A very characteristic early-1970s Royce Leadership 3333 automatic, combining a large stainless steel cushion-shaped case, integrated steel bracelet, dark blue dial and an unusual vertical day-date display at 6 o’clock. The red and silver applied hour markers and matching striped hands give the watch a particularly strong period look.
This model can be dated unusually well for a vintage watch of this type. A period Europa Star report from the Swiss Watch Fair 1972 presents the Royce “Leadership” and describes exactly the main design features seen here: an integrated bracelet and case, strongly raised hour markers, coloured dial, all-steel case and an automatic movement with day and date calendar.
The dial is one of the best features of this example. It has a deep dark-blue background, raised red-and-silver striped indices, matching broad hands and a white central seconds hand. The vertically arranged day and date windows at 6 o’clock are particularly unusual and immediately identify the design as something different from a conventional 1970s automatic watch.
The watch retains its original stainless steel bracelet, designed to flow directly into the case and carrying the Royce logo on the clasp. Together with the substantial case and faceted mineral crystal, it gives the watch the solid appearance that was becoming fashionable at the beginning of the 1970s.
Royce and S. Kocher
Royce was a Swiss watch brand belonging to S. Kocher & Co. SA, the company also associated with the Eska brand. The firm was established in Switzerland in 1918; the Royce trademark was registered in 1930, while the separate Royce Leadership name was registered in 1960. By the 1970s Royce was particularly associated with sporty, modern designs, automatic movements and waterproof cases.
This watch has an especially useful detail for confirming that connection: the inside of the caseback is stamped “S. KOCHER SWISS.” It is therefore not simply a generic Swiss case carrying the Royce name—the maker’s mark directly connects the case to the company behind the Royce brand.
Specifications
Brand: Royce
Model: Leadership 3333
Reference: 11-275M
Year: 1972
Movement: A. Schild AS 2066 automatic, 25 jewels
Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, day and date
Case: Stainless steel
Case maker: S. Kocher, Switzerland
Dial: Dark blue with red and silver applied hour markers
Calendar: Vertical day-date display at 6 o’clock
Crystal: Faceted mineral crystal
Bracelet: Original stainless steel bracelet, original clasp with Royce logo
Servicing and Warranty
Fully serviced with disassembly in our Bristol shop
This watch is also a good example of the case polishing and refinishing work carried out in our workshop. The case and bracelet were fully disassembled, and the polished and brushed surfaces were carefully refinished to restore a clean, well-maintained appearance while preserving the original case shape and details. Stainless steel cases and bracelets are particularly suitable for professional refinishing, as worn surfaces can often be restored very successfully without replacing original components. We offer polishing, brushing and case restoration for both modern and vintage watches in our workshop.
The A. Schild AS 2066 is a Swiss automatic day-date movement from the same period as the watch. This example has 25 jewels, as marked on the dial and rotor. The calibre runs at 21,600 vibrations per hour and was designed with quick-setting day and date indications.
Important Notes
Documented model: Royce Leadership shown in the Swiss Watch Fair 1972 archive
