We have here a truly remarkable find for collectors of vintage watches: a 1950s Strand Swiss Automatic watch in astounding New Old Stock (NOS) condition. This watch is a time capsule, appearing as if it just left the factory decades ago, preserving its original charm and mechanical integrity flawlessly.
The dial is a beautiful creamy silver, perfectly preserved with little signs of age. It has an outer concentric circles pattern much like an old vinyl Record and features a fantastic combination of applied gold Arabic numerals at 12, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 o'clock, complemented by sharp, triangular gold hour markers and a dotted minute track. The original gold dauphine hands are equally pristine, catching the light beautifully. The 'Regent' branding and 'Automatic 17 Jewels Incabloc Swiss Made' text are crisp and clear, exactly as they were manufactured.
The stainless steel case is in impeccable condition, showing no signs of polishing or use, with sharp edges and lugs. This watch measures a classic 32mm in diameter, making it a perfect example of a sophisticated mid-century dress watch. Powered by a reliable Swiss automatic movement, this Strand is not just a handsome piece but also a precise timekeeper. It's a rare opportunity to own a 1950s watch in such untouched original condition, offering both historical significance and an elegant wrist presence.
The Story Behind the Name This Regent Automatic is a fantastic example of a clever marketing strategy common among high-end fashion and jewellery outlets in the 1950s London retail scene. Rather than carrying only the expensive, nationally-advertised "Big Four" brands (like Omega, Longines, or Tudor), these shops would commission excellent, quality Swiss watches and sell them under their own private-label names.
Names like Regent, Strand, Oxford, and Berkeley were carefully chosen for their familiar, sophisticated London connotations—a brilliant marketing strategy still employed today! This approach allowed the retailers to offer a beautiful, Swiss-made timepiece with an equal level of craftsmanship and a reliable calibre, but at a more attractive price point for the discerning customer. This watch, therefore, isn't just a Strand or a Regent; it’s a piece of post-war London retail history, representing a high-quality Swiss watch originally retailed in a sophisticated setting.
What we think
This Regent Automatic is a truly special find—a rare opportunity to step into a time machine.
Imagine walking into a watch store in the mid-1950s and buying this elegant timepiece. That is exactly the experience this watch offers. As an authentic New Old Stock piece, it remains in pristine, unworn condition, preserving its original design and sharpness perfectly.
For the price of a modern, mass-produced watch, you are acquiring a piece of Swiss watchmaking history, featuring a quality Swiss automatic calibre that was built to last generations.
With its classic 32mm diameter, this is the perfect compact size for a sophisticated gentleman's watch or an elegantly proportioned watch for her. It offers unparalleled value for money as a genuine, untouched vintage treasure.
Spec Stuff
Reference : Regent
Movement : Swiss Felsa Age : 1951-1960 Specific Age : 1950s Case Size : 32mm Case Thickness : 12mm Lug to Lug : 40mm Lugs :16mm Condition : Unused Box & Papers : No Case Material : Stainless Steel
1950s Regent Swiss NOS unused automatic classic watch with attractive Concentric dial unisex
