New Old Stock Paul Buhre Sub-Seconds Presented for 20 Years of Service in 1949

The Revolution of 1917 put an end to “Pavel Buhre” business in Russia. However, the "Buhre" watches themselves were popular with the new regime. In Vladimir Lenin’s office in the Kremlin there hung the round wall "Buhre". For many years, the pocket "Pavel Buhre" was owned by Joseph Stalin and Nikita Khrushchev. It should be noted that the firm “Pavel Buhre” did not cease its existence in 1917. The fact that the main production facilities were in Switzerland saved the company. Normal work was resumed with the transfer of the headquarters from Petrograd to the Swiss Le Lockle.

 Although the first years were very difficult, since the main market - Russia was lost. However, the company could not only survive but also significantly increase the geography of supply and become one of the leading watch companies in Switzerland. To be recognizable by consumers all over the world, the logo was changed from Cyrillic to Roman “Paul Buhre”. The watches were awarded more than 500 prizes for accuracy and successfully sold all over the world. For many years in the middle of the last century, they were supplied to the English court.

What's on Offer

This watch was presented to employee  J.H. Casson of Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) for 20 years of service in the year 1949. If that isn't fascinating enough, you would not believe the condition of this piece. Every aspect has been kept beautifully and it has retained its originality perfectly barring the tropicalization of the dial which is a completely natural process. 

The stainless steel case which features a stepped bezel still has its original factory shine and every single line is as sharp as the day it was issued. Turning the watch over you can find said engravings against a new old stock screw-down caseback. The dial has patined evenly to a champagne colour and looks magnificent while also whispering it is over 70 years old. This also includes the bold numerals and syringe hands still containing their original lume which is still luminous today. Above the Paul Buhre signature, you can see writing denoting it to be stock of the Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Ltd, this type of dual marked dial was a normality during that time period which is another interesting factor.

Inspecting the mechanical movement inside, it is in amazing new old stock condition and keeping time very well. You would find it hard to retrieve a watch in better condition. It is a truly significant part of history and has undoubtedly got an interesting story behind it.