Vintage Cauny Saddam Hussein Portrait Gold Dial Swiss 17J Date 36mm 1980s Watch

About this watch

A genuine piece of Middle Eastern political and horological history: a Swiss-made Cauny wristwatch with a full-colour printed portrait of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein in a blue suit on a golden sunburst dial. The dial is signed "Cauny" with the brand's emblem, "Waterproof 17 Jewels" and "T Swiss Made T", with applied gold-tone Arabic numerals 12, 6 and 9, black-inlaid baton markers, lume-filled baton hands, a red-tipped seconds hand and a date window at 3 o'clock. The 1970s-style cushion case carries a stainless steel caseback stamped "Swiss Made - Shockprotected - Stainless Steel Back", case number 61004.

Brand heritage

Cauny is a Swiss watch brand founded in 1927, with production in La Chaux-de-Fonds and strong Portuguese ties. Its "Prima" line, registered in 1953, made Cauny one of the best-selling watch brands in Portugal and Spain through the mid-20th century. During the 1970s and 1980s the Iraqi government commissioned a number of Swiss watchmakers to print Saddam Hussein's portrait on their dials; these watches were given to officers, officials and guests, and today they are sought after as historical collectibles.

Why this one is special

• Authentic Swiss-made Saddam Hussein portrait dial, a well-known category of collectible historical watches
• Bright, colourful portrait print on a warm gold sunburst dial
• Bold cushion-shaped case with a classic 1970s/80s look
• Mechanical 17-jewel Swiss movement with date

Specifications

• Brand: Cauny (Switzerland)
• Model: Saddam Hussein portrait dial
• Case number: 61004 (stamped on caseback)
• Case size: 36 mm (excluding crown)
• Movement: Swiss mechanical, 17 jewels, shock protected, date
• Case: base metal cushion case and bezel with stainless steel screw-down caseback
• Dial: gold sunburst with colour portrait, applied numerals and baton markers, date at 3
• Strap: black leather with steel buckle
• Era: 1980s

Condition

Pre-owned vintage condition. The case is polished and bright, with small marks on the case and light scratches on the caseback. The dial and portrait are bright and clear; the crystal shows light wear. The strap is in good condition. 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, presented in a wooden watch box (not a Cauny box). No papers.

Shipping & Returns

Free shipping with DHL from Cairo, Egypt.
30-day returns, buyer pays return shipping.

Ref: H821