Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Mystery dial cocktail watch

Ernest Borel Kaleidoscope Illusion Cocktail Lady's Wrist Watch

Partially verified

This is an Ernest Borel Kaleidoscope Illusion Cocktail lady's wristwatch reported to feature a 17-jewel movement. The dial displays a rotating central kaleidoscope illusion pattern flanked by red triangular indicator arrows against an outer white chapter ring. The dial is printed with 'ERNEST BOREL' across the upper perimeter, along with 'MODÈLE DÉPOSÉ', 'Cocktail', and 'SWISS MADE' along the lower perimeter. The round yellow gold-tone case features curved T-bar style lugs and is shown fitted to a white leather strap decorated with gilt link motifs.

Front view of the Ernest Borel Cocktail wristwatch showing the kaleidoscope dial and white strap
Front view of the Ernest Borel Cocktail wristwatch showing the kaleidoscope dial and white strap — Esquis Auctions. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Wristwatch · Mystery dial cocktail watch
Maker / attribution
Ernest Borel
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
0159
Source-reported date
Not established
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

Dial Design and Inscriptions

Visual observation shows a dial centered by a white kaleidoscope illusion pinwheel pattern accompanied by two red triangular indicators. Time indications appear around the perimeter rather than via standard full-length hands.

Around the perimeter, the dial is inscribed with 'ERNEST BOREL', 'MODÈLE DÉPOSÉ', 'Cocktail', and 'SWISS MADE', documenting the model name and regional origin markings visible on the face.

Evidence for this section
  • “White kaleidoscope illusion pinwheel pattern at the dial center with two red triangular indicators”
  • “Dial perimeter inscribed 'ERNEST BOREL', 'MODÈLE DÉPOSÉ', 'Cocktail', and 'SWISS MADE'”

Case and Strap Configuration

The timepiece is fitted in a round yellow gold-tone case featuring arched T-bar lugs and a fluted winding crown positioned at the side.

Attached to the lugs is a white textured strap accented with printed gold-tone chain-link patterns.

Evidence for this section
  • “Round yellow gold-tone case fitted with arched T-bar lugs and a fluted winding crown”
  • “White textured strap accented with printed gold-tone chain-link patterns”

Reported Movement and Auction Cataloguing

The auction catalog description designates the lot as an 'Ernest Borel Kaleidoscope Illusion Cocktail Lady's Wrist Watch' and notes '17 Jewels.'

The catalog further notes 'Good working condition.' However, movement caliber numbers, base metal specifications, and running performance are not independently confirmed or detailed further in the listing text.

Evidence for this section
  • “Ernest Borel Kaleidoscope Illusion Cocktail Lady's Wrist Watch.”
  • “17 Jewels.”
  • “Good working condition.”

Open research questions

  • What specific caliber movement powers the watch, and is it manual wind or automatic?
  • What markings or hallmarks are present on the case back and inside the case regarding metal composition and serial numbers?
  • Is the white strap with printed gilt chain motifs original manufacturer equipment or an aftermarket addition?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Ernest Borel Kaleidoscope Illusion Cocktail Lady's Wrist Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker and ModelErnest Borel Kaleidoscope Illusion Cocktail Lady's Wrist Watch“Ernest Borel Kaleidoscope Illusion Cocktail Lady's Wrist Watch.”
Jewel Count17 Jewels“17 Jewels.”
Reported ConditionGood working condition“Good working condition.”
Lot NumberLot 0159“Lot 0159”
Auction Estimate$130 - $150“Estimate $130 - $150”

Visible details

  • White kaleidoscope illusion pinwheel pattern at the dial center with two red triangular indicators
  • Dial perimeter inscribed 'ERNEST BOREL', 'MODÈLE DÉPOSÉ', 'Cocktail', and 'SWISS MADE'
  • Round yellow gold-tone case fitted with arched T-bar lugs and a fluted winding crown
  • White textured strap accented with printed gold-tone chain-link patterns

Research qualifications

  • Movement caliber, base metal specifications, and case back inscriptions are not documented by the auction house.
  • Mechanical functionality and running condition are source-reported and not independently verified.

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

Consulted source

Ernest Borel Kaleidoscope Illusion Cocktail Watch - Aug 6, 2024 | Esquis Auctions In Il

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 1d4c51ed04

Terms in this record

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