Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is a striking 1970s dual-crown mechanical alarm watch featuring a bold two-tone bullseye dial and retro cushion case. Powered by a pin-lever Ronda caliber 1223 movement, it utilizes a mechanical hammer to strike an internal pin, buzzing right on your wrist.
Story
Long before digital smartphone alarms, 1970s watchmakers packed mechanical cricket-like buzzers into affordable wristwatches. Marcel & Cie brought these fun, functional complications to everyday wearers who needed reminders on the go.
Maker / Origin
Marcel & Cie was a Swiss-registered brand brand heavily marketed in North America during the mid-to-late 20th century. They specialized in affordable, stylish complication watches—such as alarms, jump hours, and chronographs—often utilizing reliable pin-lever movements from makers like Ronda.
Condition & Value
Shows noticeable plating wear and scratching on the cushion case, bezel, and acrylic crystal. As an unserviced movement, functional status of the balance wheel and alarm hammer directly impacts value—servicing generally costs more than the watch's base market value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
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.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.