Don't miss the next drop
Every so often, a watch comes along that reminds us that horology can be more than just the stoic pursuit of accuracy, it can be playful, artistic, and utterly mesmerizing. The Ernest Borel “Cocktail” watch is, without question, one of the most brilliant and whimsical timepieces ever created. It is a true icon of mid-century design, a watch that turns the simple act of telling time into a captivating performance. This is not just a watch; it’s a piece of kinetic art, a conversation starter, and a fantastic example of the creative spirit that defined the post-war era.
Ernest Borel, a Swiss brand with a history dating back to 1856, achieved its greatest fame with the launch of the Cocktail watch in 1953. It was a stroke of genius. At a time of renewed optimism and artistic expression, Borel patented a “mystery dial” that used a system of stacked, rotating discs to create a constantly shifting kaleidoscope effect. The top disc, which acts as the seconds hand, spins freely, while the hour and minute hands are two triangular pointers printed on separate transparent discs that float below. The effect is magical, a dynamic, hypnotic pattern that is constantly in motion. It was a smash hit, particularly in the American and Asian markets, becoming a beloved symbol of feminine elegance and playful sophistication.
This particular example is a stunning representation of the classic Cocktail design. Housed in a svelte, gold-plated ladies’ case, it features one of the most desirable dial patterns: a dramatic black and gold sunburst. As the seconds disc rotates, the intricate geometric patterns create a dazzling, kaleidoscopic animation that is simply enchanting to watch. Time is indicated by two floating red arrow pointers, which adds a fantastic pop of color against the dark, dynamic background. Powering this kinetic display is a robust 17-jewel, manual-wind Swiss movement, a reliable caliber that was built to handle the extra torque required to turn the animated discs.
