Vintage 1970s Basis Digital Jump Hour Swiss 17J Mechanical Space Age 40mm Watch

About this watch

A head-turning piece of Space Age design. Instead of hands, this Basis "Digital" shows the hours and minutes on rotating discs in a wide black window, with red pointers and the words "Swiss" and "17 Jewels" on the dial.

The 40mm faceted, highly polished case sits on a black leather strap. The steel caseback is marked "Automatic Shockproof All Stainless Steel"; the watch is listed as manual wind.

Brand heritage

Basis Watch was founded in 1918 by Adolf Thommen in Tecknau, Switzerland, and built its business on affordable pin-lever (Roskopf) watches. In 1967 Basis became a founding member of Economic Swiss Time Holding together with Buler, Agon, Ferex and Continental, directed by Max Thommen of Basis and Walter Rüfli of Buler. In the 1970s Basis produced bold mechanical "digital" jump hour watches, a futuristic answer to the coming LED era.

Why this one is special

• Mechanical "digital" display, no hands
• Dramatic faceted Space Age case
• Swiss 17-jewel movement
• A conversation piece of 1970s design

Specifications

• Brand: Basis, Swiss made
• Type: mechanical jump hour (disc display)
• Era: 1970s
• Case size: 40 mm, approx. 14 mm thick, polished faceted case
• Caseback: steel, marked Automatic Shockproof All Stainless Steel
• Movement: Swiss mechanical, 17 jewels (listed as manual wind)
• Dial: black with hour and minute discs
• Strap: black leather, 20 mm

Condition

Pre-owned in good vintage condition with light wear consistent with age; the polished case shows light scratches. As with any vintage mechanical watch, servicing is recommended for optimal performance. Please check all photos carefully as they are part of the description.
Working at time of listing.

What's included

The watch on a black leather strap. Display box shown for presentation.

Shipping & Returns

Ships from Cairo, Egypt. Please see the shipping and returns details in this listing.