2.1354 CATENA “BLACK SQUARE” GOLD PLATED, SWISS 1960s

A very unusual Swiss dress watch from the 1960s, built around a strong geometric idea: a deep black square dial framed by a broad gold-plated case. This is not an everyday conservative wristwatch, but a deliberate style object – minimal, architectural, and clearly intended for special occasions.

The square case gives the watch a bold visual presence, while the completely clean dial keeps the design restrained and elegant. There are no numerals, no indices, and no seconds hand – only the Catena signature and two sharply shaped gold-tone hands. The result is almost graphic: a black square set inside a golden frame, somewhere between 1960s modernism, formal evening wear, and jewellery design.

A particularly important part of the composition is the very wide strap, approximately 25–26 mm. Instead of using conventional narrow lugs, the watch integrates the strap directly into the case width, making the whole object read as one continuous design. This gives it a much stronger wrist presence than the modest 31 mm case size might suggest.

Specifications

• Brand: Catena
• Model: “Black Square”
• Year: 1960s
• Movement: ETA 2312-1 mechanical manual-wind
• Case: 18K gold electroplated case
• Caseback: Signed “18K Gold Electroplated Swiss”
• Crystal: Acrylic crystal
• Dial: Black minimalist square dial
• Hands: Gold-tone hands
• Strap: Genuine calf leather strap
• Water resistance: Dustproof only

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