Eric Chevillard Solar Tank / Rectangular Fashion Watch
Fashion Watch / Solar-Powered Dress Watch · Eric Chevillard; a lifestyle/fashion brand typically distributed via European department stores or promotional catalogs. Positioned in the affordable/lifestyle tier.
Period: Contemporary/Modern (circa 2010s). The design draws inspiration from classic deco rectangular cases like the Cartier Tank, but with modern industrial sizing and a solar panel integration.
Type
Fashion Watch / Solar-Powered Dress Watch
Brand
Eric Chevillard; a lifestyle/fashion brand typically distributed via European department stores or promotional catalogs. Positioned in the affordable/lifestyle tier.
Movement
Solar-powered quartz movement. Utilizes a visible photovoltaic panel on the dial to charge an internal capacitor or secondary battery. Caliber is likely an unbranded or generic Japanese or Chinese solar module.
Dimensions
Case Diameter: 32mm (width excluding crown); Thickness: 10mm; Lug-to-Lug: 45mm; Lug Width: 22mm. It wears large due to the rectangular 'tank' geometry.
Description
This Eric Chevillard timepiece is an accessible take on the classic rectangular dress watch. It combines a professional brushed aesthetic with the practical benefits of solar technology. The prominent vertical brushing on the case gives it a rugged, industrial feel compared to traditional polished dress watches, while the red seconds hand adds a sporty pop of color to the otherwise monochromatic dial layout.
Key Features
Exposed solar panel on the lower dial, red seconds hand, oversized rectangular case proportions, and the 'solar' text branding above the energy cell.
Dial Description
Matte black dial featuring a visible rectangular solar cell at the 6 o'clock position. It has printed Roman numerals at 3, 9, and 12, with stick indices elsewhere. Luminous dots at the hour markers, sword-style luminous hour/minute hands, and a contrasting red needle seconds hand.
Case Material
Brushed base metal (likely alloy or 316L stainless steel) with a satin-brushed finish on the vertical flanks.
Crystal Type
Flat mineral glass. Shows some light surface scratching and smudging.
Bezel Details
Fixed, integrated into the case design with broad vertical brushed borders.
Crown & Pushers
Standard push-pull fluted crown located at 3 o'clock, steel-toned with no visible branding.
Bracelet or Strap
Black alligator-embossed leather strap with matching black stitching and a standard tang buckle.
Caseback Details
Likely a snap-on or screw-down stainless steel solid caseback containing the brand name and basic water resistance specs.
Movement Type
Solar-powered quartz movement. Utilizes a visible photovoltaic panel on the dial to charge an internal capacitor or secondary battery. Caliber is likely an unbranded or generic Japanese or Chinese solar module.
Water Resistance
3 ATM (30 meters). Splash-resistant only; not suitable for swimming, showering, or immersion.
Origin & Provenance
Brand origin is likely European (French-sounding name); manufacturing is almost certainly outsourced to China using generic quartz components.
Age Estimate
Circa 2010-2020. The integration of visible solar panels was a popular 'eco-friendly' design trend for affordable fashion brands in this era.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of solar technology in the 21st century, moving from high-end Japanese tech (Seiko/Citizen) into the general fashion and promotional watch market.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible scratches on the mineral crystal near the 9 o'clock side. The case shows minor wear on the edges. The strap appears used but intact. Overall condition is consistent with regular wear.
Value Estimate
$20 - $50 USD. Value is based on utility and style rather than horological collectibility or brand heritage.
Care & Maintenance
Requires regular exposure to light (natural or artificial) to maintain battery charge. Avoid deep water exposure as gaskets on fashion watches are often minimal. Clean the crystal with a microfiber cloth.
Similar Watches
Cartier Tank (luxury inspiration), Casio Solar models (functional equivalent), Seiko SUP series (higher-end solar tank alternative).
Interesting Facts
The brand Eric Chevillard is often associated with the 'gift with purchase' or 'mail order' market in Europe, where watches are designed to look like high-end luxury pieces while maintaining very low production costs.