Preliminary identification

Buren 17-Jewel Mechanical Wristwatch, c. 1968-1972

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

A classic mid-century manual-wind timepiece featuring a minimalist silver-tone dial with raised numerals and a robust 17-jewel mechanical movement.

Story

In 1966, the prestigious American Hamilton Watch Company acquired the Swiss firm Buren, leading to a unique cross-pollination of watchmaking cultures.

Maker / Origin

Buren was a legendary Swiss innovator, most famous for inventing the micro-rotor, a breakthrough that allowed automatic watches to be incredibly thin.

Condition & Value

The dial shows light spotting consistent with age, and the crystal has visible surface scratches. The base metal bezel shows some wear to the plating on the lugs where the brass-colored base metal is beginning to 'peek' through.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD