Tabor Vintage Two-Tone Dial Small Seconds (Reference Unspecified)
Vintage Dress/Everyday Watch · Tabor. Tabor was a Swiss brand (often associated with the Buhler family or smaller assembly houses in the Jura region) that focused on reliable, affordable mechanical watches for the European market.
Period: Mid-Century Modern (Late 1940s-1950s). The design features a two-tone 'tuxedo' or 'bullseye' sector layout and small seconds subdial characteristic of post-WWII European watchmaking.
Type
Vintage Dress/Everyday Watch
Brand
Tabor. Tabor was a Swiss brand (often associated with the Buhler family or smaller assembly houses in the Jura region) that focused on reliable, affordable mechanical watches for the European market.
Movement
Manual-wind mechanical movement. Typically a Swiss 15 or 17 jewel lever escapement movement from ebauche makers like AS (A. Schild) or Peseux, common for the Tabor brand during this era.
Dimensions
Diameter: 30-33mm (excluding crown), Thickness: 9-10mm, Lug-to-Lug: 38-40mm, Lug Width: 16mm. This is considered a 'boy's size' or small men's vintage size by modern standards.
Description
This Tabor timepiece is a quintessential example of mid-century European daily-wear watches. Despite its small stature by modern standards, the 'bullseye' dial layout and leaf-style hands offer a classic aesthetic that recalls the Golden Age of mechanical watchmaking. It represents the utilitarian elegance of an era where a mechanical watch was a necessary tool for every man.
Key Features
Two-tone sector dial, small-seconds complication at 6 o'clock, Arabic numerals at 2, 4, 8, 10, 12, and a cracked domed acrylic crystal.
Dial Description
Aged silver/white 'Two-Tone' dial. It features an outer ring with applied or printed Arabic numerals at even intervals and baton indices at odd intervals. A sunken small-seconds subdial is located at 6 o'clock. The dial shows significant patina, spotting (foxing), and oxidation.
Case Material
Chrome-plated brass or base metal with a stainless steel caseback. The visible brassing (yellowish metal showing through) on the lugs and bezel indicates a plated construction rather than solid steel.
Crystal Type
Domed Acrylic/Hesalite. There is a visible significant crack running from the 10 o'clock to the center, along with numerous surface scratches.
Bezel Details
Fixed, integrated smooth bezel. It is part of the case construction and shows heavy wear and pitting in the plating.
Crown & Pushers
Original small push-pull crown, likely knurled for grip. It shows significant wear and sits close to the case.
Bracelet or Strap
Aftermarket vintage expansion-style (stretch) metal bracelet. These were popular in the mid-century as budget-friendly replacements but often cause wear on the lugs due to the spring-loaded end links.
Caseback Details
Screw-down or snap-on stainless steel caseback. Visible markings usually include 'Stainless Steel Back,' 'Antimagnetic,' or 'Waterproof' in French or English.
Movement Type
Manual-wind mechanical movement. Typically a Swiss 15 or 17 jewel lever escapement movement from ebauche makers like AS (A. Schild) or Peseux, common for the Tabor brand during this era.
Water Resistance
Non-existent. Although it may have been marketed as 'Waterproof' or 'Water Protected' when new, it currently offers no protection against moisture.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Likely assembled in Switzerland using outsourced ebauche components, which was the standard industry practice for mid-tier brands of this period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1945–1955 based on the dial layout, sub-seconds positioning, and the use of chrome-plated casing.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Everyman's' watch of the post-war recovery era. While not high horology like Patek or Rolex, these watches were the backbone of the Swiss industry and provided reliable timekeeping to the growing middle class.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair. The crystal is severely cracked and requires replacement. The chrome plating is worn through to the base metal on almost all sharp edges (brassing). The dial has heavy oxidation and dirt. The movement functionality is unknown but likely requires a full overhaul.
Value Estimate
$20 - $60 USD. The value is low due to the plated case, cracked crystal, and poor overall condition. A fully restored version might reach $100-$150 to a niche collector.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid all contact with water as the gaskets are likely non-existent. A full mechanical service is recommended before use to prevent damage to the pivots. Replace the acrylic crystal to prevent moisture from entering through the crack.
Similar Watches
Vintage Omega 30T2 (higher end), Atlantic Varldsmastarur, vintage Tissot Antimagnetique, or Longines Sei Tacche.
Interesting Facts
The Tabor brand is one of many 'lost' Swiss brands that did not survive the Quartz Crisis of the 1970s. These watches are often found in Eastern and Central Europe (like the Czech Republic, where this listing is from), having been imported in large numbers during the mid-20th century.