Ebel Beluga Tonneau Ref. 9157421
Dress Watch · Ebel (part of Movado Group since 2004), a luxury Swiss brand known as 'The Architects of Time'.
Period: Modern Luxury (late 1990s - mid 2000s) exhibiting Neo-Classical and Art Deco influence with its curved tonneau case.
Type
Dress Watch
Brand
Ebel (part of Movado Group since 2004), a luxury Swiss brand known as 'The Architects of Time'.
Movement
Swiss Quartz, likely Ebel Caliber 157 (base ETA), featuring 7 jewels with high-precision timekeeping.
Dimensions
Case width: approx 32mm excluding crown; Thickness: 9mm; Lug-to-lug: 45mm; utilizes a proprietary integrated T-link strap system.
Description
An elegant representation of Ebel's fluid design language, the Beluga Tonneau bridges the gap between jewelry and horology. Its ergonomic case curves comfortably around the wrist, while the intricate radial guilloché dial provides a sophisticated play of light.
Key Features
Tonneau (barrel) case shape, engraved numerals on the case flanks, sunray dial texture, and the unique proprietary strap integration system.
Dial Description
Silver-white dial with prominent sunray guilloché radiating from the center; features applied '12' and '6' numerals, faceted dagger indices, small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock, and polished leaf-shaped hands.
Case Material
Polished 316L Stainless Steel with a fluid, ergonomic tonneau design.
Crystal Type
Flat or slightly domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with internal anti-reflective coating.
Bezel Details
Fixed, integrated into the case structure; features engraved Arabic numerals (2, 4, 8, 10) on the curved steel flanks.
Crown & Pushers
Small, fluted push-pull crown recessed into the side of the case with embossed Ebel double-E logo.
Bracelet or Strap
Integrated blue ostrich or embossed leather strap with proprietary T-shaped attachment and a signed Ebel deployment clasp.
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel caseback secured by four screws; engraved with brand logo, reference number 9157421, serial number, and 'Swiss Made'.
Movement Type
Swiss Quartz, likely Ebel Caliber 157 (base ETA), featuring 7 jewels with high-precision timekeeping.
Water Resistance
Rated at 30 meters (3 ATM); splash resistant only. Not suitable for swimming or immersion.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made; manufactured in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, utilizing a mix of in-house design and reliable Swiss quartz movements.
Age Estimate
Produced circa 2000-2005 based on the style of the indices and the use of the Beluga Tonneau casing.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Architects of Time' era where Ebel focused on soft, organic lines that challenged the industrial aesthetic of many Swiss competitors.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; the case shows light hairline scratches consistent with wear; the blue strap shows significant wear and fraying near the lugs and will likely require replacement.
Value Estimate
$400 - $750 USD. Value is reduced by the damaged strap, as authentic Ebel replacements are expensive and difficult to source.
Care & Maintenance
Requires battery replacement every 2-3 years; avoid water due to leather strap age; proprietary strap requires sourcing specific Ebel-style replacements.
Similar Watches
Cartier Tortue (mechanical/higher luxury), Baume & Mercier Hampton, Longines Evidenza.
Interesting Facts
Ebel was once a powerhouse in the 1980s and 90s, famously supplying movements to Cartier and being worn by Don Johnson in 'Miami Vice'.