Auberge Swiss Open Heart Ref. 40.1118 (Classical Style)
Dress Watch / Open Heart Complication · Auberge (Auberge Swiss). A minor Swiss-registered brand typically operating in the entry-level luxury or boutique catalog tier, often sold in Asian and European markets.
Period: Modern Neo-Classical (Late 1990s - Early 2000s). Indicators include the fluted coin-edge bezel and the Roman numeral dial reminiscent of Breguet-style aesthetics.
Type
Dress Watch / Open Heart Complication
Brand
Auberge (Auberge Swiss). A minor Swiss-registered brand typically operating in the entry-level luxury or boutique catalog tier, often sold in Asian and European markets.
Movement
Automatic/Self-winding mechanical movement. Likely a modified ETA 2824-2 or a Sellita equivalent with an 'Open Heart' modification to expose the balance wheel at 12 o'clock.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 36-38mm; Thickness: 10-12mm; Lug-to-lug: 44-46mm; Lug width: 18-20mm. It follows traditional mid-size dress proportions.
Description
This Auberge timepiece is a classic example of the 'Breguet-lite' aesthetic that gained popularity in the late 20th century. It features a decorative fluted bezel and a clean Roman numeral dial designed to showcase the mechanical heart of the watch. Despite its current weathered condition, the watch represents the affordable end of Swiss mechanical watchmaking, focusing on visual flair and traditional design cues.
Key Features
12 o'clock 'Open Heart' aperture; coin-edge bezel; Roman numeral track; lyre-style curved lugs; blue leather strap contrast.
Dial Description
Silvery-white matte dial with sunburst outer track. Features printed black Roman numeral indices and slender baton-style hands. The primary feature is the circular 'Open Heart' aperture at 12 o'clock showing the escapement.
Case Material
Gold-plated base metal or brass (indicated by significant wear/oxidation on the lugs and bezel). The finish is high-polish originally, now displaying a heavy aged patina and plating loss.
Crystal Type
Flat mineral glass or sapphire crystal. Visible surface scratches suggest mineral glass, which is common for this tier of watch.
Bezel Details
Fixed, decorative coin-edge or fluted bezel. Material is gold-plated metal, currently showing significant tarnishing and dirt accumulation.
Crown & Pushers
Small, pumpkin-style fluted crown at 3 o'clock. Push-pull operation. No crown guards, typical of the dress style.
Bracelet or Strap
Blue alligator-patterned leather strap with matching blue stitching. Integrated with standard spring bars and a simple tang-style buckle.
Caseback Details
Likely a screw-down or snap-on solid caseback. Often these models featured a partial exhibition window to match the 'open heart' front, but given the brand tier, a solid back is also common.
Movement Type
Automatic/Self-winding mechanical movement. Likely a modified ETA 2824-2 or a Sellita equivalent with an 'Open Heart' modification to expose the balance wheel at 12 o'clock.
Water Resistance
Rated 3 ATM/30 Meters (Splash resistant). Practically speaking, due to its age and condition, it should be considered non-water resistant.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Likely assembled in Switzerland using a combination of Swiss movements and potentially outsourced case components.
Age Estimate
Circa 1995-2005. The 'Open Heart' design was particularly popular during this era for entry-level mechanical Swiss watches.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of mechanical or 'open heart' watches in the post-quartz revival era, allowing enthusiasts to view the movement without a high-luxury price tag.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. Significant oxidation and plating wear on the case and lugs. The bezel has heavy dirt buildup. The strap shows cracking and wear. The dial appears mostly clean, but the movement performance is unknown without testing.
Value Estimate
$50 - $150 USD. Value is significantly hampered by the poor condition of the gold plating and general market obscurity of the brand.
Care & Maintenance
Requires professional cleaning and possible replating if desired. Movement should be serviced every 5 years. Avoid all water contact due to aged gaskets and heavy case corrosion.
Similar Watches
Frederique Constant Heart Beat (higher end), Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart (modern alternative), Orient Bambino Open Heart (affordable Japanese alternative).
Interesting Facts
Auberge is one of many 'Private Label' Swiss brands that utilized the 'Swiss Made' trademark to offer mechanical watches at a lower price point than established giants like Longines or Tissot.