This wonderful Mepa is a classic example of the Swiss mechanical watches marketed in North America during the postwar era. Mepa Watch Corp. operated out of New York as an importer and distributor, bringing Swiss-made mechanical movements to the American market and pairing them with locally produced or assembled cases.
The 31.5mm case measures 39.1mm lug-to-lug and 10.5mm thick, including the vintage domed acrylic crystal. Its compact proportions and simple case design give it the understated character typical of mid-century men's dress watches.
The cream/silvered dial features raised gold-tone Arabic numerals at the even positions, complemented by stylized dart-shaped markers. The syringe-style hands retain their original luminous material, now aged to a lovely light green patina. Incabloc and Breakproof Mainspring are prominently featured on the dial, highlighting two of the practical innovations that were commonly advertised on quality Swiss watches of the period.
Inside is a 17-jewel Swiss manual-winding movement, marked “Seventeen 17 Jewels – Mepa Watch Corp.” and carrying the U.S. import code MOU, identifying the movement as an import associated with Mepa Watch Corp. The 17-jewel configuration uses synthetic ruby bearings at key points in the gear train to reduce friction and wear, while the Incabloc system protects the delicate balance pivots from shock.
The case back is marked Waterproof, Antimagnetic, Stainless Steel Back, and Shockprotected, reflecting the features being promoted to buyers in the 1950s and early 1960s. As with any vintage watch, the original waterproof rating should not be relied upon today without modern testing.
A charming mid-century Swiss mechanical watch with a beautifully aged dial, 17-jewel movement, Incabloc protection, and an interesting connection to the American watch-importing trade. A wonderful example of the everyday Swiss watches that helped define the golden age of mechanical watchmaking.
This wonderful Mepa is a classic example of the Swiss mechanical watches marketed in North America during the postwar era. Mepa Watch Corp. operated out of New York as an importer and distributor, bringing Swiss-made mechanical movements to the American market and pairing them with locally produced or assembled cases.
The 31.5mm case measures 39.1mm lug-to-lug and 10.5mm thick, including the vintage domed acrylic crystal. Its compact proportions and simple case design give it the understated character typical of mid-century men's dress watches.
The cream/silvered dial features raised gold-tone Arabic numerals at the even positions, complemented by stylized dart-shaped markers. The syringe-style hands retain their original luminous material, now aged to a lovely light green patina. Incabloc and Breakproof Mainspring are prominently featured on the dial, highlighting two of the practical innovations that were commonly advertised on quality Swiss watches of the period.
Inside is a 17-jewel Swiss manual-winding movement, marked “Seventeen 17 Jewels – Mepa Watch Corp.” and carrying the U.S. import code MOU, identifying the movement as an import associated with Mepa Watch Corp. The 17-jewel configuration uses synthetic ruby bearings at key points in the gear train to reduce friction and wear, while the Incabloc system protects the delicate balance pivots from shock.
The case back is marked Waterproof, Antimagnetic, Stainless Steel Back, and Shockprotected, reflecting the features being promoted to buyers in the 1950s and early 1960s. As with any vintage watch, the original waterproof rating should not be relied upon today without modern testing.
A charming mid-century Swiss mechanical watch with a beautifully aged dial, 17-jewel movement, Incabloc protection, and an interesting connection to the American watch-importing trade. A wonderful example of the everyday Swiss watches that helped define the golden age of mechanical watchmaking.