This is a fantastic example of a mid-century Lorie Triple Calendar Moonphase, a Canadian-market watch combining an unusually complicated calendar display with a high-quality Swiss movement. While the overall design is reminiscent of other 1950s calendar watches, what makes this example particularly interesting is the Venus Calibre 203 inside.
At 34.6mm across, 41.9mm lug-to-lug and only 10.5mm thick, the case has excellent proportions for a vintage dress watch. The slightly larger diameter gives it a bit more presence on the wrist, while the remarkably slim profile keeps the watch elegant and comfortable. The snap-on caseback is also nicely finished, with circular engine-turning visible on the inside and case reference 2117.
The dial packs an impressive amount of information into a relatively small space. Day and month apertures sit beneath 12 o'clock, while the outer chapter carries the 1–31 date scale, indicated by a central date hand. At 6 o'clock is the charming moonphase display, complete with the smiling moon and stars that are so characteristic of these wonderfully decorative 1950s calendar watches.
Inside is the 17-jewel Venus Calibre 203, a Swiss manual-winding movement fitted with Incabloc shock protection. Venus was one of Switzerland's important specialist movement manufacturers, best known for its chronograph and complicated calibres. The distinctive bridge architecture and substantial construction make the Calibre 203 a particularly interesting engine for a watch of this size.
The Lorie name adds another layer of Canadian watchmaking history. Lorie was a Canadian-market import name associated with Saunders Leading Jewelers of Toronto, who brought Swiss-made movements and watches to the Canadian market. Finding a sophisticated Swiss calibre like the Venus 203 inside a Canadian-market branded watch makes this a great example of the international nature of mid-century watch production.
With its triple calendar, moonphase, Venus movement, Incabloc protection and beautifully proportioned 34.6mm case, this Lorie is a wonderful example of the complicated dress watches produced during the golden age of mechanical watchmaking—and an especially interesting piece for collectors who enjoy the history behind lesser-known Canadian-market brands.
This is a fantastic example of a mid-century Lorie Triple Calendar Moonphase, a Canadian-market watch combining an unusually complicated calendar display with a high-quality Swiss movement. While the overall design is reminiscent of other 1950s calendar watches, what makes this example particularly interesting is the Venus Calibre 203 inside.
At 34.6mm across, 41.9mm lug-to-lug and only 10.5mm thick, the case has excellent proportions for a vintage dress watch. The slightly larger diameter gives it a bit more presence on the wrist, while the remarkably slim profile keeps the watch elegant and comfortable. The snap-on caseback is also nicely finished, with circular engine-turning visible on the inside and case reference 2117.
The dial packs an impressive amount of information into a relatively small space. Day and month apertures sit beneath 12 o'clock, while the outer chapter carries the 1–31 date scale, indicated by a central date hand. At 6 o'clock is the charming moonphase display, complete with the smiling moon and stars that are so characteristic of these wonderfully decorative 1950s calendar watches.
Inside is the 17-jewel Venus Calibre 203, a Swiss manual-winding movement fitted with Incabloc shock protection. Venus was one of Switzerland's important specialist movement manufacturers, best known for its chronograph and complicated calibres. The distinctive bridge architecture and substantial construction make the Calibre 203 a particularly interesting engine for a watch of this size.
The Lorie name adds another layer of Canadian watchmaking history. Lorie was a Canadian-market import name associated with Saunders Leading Jewelers of Toronto, who brought Swiss-made movements and watches to the Canadian market. Finding a sophisticated Swiss calibre like the Venus 203 inside a Canadian-market branded watch makes this a great example of the international nature of mid-century watch production.
With its triple calendar, moonphase, Venus movement, Incabloc protection and beautifully proportioned 34.6mm case, this Lorie is a wonderful example of the complicated dress watches produced during the golden age of mechanical watchmaking—and an especially interesting piece for collectors who enjoy the history behind lesser-known Canadian-market brands.