Here we have a sweet mid-century Gents 9ct cushion case watch from Audax, which measures 28mm x 28mm. It dates to 1957 with hallmarking from London assay office. It has a classic silver dial with a satin shine. The applied gold tone hour markers are clear and add a lovely depth to the dial. It has a simple in-set sub-second dial, whilst the hands are of an eye-catching Lance Alpha design with diamond shaped counterbalance. It is powered by a Venus calibre 180 movement which is in good condition, having been recently serviced.
 
Audax Watch Company:
Audax are one of those many watch companies, resigned to history. A search on the internet draws a blank and there is little in books. But we know they existed and produced watches from the 1930s until the 1970s. They could be found in retailers such as W.J. Huber LTD, 88-90 Hatton Garden London. The watches were Swiss Made, of a good quality, with movements from makers such as Venus. 
 
This example:
The dial is a silver tone with a satin shine. The Arabic hour markers are applied and are raised, adding texture to the dial. It has an inset sub-second dial with concentric circle design. It has dash minute markers around the exterior. The Audax signing is clear, in a nice Italic font. The Lance Alpha style hands are a bright gold tone and have an unusual diamond shaped counterbalance design.
 
The 9ct gold cushion case measures 28mm x 28mm, which is petite by modern standards, but is gents size from the period. This is a very comfortable and understated size of watch to wear. It is a classic mid-century cushion case which has polished finishes and curves that interact beautifully with the light. The yellow gold tone is even and bright and the fixed bar lugs are good and strong. It has British hallmarking for London assay office, dating to 1957.
 
The movement is a Venus calibre 180. This is a calibre which isn’t commonly seen. It is a 15-jewel manual wind movement. It has a frequency of 18,000 BPH and a power reserve of 40 hours. It is keeping very good time after its recent service.
 
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
 
Dial: 
The dial is original and is in decent overall condition. The silver tone is good, with some light speckled patination. The signing is good and clear. The applied gold tone markers are good with only some light marking. 
 
Hands: 
The hands are a gold tone and are original. They are in good condition with no obvious marking.
 
Glass: 
The acrylic crystal is a replacement and is in good condition. 
 
Crown: 
The crown is a later replacement but is in good condition and functions as it should.
 
Case:
The case is 9ct gold and is in good condition. The polished finish is good with light surface scratching. There is one more noticeable scratch between 12 and 1 O’clock. The gold wire lugs are good, sturdy and straight. 
 
Caseback:
The 9ct gold solid case back is in decent condition. It has a polished finish and has light scratching and marking associated with age. It holds the movement tightly. It has two dimpled dents, in the middle, to the top and bottom.
 
Strap: 
The watch is on a new leather strap for fixed lugs with metal tabs. 
 
Movement: 
The movement is a Venus calibre 180. It is a 15 jewel manual wind movement. It has a frequency of 18,000 BPH and a power reserve of 40 hours. 
 
The watch has been recently serviced. It is keeping time to within +30 seconds deviation a day, with an amplitude of 300 degrees and a beat error of 1.4m/s.
 
Case dimensions: 
Case width: 28.5mm
Case width with crown: 30.5mm
Case length: 28.25mm
Case length lug to lug: 31.75mm
Case Depth: 8.5mm
Lug width: 18mm