Armand Nicolet M02 Date Ref. A840AAA-AG-P840MR2
Dress/Sport Hybrid (Everyday Luxury) · Armand Nicolet (Independent). A boutique Swiss brand located in Tramelan with a history dating back to 1875, known for high finishing and using vintage movements in limited series.
Period: Modern Luxury (2010s-Present) with Neo-Classical influence. The style is defined by a traditional guilloché-patterned dial paired with a modern, substantial steel case and bold alpha hands.
Type
Dress/Sport Hybrid (Everyday Luxury)
Brand
Armand Nicolet (Independent). A boutique Swiss brand located in Tramelan with a history dating back to 1875, known for high finishing and using vintage movements in limited series.
Movement
Automatic, Calibre AN2824-2 (Modified ETA 2824-2 or Sellita SW200 base), 28,800 vph, approx. 38-hour power reserve, 25-26 jewels.
Dimensions
42mm diameter, 12mm thickness, 49mm lug-to-lug, 22mm lug width. It wears slightly large due to the thin bezel and expansive dial.
Description
The Armand Nicolet M02 is a sophisticated daily wearer that bridges the gap between a rugged tool watch and a delicate dress watch. Its standout feature is the intricately textured dial that plays with light, paired with heat-blued hands that provide a pop of color against the silver background. It is a choice for the collector who values 'under-the-radar' Swiss heritage and tactile quality over mainstream brand recognition.
Key Features
Guilloché-patterned dial, 6 o'clock date position for symmetry, heat-blued alpha hands, and the 'Tramelan' branding beneath the logo indicating the brand’s historic manufacturing roots.
Dial Description
Silver/White with complex radiant 'Tapestry' or sunburst guilloché texture. Features applied faceted baton indices, blue-steeled alpha hands, a date window at 6 o'clock, and a sloped minutes track featuring Arabic numerals every 5 minutes.
Case Material
316L Stainless Steel with a mix of high-polished bezel and lug facets and satin-brushed case flanks and lug tops.
Crystal Type
Domed Sapphire Crystal with inner anti-reflective (AR) coating. Clear condition with no visible scratches or chips.
Bezel Details
Fixed, stepped bezel in high-polished 316L stainless steel. Contemporary smooth finish without markings.
Crown & Pushers
Large, knurled screw-down crown with the Armand Nicolet 'AN' logo embossing; no crown guards to maintain a dressier profile.
Bracelet or Strap
Dark brown alligator-pattern leather strap with contrast white stitching and a stainless steel tang buckle (though some variants feature a deployment clasp).
Caseback Details
Screw-down exhibition caseback featuring a sapphire window revealing the movement and a decorated 'Armand Nicolet' signed rotor.
Movement Type
Automatic, Calibre AN2824-2 (Modified ETA 2824-2 or Sellita SW200 base), 28,800 vph, approx. 38-hour power reserve, 25-26 jewels.
Water Resistance
100 Meters (10 ATM). Due to the screw-down crown, it is safe for swimming, though the leather strap is not suited for water immersion.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Manufactured and assembled in Tramelan, Switzerland. Uses an outsourced Swiss base movement finish and regulated in-house.
Age Estimate
Circa 2015-2022. This specific dial and case configuration represents the modern M02 collection aesthetic.
Cultural Significance
Represents the resilience of independent family-run Swiss marques that survived the Quartz Crisis. It appeals to enthusiasts who prefer 'Insiders' brands' over conglomerate-owned labels like Swatch Group or Richemont.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition based on image. Sharp lug edges, clean crystal, no visible oxidation on the hands, and a fresh-looking strap indicate minimal wear.
Value Estimate
Retail MSRP approx. $2,300 - $2,900. Secondary market value typically ranges from $800 - $1,200 depending on box/papers and strap condition.
Care & Maintenance
Service every 5-7 years for the movement. Inspect the screw-down crown gaskets every 2 years if used near water. Keep the leather strap dry to prevent deterioration.
Similar Watches
Longines Master Collection (more traditional), Raymond Weil Freelancer (more sporty), and Maurice Lacroix Les Classiques.
Interesting Facts
Armand Nicolet is famous in the horological world for their 'OHM' (Original Historical Movement) series, where they restore and case original vintage movements from the mid-20th century found in their warehouse.