Still rummaging through my more humble pieces and rediscovered this mid-century Camy "Friendship" with a shared Balco branding. Perhaps they joined forces to survive the quartz crisis but both were ultimately unsuccessful. Balco was registered in October of 1926 as a trade name for Cortebert Watch Co. and Julliard & Cie of Cortebert, Switzerland. Unfortunately the Balco name survives only through several third parties who have purchased and resold the name with the most current owner being based in China. Camy had a more prominent existence having been founded in 1913 and selling mass market and upscale watches under the Camy, Cronel, Enzo and Mirexal brands. At one time Camy was managed by eponymous watchmaker Raymond Weil. Camy watches from the Weil era are marked "Camy Geneve" and bear designations such as Rallyking, Airport and SuperAutomatic. Naming watches as a "Friendship" model must've been a trend at some point because many unrelated watchmakers had a"Friendship" model in the 60's and 70's. The "Geneve" and "SuperAutomatic" marking suggests that this watch is a Raymond Weil era Camy though the Balco text hints at a story I'd love to know more about.
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Jack McClary
I prefer in person gatherings over social media dialog and have a soft spot for vintage watches.
Southern California
Member since
Last active: 1 hr ago
7.25” / 18.42 cm
Beautifully well worn and patinad
Being a good husband while the Mrs tries on clothes.