Mirexal 17 Jewels Incabloc Tonneau
Dress Watch / Casual Every-day · Mirexal; a Swiss private label brand famously commissioned by the Swiss retailer Migros to provide quality Swiss watches at accessible price points.
Period: 1970s Vintage (Cushion/Tonneau Era). Identifiers include the chunky 'C-shape' integrated-style case and the blocky applied indices typical of late 60s/70s design.
Type
Dress Watch / Casual Every-day
Brand
Mirexal; a Swiss private label brand famously commissioned by the Swiss retailer Migros to provide quality Swiss watches at accessible price points.
Movement
Manual-wind / Hand-wound; 17 Jewels, Incabloc shock protection system. Likely an ebauche movement such as an ETA, FHF, or Peseux caliber common to Swiss private labels.
Dimensions
34mm to 36mm diameter (excluding crown), 11mm thickness, 40mm lug-to-lug, 18mm lug width.
Description
This Mirexal exemplifies the 1970s 'value' Swiss watch market. With its bold cushion-shaped case and sunburst dial, it captures the era’s shift from traditional round dress watches to more experimental, architectural shapes. As a house brand for a major retailer, it represent a high-quality 'everyman' watch of its time.
Key Features
Tonneau (cushion) case, Sunburst radial brushed finishing, 17-jewel manual wind movement, and Incabloc shock protection logo.
Dial Description
Silver sunburst dial with a vertical-brushed effect. Features applied faceted rectangular block indices with black inserts and small luminous dots. Baton-style hands with central luminous strips.
Case Material
Base metal with likely Chrome plating or Stainless Steel; the sunburst radial brushing on the front of the case is a hallmark of the 1970s tool-watch aesthetic used on dressier pieces.
Crystal Type
Acrylic / Hesalite (domed plastic). Shows significant micro-scratches and light wear consistent with age.
Bezel Details
Integrated fixed smooth bezel forming part of the cushion case structure with heavy radial brushed finishing.
Crown & Pushers
Small, ridged push-pull crown at the 3 o'clock position, likely unsigned.
Bracelet or Strap
Brown croc-pattern or lizard embossed leather strap. Aftermarket replacement; shows significant wear and creasing.
Caseback Details
Likely a screw-down or snap-on stainless steel caseback featuring the brand name and 'Stainless Steel Back' or 'Water Resistant' engravings.
Movement Type
Manual-wind / Hand-wound; 17 Jewels, Incabloc shock protection system. Likely an ebauche movement such as an ETA, FHF, or Peseux caliber common to Swiss private labels.
Water Resistance
Non-water resistant by modern standards. Originally rated for 'Water Resistance' (approx 3ATM), but gaskets are likely compromised by age.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Mirexal watches were typically produced by various Swiss manufacturers (like Mondaine or Rotary) for the Migros department store chain.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970–1975, based on the tonneau case shape and the 'T SWISS MADE T' markings indicating the use of Tritium lume.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of Swiss mechanical watchmaking, providing reliable Swiss movements to the general public during the height of the mechanical era.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible scratches on the acrylic crystal. Case shows 'flea bites' and surface scratches. The dial remains remarkably clean. The strap is heavily worn and requires replacement.
Value Estimate
$50 - $150 USD. Value is driven by its charm as a vintage Swiss mechanical piece rather than rarity or luxury status.
Care & Maintenance
Service every 5-7 years as lubricants dry out. Avoid all water contact due to aged gaskets. Do not over-wind the manual movement; stop when you feel resistance.
Similar Watches
Tissot PR 516 (manual version), Certina Blue Ribbon, or vintage Seiko 5-series from the same era.
Interesting Facts
Mirexal is a 'lost' brand of the quartz crisis era, highly respected in Switzerland because it was the watch brand for Migros (Switzerland's largest retail company), representing democratic luxury.