Usually when things are complicated, it means more stress, more work, and more effort, but in the end, it's worth it. The same holds true for vintage wristwatches, where gifted artisans and engineers from years gone by labored months and years to create complicated timepieces that transcend art and talent. When it comes to vintage wristwatches, the highest realms of respect and value are reserved for these watches that do much more than merely tell time.

The very fine, complicated Swiss wristwatch featured in today's offering is a prime original example of this phenomenon. It has great styling, is full size, and is in superior original condition.

Was it sold by a manufacturer whose perceived brand value make it a five-figure watch? No. But was it finely crafted during the golden era of Swiss watchmaking when only a relatively few maisons dared to craft complicated wristwatches that balanced elegance with functionality of capabilities. We think so.

Resulting from a partnership between fine Swiss firms and Valjoux, it is powered by one of the legendary calendar movements of the period, the Valjoux 90. Calendar watches from Breitling, Heuer, and Baume & Mercier used this caliber, and the Valjoux 90 platform can even be found in pieces commanding five-figure prices from Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe.

That such a range of respected brands chose this caliber underlines both its mechanical pedigree and its cultural importance during an era when mechanical complication was closely associated horological achievement.

One of the most appealing qualities of this watch is its sculpted full size case. In an era when most men’s watches measured closer to 32–34mm, this full size case with faceted claw style lugs gives the watch remarkable wrist presence without sacrificing elegance.

Its aesthetic is equally compelling. Encased in steel, this Circle offers an appealing balance of durability and refinement. Its silver dial is both handsome and functional, with applied Arabic numerals, twin apertures for the day and month, and an outer date track red tipped steel pointer hand. At six o’clock, the moonphase display adds a touch of poetry to the watch’s technical precision — a reminder of a time when watches were expected not only to tell the hours, but to mirror the rhythms of the natural world.

The fascination with lunar timekeeping was no accident. In the years following World War II, interest in astronomy and space exploration surged, and calendar watches with moonphase displays became fashionable symbols of modernity, intellect, and refinement.

For professionals, scientists, and visionaries alike, such timepieces reflected both precision and curiosity. Wearing a calendar moonphase was more than an expression of style — it was a statement of cultural engagement with a world increasingly defined by scientific discovery and international progress.

Adding to its charm is its beautiful all-original condition. Its dial is original and untouched in excellent condition, and its slight toning to a light sepia tone give it a warmth and depth of character that only time can impart.

Its case remains in excellent condition showing only light signs of previous polishing. It is quite crisp, showing the honest preservation collectors value most. Together, these details underscore the watch’s authenticity and originality — qualities that have become increasingly scarce in today’s market.

One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and serviced it. We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping very accurate time nearly on par with a new watch.

For the finishing touch, it comes equipped it with a blue leather strap that matches the moon phase window.

Included with the purchase is a one-year warranty on the movement and its function a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.

To wear this Swiss Circle watch today is to experience a piece of mid-century culture, when calendar moonphase wristwatches stood at the intersection of horology, science, and style. It represents an opportunity to enjoy a historically important complication, powered by one of the strong Swiss calibers of its age, in a timepiece that remains ready for immediate enjoyment and long-term collecting.

Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.

Manufacturer: Circle Watch Co.
City of origin: Geneva, Switzerland
Year built: 1940's
Case markings (outside): 102 V2
Case material: Stainless steel
Case condition: remains in excellent condition showing only light signs of previous polishing. It is quite crisp, showing the honest preservation collectors value most.
Function: Hours, Minutes, Day, Date, Month, Moon Phase, Sweep Seconds
Dimensions: 35.3mm wide by 44.5mm long lug tip-to-tip
Dial: Silver, outer date track, dial notes it is non-magnetic, apertures for day, month, and moon phase, sub dials in English, original and untouched, excellent condition with light toning to a slight sepia tone giving it a true vintage look
Hands: Original luminous batons, red-tipped steel pointer date hand
Crystal: Acrylic, excellent condition
Movement type: Valjoux 90, 17 ruby jewels, Swiss, manual wind, index regulator
Movement marking: Circle Watch Corp. – 17 Jewels – Unadjusted – Swiss Made
Band: Leather, fully stitched, padded, lightly worn. We also stock lizard and a variety of others straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
Width between lugs: 18mm
Crystal: Acrylic, excellent condition
Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and serviced it. We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping very accurate time nearly on par with a new watch.
Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping very accurate time nearly on par with a new watch.
Warranty: 1-year C.O.T. international warranty. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Box/Papers: Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide

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