This Philippe Charriol offers something that isn’t immediately obvious at a glance. While it presents as a refined luxury dress watch, it was created to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage - a detail expressed most clearly through its sculpted medallion caseback. That element gives the piece a quiet sense of meaning, adding depth without overwhelming its design.

When Charriol introduced this model, the focus wasn’t just on beautiful watchmaking in the traditional sense. It was conceived also to be a commemorative object - something to mark a globally recognized historical milestone. The emphasis was on symbolism and ownership: a watch meant to represent exploration, legacy, and discovery. That original intent still comes through today, especially in the engraved caseback, which serves as the anchor for the entire design.

For those less familiar with the brand, Philippe Charriol built its reputation on blending Swiss watchmaking with a distinctly design-driven approach, often drawing influence from jewelry and architecture. Rather than competing on complication or technical novelty, the brand focused on creating watches with a strong visual identity - pieces meant to be worn, noticed, and appreciated for their form as much as their function.

This watch itself is unmistakably Charriol. The rounded case with the distinctive architectural lugs desk clock style crown reflect that design language. It balances offering the individuality of feel considered without calling too much attention to itself. It was designed to have a very restrainted 32mm diameter without the crown, because the crown and lugs both give it a larger presence on the wrist.

The dial keeps it grounded in classic design. A clean white backdrop with Roman numerals and a railroad minute track gives it a timeless, composed look, while the subtle date aperture adds everyday practicality. Paired with its original blue strap, the overall presentation feels both traditional and just slightly modernized.

Inside, its Swiss quartz movement provides dependable, low-maintenance performance. It’s the kind of watch you can pick up, set, and wear without a second thought.

It is all original down to the signed strap and presents in gorgeous condition. The watch itself presents as a 9.7 out of 10.

A Master Watchmaker has installed a battery and performed any need servicing making it. The original strap shows signs of previous wear, though it is still very serviceable. A new strap would make the watch present like new.

Included with the purchase is a two-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function and a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.

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 special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.

Maker: Philippe Charriol
Country of manufacture: Switzerland
Year built: Late 1990's
Serial no.: 365X/370
Model: Columbus 1492 Commemorative
Functions: Hours, Minutes
Designed for: Men
Case material: 18K gold plated and stainless steel
Case condition: Presents as mint
Case markings (outside): Columbus 1492–1992 commemorative medallion, Philippe Charriol, Swiss Quartz, Water Resistant
Dial: Matte white dial with printed Roman numerals, outer chemin de fer minute track, printed minute hashes, aperture, for date at 6 o’clock, black printed signature and text, original, like new condition
Dimensions: 32mm diameter (excluding crown), 43mm long lug tip-to-tip
Hands: Original, blue steel "feuilles"
Movement type: Swiss quartz
Band: Original, signed, midsized, fits a wrist up to approx. inches on the largest setting, adjustable to fit even a very small wrist, shows signs of previous wear, though it is still very serviceable. A new strap would make the watch present like new and could make it fit any size wrist
Crystal: Sapphire, as new
Servicing: A Master Watchmaker has installed a battery and performed any need servicing making it. The original strap shows signs of previous wear, though it is still very serviceable. A new strap would make the watch present like new.
Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details. 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. As mentioned, one used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership, was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center and also has done work for the Cartier Service Center.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - 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