Edele Automatic Square Tank (Vintage TV Dial)
Dress Watch / Tool Watch Hybrid · Edele; a Swiss assembly brand active during the mid-20th century. High-quality mid-range tier, utilizing standard Swiss movements.
Period: Modernist / Space Age (Late 1960s - Early 1970s). Defined by the bold 'TV screen' dial shape, hooded lugs, and sunburst case finish typical of the disco era.
Type
Dress Watch / Tool Watch Hybrid
Brand
Edele; a Swiss assembly brand active during the mid-20th century. High-quality mid-range tier, utilizing standard Swiss movements.
Movement
Automatic self-winding, likely an ETA or A. Schild (AS) base, 25 jewels, Incabloc shock protection system.
Dimensions
34mm width (excluding crown), 36mm lug-to-lug, 11mm thickness, 18mm or 20mm lug width. Wears larger due to the square footprint.
Description
A striking example of the 1970s architecture-forward design language. This Edele features a 'TV Screen' dial housed within a massive, architecturally stepped square case. The combination of brushed and polished finishes makes it a bold statement piece that captures the transition from classic dress watches to the funky tool watches of the 70s.
Key Features
Incabloc shock protection, 25-jewel automatic movement, hooded lugs, and the unique cushion-in-square dial-to-case ratio.
Dial Description
Champagne sunburst dial with a cushion-shaped aperture. Applied baton indices with black contrast inserts. Needle-thin central seconds. Date window at 3 o'clock with black text on white disc.
Case Material
Gold-plated (Plaqué) base metal or stainless steel. Features a heavy vertical brushed finish on the top surface with polished chamfered edges.
Crystal Type
Acrylic (Plexiglass), flush-mounted or slightly domed cushion shape.
Bezel Details
Integrated fixed bezel; part of the unibody case design with a radially brushed satin finish.
Crown & Pushers
Recessed push-pull crown at 3 o'clock, steel or gold-toned, unsigned.
Bracelet or Strap
Black rubber or silicone strap (aftermarket). Originally likely sold on a leather strap or a brick-link gold-plated bracelet.
Caseback Details
Stainless steel screw-down or snap-on caseback. Likely features 'Water Resistant', 'Antimagnetic', and 'Stainless Steel Back' engravings.
Movement Type
Automatic self-winding, likely an ETA or A. Schild (AS) base, 25 jewels, Incabloc shock protection system.
Water Resistance
Originally 3 ATM (splash resistant); currently should be treated as non-water resistant due to age.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made; indicated by 'T SWISS T' at the 6 o'clock position (indicating Tritium lume).
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1974 based on the 'T SWISS T' mark and the specific block-style case geometry.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Gold Standard' of early 70s fashion, where square and cushion cases were preferred over traditional rounds to reflect space-age optimism.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. Visible wear on the crown. Dial and hands appear well-preserved. Case brushing remains sharp, though plating may be thin on the lug edges. Overall: Very Good.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD depending on the underlying case material and movement service history.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid all water contact as vintage gaskets have likely failed. Service every 5-7 years to lubricate the high-jewel movement. Keep away from strong magnets (laptops, speakers).
Similar Watches
Omega Constellation 'TV Dial', Zenith Respirator, or vintage Tissot PR 516 series.
Interesting Facts
Smaller Swiss brands like Edele flourished by using high-quality 'ebauche' (unfinished) movements from companies like ETA, allowing them to focus on avant-garde case designs that rivaled major brands of the era.