CIRCA: 1969
CASE MATERIAL: Nickel plated brass
CASE DIAMETER: 34 x 46 mm.
DIAL: Silvered
MOVEMENT: Quartz, Beta 21
FUNCTIONS: Time only
CLASP: Unsigned steel buckle
BOX: No
PAPERS: No
REMARK: Part of the 10 prototypes of Beta 21 caliber

Conditions of Sale
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This lot is offered by Christie's International SA

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Lot Essay

The CEH-230 Beta 21 Prototype was an early experimental quartz movement developed by the Centre Electronique Horloger (CEH) in the 1960s as part of the Beta 21 project, Switzerland’s first major effort to create a commercially viable quartz watch. This prototype featured a large quartz oscillator and an electronic circuit to drive the stepper motor, setting it apart from traditional mechanical movements. Unlike the final Beta 21, which was adopted by brands like Omega, Rolex, Patek Philippe, Piaget and many more, the CEH-230 remained a test model and was never mass-produced. It is believed that only 10 prototypes were made, some featuring a calendar mechanism, while others did not.

The Centre Electronique Horloger (CEH), founded in 1962, was a Swiss research institute dedicated to advancing electronic watch technology. It played a key role in developing the Beta 21, introduced in 1969, in response to growing competition from Japanese and American quartz watches. Though innovative, the Beta 21 was soon overshadowed by more efficient designs like the Seiko Astron. The CEH was eventually absorbed into other Swiss institutions, but its contributions helped shape modern quartz technology and ensured the survival of Swiss watchmaking during the Quartz Crisis.

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Condition report

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The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

Movement: The movement is ticking at the time of cataloguing and all functions are working; however, a service is recommended. Christie’s does not guarantee the future working of the movement. As this is a prototype calibre, we do not guarantee the longevity of the movement.
Case: With scratches and dents throughout the case. The acrylic case back has marks and scratches. Front glass with cracks. The plating is gone in some places.
Dial: Good. Some stains visible.
Overall condition: Good for its age.

The watch is sold and delivered with a Christie's branded strap, the original strap is not included in the sale.
The condition of lots sold in our auctions can vary widely due to factors such as age, previous damage, restoration, repair and wear and tear. Their nature means that they will rarely be in perfect condition. Lots are sold "as is," in the condition they are in at the time of the sale, without any representation or warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to condition by Christie's or by the seller.
Any reference to condition in a catalogue entry or in a condition report will not amount to a full description of condition, and images may not show a lot clearly. Colours and shades may look different in print or on screen to how they look on physical inspection. Condition reports may be available to help you evaluate the condition of a lot. Condition reports are provided free of charge as a convenience to our buyers and are for guidance only. They offer our opinion but they may not refer to all faults, inherent defects, restoration, alteration or adaptation because our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. For that reason they are not an alternative to examining a lot in person or taking your own professional advice. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have requested, received and considered any condition report.

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