ARP De Luxe Automatic 25 Jewels Incabloc
Everyday Sport/Dress Watch · ARP (A.R.P.); likely an 'Establisher' or private label brand that sourced Swiss components and assembled them for regional markets (common during the pre-Quartz crisis era).
Period: Vintage (1970s); identifiable by the cushion-shaped barrel case, integrated-style lugs, and sunburst gradient (fumé) dial typical of the era.
Type
Everyday Sport/Dress Watch
Brand
ARP (A.R.P.); likely an 'Establisher' or private label brand that sourced Swiss components and assembled them for regional markets (common during the pre-Quartz crisis era).
Movement
Mechanical Automatic, 25 Jewels, Incabloc shock protection system; likely an outsourced Swiss workhorse movement such as an ETA 2783 or an A. Schild (AS) caliber.
Dimensions
36mm case diameter, 12mm thickness, 40mm lug-to-lug, 18mm lug width; typical 'unisex' sizing for the 1970s that wears slightly larger due to the square-ish case shape.
Description
This ARP De Luxe is a quintessential example of 1970s 'budget luxury.' The cushion case provides a substantial wrist presence despite its modest 36mm width. The star of the show is the blue gradient dial, which reflects light beautifully and captures the experimental color palettes of the disco era. It represents the height of the mechanical industry before the Quartz Crisis shuttered many small brands like ARP.
Key Features
Incabloc shock protection which indicates a quality movement for its time; 25-jewel automatic winding; 'De Luxe' marketing designation; unique blue-to-black gradient dial.
Dial Description
Sunburst blue fumé (gradient) dial transitioning from bright blue in the center to dark navy/black at the edges; applied baton indices with white/luminous inserts; silver baton hands; date window at 3 o'clock.
Case Material
Base metal or stainless steel; likely a chrome-plated base metal case with a stainless steel back, featuring a sunray-brushed finish on the top surface and polished sides.
Crystal Type
Domed Acrylic/Hesalite; shows significant surface scratching and micro-cracking (crazing) consistent with age.
Bezel Details
Fixed, integrated cushion bezel as part of the monolithic case design; features decorative radial brushing.
Crown & Pushers
Push-pull crown at 3 o'clock, small diameter, likely unsigned and original to the piece.
Bracelet or Strap
Stainless steel 'ladder' or 'H-link' style expansion bracelet with cut-outs; likely an aftermarket or period-correct generic addition rather than factory original.
Caseback Details
Screw-down solid stainless steel caseback; likely engraved with basic specs such as 'Stainless Steel Back', 'Water Resistant', and 'Swiss Made'.
Movement Type
Mechanical Automatic, 25 Jewels, Incabloc shock protection system; likely an outsourced Swiss workhorse movement such as an ETA 2783 or an A. Schild (AS) caliber.
Water Resistance
Originally 30m/3ATM (Splash Resistant); currently assumed to have zero water resistance due to aged seals and crystal scratches.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made; components sourced from Swiss movement manufacturers and dial makers, though the brand is now defunct.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1975 based on the 'Incabloc' branding, 25-jewel count, and fumé dial aesthetics.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Forgotten Swiss' brands—small companies that produced high-quality mechanical watches using standard Swiss parts before they were driven out of business by digital Japanese watches in the late 70s.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; the crystal is heavily scratched and requires polishing or replacement. The case shows soften edges from wear. The blue dial appears well-preserved, which is the most critical element for value in this model.
Value Estimate
$75 - $150 USD; value is primarily in the aesthetic appeal of the blue dial and the functional mechanical movement rather than brand name collectibility.
Care & Maintenance
Should be serviced every 5-7 years; do not expose to water as vintage gaskets brittle over time; the acrylic crystal can be easily buffed with Polywatch; avoid magnetic fields from modern electronics.
Similar Watches
Vintage Tissot PR 516, Certina Blue Ribbon, or Ricoh Dynamic Wide; these offer similar cushion cases but often carry higher brand recognition and price premiums.
Interesting Facts
The 'Incabloc' text on the dial was a major selling point in the mid-20th century, assuring buyers that the watch could survive a drop—a revolutionary feature at the time.