Felca Automatic 21 Jewels 'Cushion Case' Date, Ref. 8105
Dress Watch · Felca (Felca & Titoni Watch Ltd.). An independent Swiss family-owned brand known for high-quality mid-range watches. Felca was the primary brand for Europe/USA while Titoni was the brand for the Asian market.
Period: Vintage (1970s). The watch features a TV-screen or 'Cushion' style case which was a hallmark of 1970s watch design, moving away from traditional round cases toward geometry-forward, integrated-look aesthetics.
Type
Dress Watch
Brand
Felca (Felca & Titoni Watch Ltd.). An independent Swiss family-owned brand known for high-quality mid-range watches. Felca was the primary brand for Europe/USA while Titoni was the brand for the Asian market.
Movement
Automatic/self-winding, 21 Jewels. Likely a Swiss ETA caliber (such as the 2783 or 2824 series) or an A. Schild movement, which were standard for Felca during this period. Frequency likely 21,600 or 28,800 bph.
Dimensions
Case diameter approximately 36mm-38mm, thickness 11mm, lug-to-lug 41mm, lug width 18-20mm. It wears larger due to the square-ish cushion shape.
Description
This Felca represents the bold, experimental geometry of the 1970s. Its 'Cushion' or 'TV-style' case is a departure from classical circles, offering a substantial wrist presence despite its modest dimensions. The contrast between the brushed top and polished bevels highlights the quality of Swiss manufacturing from an era when Felca was a strong competitor in the mechanical market before the Quartz crisis fully dominated.
Key Features
Cushion case geometry, framed date window, applied red brand logo, 21-jewel automatic movement, and the distinct 'T' logo shared with its sister brand, Titoni.
Dial Description
Grey/Anthracite matte dial with 'sparkle' or 'stardust' textural aging. Features applied silver-tone baton indices, silver baton hands with small lume strips, and a framed date window at 3 o'clock. Red Felca 'F' logo at 12 o'clock.
Case Material
Stainless steel with a vertically brushed bezel finish and polished case sides. The material is likely 316L grade steel common for Swiss watches of this era.
Crystal Type
Acrylic/Hesalite. Contoured to the cushion shape. Shows some minor surface scratches consistent with its age.
Bezel Details
Fixed, integrated into the case design. Substantial flat surface with a vertical brushed/satin finish that provides a tool-watch feel to a dressier silhouette.
Crown & Pushers
Low-profile push-pull crown at 3 o'clock, steel construction with fine knurling for grip.
Bracelet or Strap
Black leather strap, non-original. Standard pin buckle. These models often originally came on steel Jubilee-style or 'Beads of Rice' bracelets.
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel screw-down caseback. Likely features the Felca logo and 'Swiss Made' engravings along with the reference number 8105.
Movement Type
Automatic/self-winding, 21 Jewels. Likely a Swiss ETA caliber (such as the 2783 or 2824 series) or an A. Schild movement, which were standard for Felca during this period. Frequency likely 21,600 or 28,800 bph.
Water Resistance
Non-water resistant by modern standards. Originally rated for 'Water Resistant' (approx 30m), but vintage gaskets should not be trusted for anything beyond a light splash.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Manufactured in Grenchen, Switzerland. Features an outsourced high-quality Swiss movement (ébauche).
Age Estimate
Circa 1970–1975. The design language and the 'SWISS MADE' branding at the bottom are emblematic of this specific window.
Cultural Significance
A representative of the 'Everyman's Swiss Watch' era—reliable, stylish mechanical watches produced for the middle class before the industry shifted toward high-luxury positioning.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The dial shows significant 'pitting' or spotting, which some collectors value as 'stardust' patina but others see as moisture-related aging. Case shows soft scratches but retains original brushing geometry.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD. Value is driven by the unique case shape; the dial spotting significantly affects market price depending on buyer preference for patina.
Care & Maintenance
Recommend service every 5 years to lubricate the vintage automatic movement. Avoid all water exposure as vintage seals (especially on non-round crystals) are prone to leaking.
Similar Watches
Vintage Omega Constellation 'TV Dial', Longines Admiral Cushion Case, Tissot Seastar 1970s models.
Interesting Facts
Felca is the parent brand of Titoni. While Felca is now largely defunct or absorbed, Titoni remains one of the few independent, family-owned Swiss watch companies left, still highly successful in the East.