2.1301 XL DELVINA TV-SCREEN EPSA COMPRESSOR II BREVET 420999 AUTOMATIC, SWISS 1960s

A large, heavy, and satisfyingly chunky 1970s Swiss watch with exactly the kind of presence that makes this era so appealing. The broad TV-screen case, the warm gold finish, and the integrated bracelet create a distinctly architectural look on the wrist. There is a pleasant, substantial weight to it, and the bracelet really does have that wonderful visual effect of being assembled from gold ingots. A gold watch on paper, close-combat instrument in practice – a proper early 1970s object with plausible self-defense capability.

The watch is especially attractive for the way all elements work together: the wide rectangular case, the softly smoked brown dial, the applied baton markers, and the day-date window with red day display. The result is bold but still refined. The original gold-plated bracelet is a big part of the appeal here, giving the watch a fully integrated look that feels much more complete and much more “design-conscious” than the same case on a strap.

About EPSA compressor cases

The markings inside the back point to the famous Swiss case maker Ervin Piquerez S.A. (EPSA), one of the most important specialist case manufacturers of the period. EPSA became known for its patented “Compressor” case systems, designed so that water pressure would help improve sealing by pressing the caseback more firmly against its gasket. Their cases were used by many respected brands, and today the EPSA name is highly collectible in its own right.

About BREVET 420999

The marking BREVET 420999 refers specifically to the “Compressor 2” patent for rectangular cases, announced in 1963. That makes it particularly relevant here, because this Delvina is not using the more familiar round compressor architecture, but EPSA’s later square/rectangular evolution of the same sealing concept. In other words, this is not just a styled case – it is a patented technical case design from one of the key names in Swiss case engineering.

Specifications

• Brand: Delvina Genève
• Model: TV-Screen Compressor II day-date automatic
• Year: early 1970s
• Movement: ETA 2789, automatic, 25 jewels
• Case: Gold-plated case, front loaded movement system
• Caseback: Monobloc stainless steel back
• Case construction: Compressor II, marked BREVET 420999
• Bracelet: Gold-plated integrated “tank track” bracelet
• Crystal: Acrylic, TV-screen shaped
• Dial: Smoked brown / bronze tone
• Indices: Applied raised block indices
• Hands: Gold-tone hands with central seconds
• Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, day-date
• Day / Date setting: Quick-set by pushing in 2nd position

Servicing and Warranty

• Fully serviced with disassembly in our Bristol shop
• Mechanics in full working order
• 12-month movement warranty
• Warranty Terms and Conditions
• No water resistance warranty