For sale we have an excellent example of quality 1970s design. This is a circa 1976 Gubelin, in an 18ct yellow gold C-shaped case, with an impressive blue sunburst dial. The mix of brushed and polished finishing on the case creates a very classy housing for the luxurious dial. Simple with white hour dashes, with hour and minute hand in a white painted finish. Signed Gubelin Special-Time. This minimalistic approach allows the blue sunburst dial to shine in its own right, reflecting the light gracefully and luxuriously. 
Inside the monocoque case design is a well-marked 18ct yellow gold case, with the Gubelin reference 18-120, with the poincon de maitre for Wyss & Cie. Held within the case is a high grade Peseux 7000 movement, branded for Gubelin. It has a high jewel count of 21, with Genève stripe finishing and excellent quality compared to a standard Peseux 7000. 
 
The watch comes complete with its original Suede pouch which is signed Gubelin in gold. It has the original guarantee book which is signed, as well as the original purchase invoice dating to 22/01/76. This was originally a very expensive watch with a purchase price of 2330 CHF. This was £445 at the time, which is the equivalent of £4100 today.
 
This is a rare reference, of which we have not been able to find another for sale or having sold. 
 
Gubelin are known as one of the places to go worldwide, for exquisite high-end jewellery, gemstone expertise and sought-after luxury watch brands. Dating back to 1854, they have a long and illustrious history, starting as a partnership between watchmakers. The brand has its roots and main boutique on the quay in Lucerne. Gubelin have always been a family-owned business, ensuring the nurturing of consistent core values to create the finest Swiss house.
 
They were and are still known as one of the finest retailers of watches in the world, having sold some of the best Patek Philippe references ever created. It has been commonplace for the Gubelin name to be co-signed on Patek dials when retailed through them, such is the prestige of the brand. 
 
Gubelin have always produced a line of their own watches and offered them in store, to go alongside the illustrious brands they have the privilege to offer. This example is worthy of the Gubelin name, being an extremely well-crafted watch, with a precious metal case and a high-grade Swiss movement.
 
This watch signifies an important stand for the Swiss watch industry. This was a watch offering quality in mechanical form, whilst rebelling against the Quartz crisis which was underway in the watch industry. It also encapsulates a unique time for the dress watch, with an elegant take of 1970s design.
 
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
 
Dial: 
The dial is in very good original condition. It is a blue tone with sunburst finish. The white signing is clear and clean. It has no wear, just some specs of dust which show up on the clean dial finish. 
 
Hands: 
The hands are original of stick style. They are white painted, which is original. The white painted finish has some slight signs of ageing. Overall they are in good condition.
 
Glass: 
The acrylic crystal is a replacement which is in very good condition with no marks.
 
Crown: 
The crown is original and is unsigned. It functions as it should.
 
Case:
The case is formed of 18ct gold and is in good condition with only light surface scratching. It has a brushed finish to the bezel with polished facet and a thin brushed central section to the sides.
 
Caseback:
The case back is 18ct gold and is solid. It has a brushed finish to the flat face and polished sides. There is only light surface scratching.
 
Strap: 
The watch is on a Condor Elite strap, genuine lizard for 18mm lug width. 
 
Movement: 
The movement is a Pesuex 7000 for Gubelin. It has a jewel count of 21 and is adjusted to 5 positions. It is a much higher level of finishing and quality, with Geneve stripe finishing. 
 
The watch has been serviced by its previous owner approximately one year ago. It keeps time to within -1 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 335 and a beat error of 1.1m/s.
 
Case dimensions: 
Case width: 37mm
Case width with crown: 38mm 
Case length: 34.5mm 
Case length lug to lug: 38.5mm
Case Depth: 8mm
Lug width: 18mm