2.1333 EURASTYLE PATENT 327016 DIGI-MECH, SWISS 1970s

A highly unusual vintage Eurastyle digi-mech wristwatch from the 1970s, combining a classical round Swiss case with a distinctly avant-garde digital display. Instead of conventional hands, the time is shown through three separate apertures: a jumping hour disc at the top, a rotating minute disc beneath it, and a seconds disc in the lower window.

The result is a watch that feels both elegant and experimental – a traditional mechanical wristwatch, but with a futuristic “direct read” display that belongs very much to the creative spirit of the 1960s-70s.

Jump-Hour Mechanism

The caseback is stamped PATENT No. 327016, referring to Swiss patent CH327016A, titled Montre à heures sautantes – “Jumping hour watch”. The patent was filed on 6 September 1955 and published on 15 January 1958. The inventors were James Choffat and Georges Hasler, with the patent assigned to Hoga Watch Ltd, Tramelan.

The principle of the patent is a clever jumping-hour display: the hour and minute discs are arranged coaxially, with the hour disc held and released by a spring-loaded locking lever controlled by the minute disc. As the next hour is reached, the mechanism releases the hour disc, allowing it to jump instantly by 1/12 of a full rotation. The system was designed as a module that could be adapted to various base movements, making it one of the more interesting practical solutions for mechanical digital-display watches of the period.

This example is powered by a manual-wind AS 1900/01 R974 movement, modified for the patented disc display. The calibre is signed Swiss, features Incabloc shock protection, and is visible here beneath the unusual display module. To preserve the longevity of the jump-hour mechanism, the hour and minute discs must be set forward only.

The watch has a gold-plated case with a stainless steel screwdown caseback. The case shows expected age-related marks to the plating, but retains a very attractive vintage presence. The dial has a refined pearl tone with a radial sunburst finish, signed SWISS, EURASTYLE, and INCABLOC. A new domed mineral crystal has been fitted, preserving the period look while giving the watch a fresh and clear appearance.

Fitted with a high-quality genuine leather strap.

Specifications

• Brand: Eurastyle
• Model: Patent 327016 Digi-Mech / Jumping Hour
• Year: 1970s
• Country: Swiss made
• Case: Gold plated case
• Caseback: Stainless steel snap-on caseback, stamped PATENT No. 327016
• Crystal: Domed mineral crystal – new
• Dial: Pearl tone dial with radial sunburst finish
• Display: Mechanical direct-read disc display with jumping hour, minutes and running seconds
• Movement: AS 1900/01 R974, manual wind
• Shock protection: Incabloc
• Strap: High-quality genuine leather strap

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