Elysee Regulator Automatic Ref. 80214
Complications Watch (Regulator) · Elysee (Elysee Uhren GmbH). An independent mid-range German brand based in Düsseldorf, known for providing 'Made in Germany' value-oriented mechanical timepieces.
Period: Neo-Classical/Modern Luxury (2010s). It features traditional horological design cues such as a regulator layout, guilloché texture, and an onion crown, signaling a tribute to historic master clocks.
Type
Complications Watch (Regulator)
Brand
Elysee (Elysee Uhren GmbH). An independent mid-range German brand based in Düsseldorf, known for providing 'Made in Germany' value-oriented mechanical timepieces.
Movement
Automatic/Self-winding, likely a modified Citizen/Miyota 8219 or 8217 caliber with regulator complication, frequency of 21,600 vph, approx. 40-hour power reserve.
Dimensions
Case Diameter: 42mm; Thickness: 13mm; Lug-to-Lug: 49mm; Lug Width: 22mm. It wears quite large for a dress style watch due to the long lug design and thin bezel.
Description
The Elysee Regulator is a striking 'homage' to the precision clocks used by watchmakers in the 18th century to set and regulate their work. By separating the hours into a subdial, the central minute hand remains unobstructed throughout the day. This timepiece balances technical complexity with elegant aesthetics, featuring a multi-textured dial and a classic onion crown usually reserved for higher-priced pilot or marine watches. It offers a sophisticated, academic look on the wrist.
Key Features
Regulator hand configuration (separated hours and minutes); 24-hour GMT-style indicator at 9 o'clock; Pointer date at 6 o'clock; 'Made in Germany' branding; Cnc-cut guilloché patterning.
Dial Description
White/Silver dial with a tiered construction. Central guilloché 'clous de Paris' texture. Regulator layout featuring a main central minute hand, hours subdial at 12 with Roman numerals, 24-hour subdial at 9, and date subdial at 6. Black printed Arabic numerals for minutes on the outer track.
Case Material
Polished 316L Stainless Steel
Crystal Type
Flat Sapphire Crystal; typically scratch-resistant. Based on reflections, it appears to have a single-sided anti-reflective coating.
Bezel Details
Fixed, polished stainless steel bezel with a thin, sloping profile to maximize dial visibility.
Crown & Pushers
Large stainless steel 'Onion' style crown, push-pull type, designed for easy grip and an antique aesthetic.
Bracelet or Strap
Reddish-brown alligator-embossed leather strap with matching stitching and a standard stainless steel pin buckle or deployant clasp.
Caseback Details
Screw-down exhibition caseback with a mineral glass window showing the movement and Elysée-branded rotor. Engraved with model information and 'Düsseldorf Germany'.
Movement Type
Automatic/Self-winding, likely a modified Citizen/Miyota 8219 or 8217 caliber with regulator complication, frequency of 21,600 vph, approx. 40-hour power reserve.
Water Resistance
5 ATM (50 Meters). Splash resistant only. Not suitable for swimming or showering. Gaskets should be inspected annually if exposed to humidity.
Origin & Provenance
Düsseldorf, Germany. While the brand is German and assembly occurs in Germany, the movement is a high-quality Japanese import (Miyota).
Age Estimate
Circa 2012-2018. This specific dial layout and branding belong to the brand's modern era of expansion.
Cultural Significance
A representative of the 'Affordable Luxury' movement in German watchmaking, proving that classical complications like the regulator can be made accessible to the general public through clever modular use of reliable Japanese movements.
Condition Notes
The watch appears to be in Very Good condition. The case shows minor surface hairline scratches from wear. The crystal is clear. The leather strap shows some creasing but is not frayed. Lume is likely non-existent given the dressy nature of the painted indices.
Value Estimate
Pre-owned Value: $250 - $450 USD. Factors affecting value include the relatively niche appeal of the regulator layout and the mid-tier brand recognition of Elysee.
Care & Maintenance
Service every 5 years to maintain movement lubrication. Since this is an 'onion' crown and is not screw-down, avoid all water immersion. Keep away from magnetic fields to prevent the balance spring from sticking.
Similar Watches
Alpina Startimer Regulator, Chronoswiss Regulateur (the gold standard for this style), Tissot Le Locle Regulateur, and Hamilton Jazzmaster Regulator.
Interesting Facts
The regulator layout was originally the 'master clock' in a workshop. Because the time was read specifically by the minutes first, the large central hand allowed for extreme precision. Elysee often sponsors motor sports (like the Jochen Rindt collection), but this model is part of their 'Classic' line.