Tressa Lux Crystal Day-Date (likely Ref. 202/203 series)
Dress Watch / Casual Tool Watch · Tressa (Tressa Watch Co.), an independent Swiss brand that saw significant popularity in the Middle Eastern and Asian markets before closing in the 1980s.
Period: Vintage (1970s Disco Era). High-glamour, avant-garde aesthetic defined by faceted crystals and vibrant color palettes.
Type
Dress Watch / Casual Tool Watch
Brand
Tressa (Tressa Watch Co.), an independent Swiss brand that saw significant popularity in the Middle Eastern and Asian markets before closing in the 1980s.
Movement
Automatic, likely Adolf Schild (AS) Caliber 5206-1 or similar; 21,600 vph, 21 jewels, approximately 40-hour power reserve.
Dimensions
38mm case diameter, 12mm thickness, 42mm lug-to-lug, 18-20mm lug width. Wears larger due to the wide 'C-shape' case.
Description
An iconic example of 1970s excess, this Tressa Lux features a mesmerizing faceted crystal that creates a kaleidoscope effect over its holographic gold dial. The 'C-shape' stainless steel case provides a robust, sporty foundation for an otherwise flamboyant dress watch.
Key Features
Faceted crystal (9-facet or similar), quick-set date pusher at 2 o'clock, multi-colored dial patterns, and 'Swiss Made' T-signed dial signifying tritium lume.
Dial Description
Sunburst gold dial with multi-colored holographic/prismatic geometric patterns; applied gold-toned baton indices, day-date window at 3 o'clock, baton hands with narrow lume strips, and central star logo above 6 o'clock.
Case Material
Stainless steel base with a polished and brushed finish; fixed gold-plated or polished steel bezel area.
Crystal Type
Faceted mineral glass or acrylic (highly geometric 'diamond cut' surface designed to catch light).
Bezel Details
Fixed integrated bezel, smooth polished gold-tone finish matching the dial tone.
Crown & Pushers
Dual crown/pusher layout: one main crown for time setting and a separate pusher at 2 o'clock for quick-setting the day/date.
Bracelet or Strap
Stainless steel flat-link integrated-style bracelet with a folding clasp.
Caseback Details
Screw-down solid stainless steel caseback, typically featuring the Tressa logo and movement technical specs.
Movement Type
Automatic, likely Adolf Schild (AS) Caliber 5206-1 or similar; 21,600 vph, 21 jewels, approximately 40-hour power reserve.
Water Resistance
Originally 30-50m (splash resistant); currently treated as non-water resistant due to aging gaskets.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made (Bienne/Biel), utilizing high-quality outsourced ebauche movements from AS or ETA.
Age Estimate
Circa 1974-1978, based on the faceted crystal trend and the prevalence of the AS 5206 movement.
Cultural Significance
A cult favorite among vintage collectors who enjoy 'funky' 70s aesthetics; it represents the era's experimentation with geometry and light before the industry shifted toward slim quartz designs.
Condition Notes
The crystal appears clear but faceted edges are prone to chipping. Dial color remains vibrant. Case shows sharp lines. Note: Aftermarket or 'NOS' parts from Turkey/Middle East are common for this specific brand. Overall Condition: Good to Very Good.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD depending on the rarity of the dial pattern and bracelet originality.
Care & Maintenance
Water resistance is likely compromised due to age—avoid all contact with water. Service every 5-7 years; parts for AS movements are widely available.
Similar Watches
Rado Diastar (for the faceted crystal), Seiko Advan/Vanac (for the psychedelic dials), Ricoh Spacial.
Interesting Facts
After the brand went bankrupt during the Quartz Crisis, large stocks of New Old Stock (NOS) parts were discovered, leading to a resurgence of these watches in the vintage market over the last decade.