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A bold 1970s French mechanical watch with unmistakable tool-watch character, this Esperanto combines a large 43mm cushion case, black dial, vivid red hour markers and a distinctive red-and-blue multi-city world-time scale.
The dial is signed ESPERANTO – ANTIMAGNETIC – 17 JEWELS with SHOCKPROOF – FRANCE below, confirming its French identity and 17-jewel mechanical specification. A framed date aperture sits near five o’clock, while the dual-crown layout and concentric timing scales give the watch the purposeful appearance associated with period travel and diving watches.
Esperanto was a French watch name associated with Montres Esperanto / CRC, a manufacturer active during the 1970s and known for mechanical 17-jewel movements. This example captures that era particularly well through its oversized proportions and colourful international-city bezel.
The watch is fitted with a navy-and-red woven strap, which complements the faded blue and red bezel beautifully.
Works well for a vintage timepiece.
Condition shows substantial honest vintage wear: scratches and rubbing are visible across the case, the outer city bezel shows considerable fading and surface loss, and age-related marks are present on the dial, hands and crystal. These imperfections are clearly visible in the photographs and contribute to the watch’s well-used tool-watch appearance.
A highly characterful piece for collectors of French mechanical watches, 1970s jumbo cases, world-time designs and unconventional vintage sports watches.
