
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Alain Silberstein Krono Bauhaus "Cal. 5100", 1990s
- Maker / attribution
- Alain Silberstein (maker)
- Date
- 1990s
- Historical period
- Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
- Country of origin
- Unrecorded in source
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Stock no.
- ASILKRBAU
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (ASILKRBAU)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1990s Alain Silberstein Krono Bauhaus "Cal. 5100" (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number ASILKRBAU), this is a wristwatch by Alain Silberstein, dated 1990s. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Craft & Tailored
In the early 1990s as the world of watches was starting its ascent out of the quartz crisis, we were also met with many uninspired designs and the watch community was in dire need of inspiration. Along came Alain Silberstein with some very adventurous designs. Silberstein is a French designer that got his start in interior architecture before moving over to wristwatches of the more extravagant sense. Alain’s watches were heavily inspired by Bauhaus design and it shows in the palette of bright primary colors and basic shapes. These Whimsical designs were possibly too fashion-forward for the time, but it’s no secret Alain’s Krono Bauhaus designs went on to inspire other watchmakers to think outside the box. This Krono Bauhaus is powered by the workhorse Lemania cal. 5100 and is number 639 of a limited run of 999. These over-the-top chronographs have built a cult-like following in recent years and to find one in such excellent and original condition is truly special. SPECS Stock # ASILKRBAU Brand Alain Silberstein Style Krono Bauhaus Model N/A Serial 639/999 Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Black Millimeters 40 Bracelet 2pc Handmade Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The barrel-style case is in wonderful original and unpolished condition, displaying only minimal signs of previous use. The case retains its original circle and square pushers and triangle-shaped crown. The exhibition case back is in excellent condition, showing no scratches on the sapphire crystal, and displays the charming movement components perfectly. The watch will come supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap. DIAL & HANDS The black dial is in excellent original condition, displaying no blemishes or signs of age. The inner telemeter bezel is very well-preserved and does show some very minimal age in between the 55 and 60 numerals. The lume plots exhibit no patina and all remain in perfect condition without degradation. All of the hands remain original to the watch and remain in flawless condition. ACCESSORIES Non. The watch is keeping time, previous service history is unknown.
Historical context
Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.
Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Quartz Revolution
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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