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Ernest Borel By Synchron Conquistador (Ref. 58.013.56) Blue Fume Dial, 1970s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Ernest Borel By Synchron Conquistador (Ref. 58.013.56) Blue Fume Dial, 1970s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Ernest Borel (maker)
Date
1970s
Country of origin
Unrecorded in source
Object type
Wristwatch
Stock no.
ERBRCON
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (ERBRCON)
Catalogue title (original)
1970s Ernest Borel By Synchron Conquistador (Ref. 58.013.56) Blue Fume Dial (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number ERBRCON), this is a wristwatch by Ernest Borel, dated 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) 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

Offered here is a 1970s Ernest Borel Conquistador, produced during the brand’s brief but notable period under the Synchron group, alongside Doxa and Cyma. This example stands out with its striking blue fumé dial, a hallmark of the era that adds depth and vibrancy to its vintage charm. A lesser-seen model with a bold aesthetic, the Conquistador is a great representation of Synchron’s design-forward approach during this time. SPECS Stock # ERBRCON Brand Ernest Borel By Synchron Style Conquistador Model 58.013.56 Serial N/A Size Mens Material Stainless Steel Dial Blue "Fume" Millimeters 37 Strap 2pc Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The unique and handsome stainless steel case is in excellent condition overall, showing crisp finishing and bevels throughout, with light signs of use and minimal evidence of being previously polished present. The case retains its original crown adorned with the Synchron logo. The case back retains all of its original factory markings. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc leather strap. DIAL & HANDS The intricate and vibrant blue fume dial is simply exquisite, showing incredible depth with no damage or notable age present. The tritium lume plots have achieved a creamy patina and exhibit no degradation when inspected under UV light. The original tritium hands have aged slightly darker than the dial lume and display no degradation when inspected under UV light. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is functioning correctly and keeping time, the previous service history is unknown. A movement service can be purchased upon request.

Historical context

Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)

Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.

Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology

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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