Curiosity/Questions About a Certain Swiss Design
First post here and I’m loving watch crunch. Everyone has such interesting and amazing collections!
Ill start off by saying that I absolutely adore the Tissot PRX and currently own two of them. However, it’s no secret that it’s very similarly designed to the 1978 Tissot Seastar Quartz (naturally) but more importantly, the Rolex Oysterquartz of the late 70s.
Some pictures for reference,
(1978 Tissot Seastar Quartz)
(1978 Rolex Oysterquartz)
Very similar indeed. However, going down the rabbit hole of 70s/80s sports watches, I made some other discoveries.
(1978 Omega Seamaster Quartz)
(Vacheron Constantin 222)
(IWC Ingenieur 3305, technically from the 80s I think)
Having seen these, I was wondering if anyone had any insight into these watches and their designs. Were any of these designed by Genta? Which was the first to use this design? Controversially, which of these are the homages 😂. These are just a few that I’ve found and I’m assuming there are probably a few more that I might be missing from that era. I get that the design might’ve been successful and popular back then as it is now, but was there something else behind the design?
Forgive me for my ignorance as I’m not too knowledgeable on Swiss watchmaking during the 70s or the Quartz crisis, but I’m trying to learn :D
Welcome to WC. The rule is that you have to buy everyone a round of drinks.
I’m no historian so here’s an article on Genta
https://www.wristenthusiast.com/latest/gerald-genta?ssp=1&setlang=en-US&safesearch=moderate
Looks like he designed integrated bracelet watches for the Holy Trinity, AP, PP, VC, which then distilled down to other brands.
Welcome
Welcome to WC!
Welcome to WC. The rule is that you have to buy everyone a round of drinks.
I’m no historian so here’s an article on Genta
https://www.wristenthusiast.com/latest/gerald-genta?ssp=1&setlang=en-US&safesearch=moderate
Looks like he designed integrated bracelet watches for the Holy Trinity, AP, PP, VC, which then distilled down to other brands.
Not quite. The VC 222 was designed by Jörg Hysek, independently from Gerald Genta. Genta designed 3 of the original integrated bracelet watches. The AP Royal Oak, the PP Nautilus and the IWC Ingenieur.
Mind you, the original Royal Oak, Nautilus and the 222 all sourced their movement from Jaeger LeCoultre, the caliber 920. So yeah, in essence Patek and Audemar Piguet owe their existance and surviving the quartz crisis to JLC.
Not quite. The VC 222 was designed by Jörg Hysek, independently from Gerald Genta. Genta designed 3 of the original integrated bracelet watches. The AP Royal Oak, the PP Nautilus and the IWC Ingenieur.
Mind you, the original Royal Oak, Nautilus and the 222 all sourced their movement from Jaeger LeCoultre, the caliber 920. So yeah, in essence Patek and Audemar Piguet owe their existance and surviving the quartz crisis to JLC.
You’re correct. Good knowledge sir
The Oysterquartz was 1976, right? Well, if you look at 1970, the 166.099 references of the Omega Genève already looked like this, with integrated bracelet and an angular case.
Welcome to WC. The rule is that you have to buy everyone a round of drinks.
I’m no historian so here’s an article on Genta
https://www.wristenthusiast.com/latest/gerald-genta?ssp=1&setlang=en-US&safesearch=moderate
Looks like he designed integrated bracelet watches for the Holy Trinity, AP, PP, VC, which then distilled down to other brands.
Very good read! Thank you much
The Oysterquartz was 1976, right? Well, if you look at 1970, the 166.099 references of the Omega Genève already looked like this, with integrated bracelet and an angular case.
Oh wow, that’s a great example! Looks stunning.