Dogma Prima Antimagnetic 'Ancre 15 Rubis' Jumbo
Dress Watch / Casual Vintage · Dogma (Manufacture d'Horlogerie Ariste Cluseau / Fabrique d'Horlogerie Dogma). A mid-tier Swiss brand popular in the mid-20th century.
Period: Mid-Century (1940s-1950s). The design features a classic oversized 'Jumbo' case aesthetic popular in Post-WWII Europe, characterized by printed Roman numerals and dotted indices.
Type
Dress Watch / Casual Vintage
Brand
Dogma (Manufacture d'Horlogerie Ariste Cluseau / Fabrique d'Horlogerie Dogma). A mid-tier Swiss brand popular in the mid-20th century.
Movement
Manual-wound mechanical movement, likely an ETA or Peseux caliber, 15 jewels (Ancre 15 Rubis), featuring a sub-seconds complication.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 36-38mm (Oversized for the era), Thickness: 9mm, Lug-to-lug: 44-46mm, Lug width: 18mm or 19mm.
Description
An honest example of a mid-century 'Jumbo' Swiss dress watch. Dogma watches were known for their elegant, larger-than-average cases which provided excellent legibility and a modern wrist presence for the time. This piece carries a heavy 'tropical' patina that collectors of original, un-restored vintage watches often find charming.
Key Features
Oversized 'Jumbo' case for the period; unique triple-dot indices; 'Ancre 15 Rubis' and 'Antimagnetic' branding; subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock.
Dial Description
Champagne/Cream dial with heavy age-related patina. Features printed Roman numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 with triple-dot indices between. Sunburst sub-seconds register at 6 o'clock. Needle-style gold-tone hands.
Case Material
Chrome-plated base metal with a stainless steel caseback. The plating shows significant wear (brassing) consistent with age.
Crystal Type
Acrylic/Plexiglass, domed profile. Shows visible surface scratches and 'crazing' marks typical of aged plastic.
Bezel Details
Fixed, integrated smooth bezel that is part of the case assembly, showing significant loss of chrome plating.
Crown & Pushers
Small, knurled push-pull crown located at 3 o'clock. Likely a replacement or significantly worn original.
Bracelet or Strap
None shown; features fixed or spring-bar lugs (likely spring-bars based on the era). Traditionally worn on a thin leather animal skin strap.
Caseback Details
Solid, snap-on stainless steel caseback. Likely features the Dogma star logo and 'Fond Acier Inoxydable' engravings.
Movement Type
Manual-wound mechanical movement, likely an ETA or Peseux caliber, 15 jewels (Ancre 15 Rubis), featuring a sub-seconds complication.
Water Resistance
None. Rated 0 ATM. Practically splash-vulnerable; gaskets are likely non-existent or dried.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Manufactured in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Dogma was particularly successful in the Balkan and Mediterranean markets during the 1950s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1948–1955 based on the dial layout, 'Ancre 15 Rubis' text, and Jumbo case sizing.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war transition from small military-style watches to larger, more expressive civilian dress watches. It embodies the 'workhorse' Swiss watch of the 1950s.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor condition. The chrome plating is heavily worn, revealing the brass underneath (brassing). The dial has significant spotting and oxidation. The crystal requires polishing or replacement.
Value Estimate
$50 - $120 USD. Value is limited by the heavy plating wear and dial damage; however, the 'Jumbo' size maintains some collector interest.
Care & Maintenance
Requires immediate movement service if intended for wear. Avoid all contact with water as there is no effective water resistance. Chrome-plated cases should be kept dry to prevent further corrosion.
Similar Watches
Vintage Atlantic Worldmaster, Tissot Antimagnetique, or Longines 'EI' (Extra-Informations) models from the same era.
Interesting Facts
Dogma was a major supplier of watches to various military forces in the mid-20th century, though this specific model is a civilian dress variant. The brand remains a cult favorite in Eastern and Southern Europe.