT' at the base. According to the auction description, the watch is powered by a signed 17-jewel mechanical movement and retains its original signed crown, strap, and buckle.

Front view of the Ernest Borel Cocktail wristwatch showing the rotating kaleidoscopic dial and red indicators
Front view of the Ernest Borel Cocktail wristwatch showing the rotating kaleidoscopic dial and red indicators — Sphere Auctions LLC. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Wristwatch · Mystery / kaleidoscope dial wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Ernest Borel
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
0454
Source-reported date
Mid-20th century
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

Visual Dial Composition and Display

The watch features a central rotating disc displaying a kaleidoscopic petal or sunburst pattern. Time indications are marked by two red triangular arrow indicators pointing outward across the dial face.

Underneath the crystal, the outer perimeter features stylized gold-tone numerals and indices. The dial is printed with 'ERNEST BOREL', 'Cocktail', and 'MOD. DEP. SWISS PATENT' along the lower edge.

Evidence for this section
  • “Central rotating disc displays a kaleidoscopic petal or sunburst pattern.”
  • “Two red triangular arrow indicators point outward across the dial face.”
  • “Outer perimeter underneath the domed crystal features stylized gold-tone numerals and indices.”
  • “Dial is printed with 'ERNEST BOREL', 'Cocktail', and 'MOD. DEP. SWISS PATENT'.”

Case Architecture and Fitted Components

The timepiece is housed in a gold-tone case constructed with open geometric bracket lugs, with a case diameter cataloged at 32.1 mm as measured with calipers. A textured winding crown is positioned at 3 o'clock.

The crystal is listed as domed acrylic. The seller additionally describes the crown as 'Original, Ernest Borel signed' and notes an 'Original Ernest Borel–signed leather strap with original buckle', though neither the movement, case back, nor buckle markings are visible in the catalog image.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold-tone case is constructed with open geometric bracket lugs.”
  • “Case Size: 32.1 mm (measured with calipers)”
  • “Textured winding crown is positioned at 3 o'clock.”
  • “Crystal: Domed acrylic”
  • “Crown: Original, Ernest Borel signed”
  • “Strap: Original Ernest Borel–signed leather strap with original buckle”

Reported Movement and Catalog Classification

The internal mechanism is reported in the listing as a mechanical, 17-jewel movement signed by Ernest Borel. The auction description notes the operational status as 'Running and keeping time; light wear consistent with age', alongside a notation that service is suggested.

Production is classified broadly by the seller as 'Mid-20th century'. Reference and serial numbers are not specified in the auction listing, and internal movement caliber details are not documented in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: Mechanical, 17 jewels, Ernest Borel signed”
  • “Condition: Running and keeping time; light wear consistent with age”
  • “Service: Service suggested”
  • “Production Year: Mid-20th century”

Open research questions

  • What specific base caliber powers the 17-jewel mechanical movement in this reference?
  • What reference or case-back markings are stamped on the interior or exterior of the gold-tone case?
  • What hallmarks or stamps appear on the buckle and leather strap to verify the cataloger's originality claim?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Ernest Borel Kaleidoscope “Cocktail” Dial Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case diameter32.1 mm“Case Size: 32.1 mm (measured with calipers)”
Jewel count17 jewels“Movement: Mechanical, 17 jewels, Ernest Borel signed”
Case materialGold-tone“Case Material: Gold-tone”
CrystalDomed acrylic“Crystal: Domed acrylic”
Dial descriptionOriginal Kaleidoscope rotating dial with red indicators“Dial: Original Kaleidoscope rotating dial with red indicators”
Originality claimAll original according to auction cataloger“Originality: All original”
Model / style designationKaleidoscope / Cocktail Dial“Model / Style: Kaleidoscope / Cocktail Dial”

Visible details

  • Central rotating disc displays a kaleidoscopic petal or sunburst pattern.
  • Two red triangular arrow indicators point outward across the dial face.
  • Outer perimeter underneath the domed crystal features stylized gold-tone numerals and indices.
  • Gold-tone case is constructed with open geometric bracket lugs.
  • Textured winding crown is positioned at 3 o'clock.
  • Dial is printed with 'ERNEST BOREL', 'Cocktail', and 'MOD. DEP. SWISS PATENT'.

Research qualifications

  • Movement, case back, and buckle markings are not visible in the provided photograph.
  • Reference and serial numbers are not specified in the auction listing.

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

Consulted source

Ernest Borel Kaleidoscope “cocktail” Dial 17j Gold-tone Wristwatch 32mm Running Description - Jan 14, 2026 | Sphere Auctions Llc In Wi

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record c121f8fe5a

Terms in this record

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