Candino Naval Hero Sapphire (Two-Tone)
Sports-Elegant / Dress Watch · Candino (part of the Festina Group). Positioned as a mid-range Swiss manufacturer known for offering sapphire crystals and Swiss movements at accessible price points.
Period: Modern Luxury-Lite (Late 1990s - Early 2000s). Indicators include the integrated bracelet aesthetic, two-tone gold plating, and the 'rider tab' influenced bezel reminiscent of Breitling designs of that era.
Type
Sports-Elegant / Dress Watch
Brand
Candino (part of the Festina Group). Positioned as a mid-range Swiss manufacturer known for offering sapphire crystals and Swiss movements at accessible price points.
Movement
Quartz movement, likely a Swiss ETA or Ronda caliber. Features include hours, minutes, central seconds, and a quick-set date at 3 o'clock.
Dimensions
Diameter: 37-39mm excluding crown; Thickness: 8-9mm; Lug-to-lug: ~44mm; Integrated lug width: ~18-20mm.
Description
The Candino Naval Hero is a classic example of late 90s Swiss design, blending the rugged feel of a tool watch - thanks to its 'rider tab' bezel - with the elegance of a two-tone dress piece. Its slim profile and integrated bracelet make it a versatile daily wearer.
Key Features
Distinctive raised bezel tabs, 'Naval Hero' model name, sapphire crystal which is rare for watches in this price bracket of that era, and the 'Swiss Made' hallmark.
Dial Description
Silver-champagne sunburst dial with a vertical-brushed tuxedo center. It features applied gold-tone indices, a 12 o'clock Arabic numeral, and a date window at 3. The hands are baton-style with lumnious inserts.
Case Material
Stainless steel with partial gold PVD/electroplating. The finish is primarily brushed on the lugs and bezel with polished gold accents.
Crystal Type
Sapphire crystal (as indicated on the dial), flat, likely without significant AR coating. Appears to be in good condition.
Bezel Details
Fixed stainless steel decorative bezel featuring six raised gold-plated 'rider tabs' or claws, with engraved minute markers in increments of 5.
Crown & Pushers
Standard pull-push crown, gold-plated, slightly recessed or protected by small integrated crown guards.
Bracelet or Strap
Integrated multi-link stainless steel bracelet with gold-plated center link accents. Likely features a hidden butterfly clasp or a standard folding clasp with safety.
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel screw-down or snap-on caseback, likely featuring the Candino logo and 'Swiss Made' engraving.
Movement Type
Quartz movement, likely a Swiss ETA or Ronda caliber. Features include hours, minutes, central seconds, and a quick-set date at 3 o'clock.
Water Resistance
Rated at 5 ATM (50 meters) when new. Currently, it should be treated as splash-proof only unless pressure tested, as gaskets degrade over two decades.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made; headquartered in Herbetswil, Switzerland. Uses outsourced Swiss movements.
Age Estimate
Circa 1995-2005 based on the bezel design and dial typography.
Cultural Significance
Represents the era of 'accessible Swiss luxury' where brands competed to offer high-end materials like sapphire to the general consumer market.
Condition Notes
Good condition. The gold plating on the bracelet links and bezel tabs shows light surface wear but no major peeling. Dial and hands remain clean. No box and papers mentioned by owner.
Value Estimate
$80 - $150 USD. The lack of box and papers and the quartz movement keep the price in the affordable collector range.
Care & Maintenance
Requires battery changes every 2-3 years. Avoid salt water exposure due to aged gaskets; if submerged, rinse with fresh water. Use a microfiber cloth for the gold plating to avoid abrasion.
Similar Watches
Breitling Chronomat (visual bezel similarity), Omega Constellation (integrated bracelet style), or older Raymond Weil Geneve models.
Interesting Facts
Candino was founded in 1947 and gained recognition for its high-tech ceramic watches before joining the Festina group in 2002. The Naval Hero series was one of their most popular entry-level luxury lines.
Notes
Has no box and papers is in good kondition