Exploring the Vintage Charm of Pagol and Titoni Watches from 公公

During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, as the world stood still, I found solace in the intricate art of watch modding. My grandfather, noticing my newfound passion, handed me two treasured timepieces from his collection: a vintage Pagol watch and a classic Titoni ladies watch. Both had ceased to tick, and he likely believed I wanted to explore their inner workings. These heirlooms sat patiently as I honed my skills. Fast forward to 2024, with a deeper appreciation for their craftsmanship, I have decided to honor their legacy by sending them to a professional for restoration, breathing new life into these timeless treasures. I heard a lot about The Watch Specialist's Clinic and decided to give them a go. The price of getting these 2 timepieces fixed may seem over the top, given that both timepieces have little to no holding value, but the sentiment behind them - priceless.

Crafting this blog post proved to be quite a challenge. Determining the exact year of production, model, and original value of these vintage watches was no easy task. The Pagol timepiece, in particular, remains an enigma. However, I managed to unearth some information about the Titoni watch. Both belong to the iconic "Incabloc" era, and judging by similar designs I've found online, I'm estimating they hail from the 1950s-1960s. Even my grandfather can't recall how or why he acquired them, but here they are—two profoundly sentimental timepieces that hold a world of history within their delicate mechanisms.

Incabloc Shock Protection

Incabloc is a well-known Swiss shock protection system for the balance wheel of mechanical watches. Developed in the 1930s, it became a standard feature in quality watches by the 1960s. Watches equipped with Incabloc are more resistant to shocks and impacts, which protects the delicate components inside, ensuring greater accuracy and longevity. Incabloc shock protection is still very much relevant in contemporary watchmaking. It continues to be a standard feature in many mechanical watches, ensuring the durability and reliability of these intricate timepieces. The ongoing use of Incabloc underscores the timeless value of proven watchmaking technologies, even as the industry evolves with new innovations.

Pagol (est. 1960s), model unknown

Pagol is a lesser-known Swiss watch brand that produced a variety of timepieces during the mid-20th century. Although not as famous as brands like Rolex or Omega, Pagol watches are appreciated by collectors for their quality and affordability. The brand, like many smaller Swiss watch companies, faced significant challenges during the latter half of the 20th century. The lack of extensive historical records and documentation about Pagol suggests it did not manage to survive independently through the period of the Quartz Crisis of the 1970s to 1980s. Today, Pagol watches are appreciated by collectors for their vintage charm and historical value. They represent a piece of Swiss watchmaking history from a time when many small, skilled manufacturers contributed to the industry's global reputation. Vintage Pagol watches, like this one, may be valued for their craftsmanship and are considered collectible items.

Some notable design of the watch, starting from the dial, is marked with "PAGOL" and "23 JEWELS" at the 12 o'clock position, indicating a higher-quality movement with 23 jewels. The silver sunburst dial (unpolished) really showed the age of the timepiece. One very distinctive logo on the dial is the green palm tree logo, which distinguishes this timepiece to be of a certain Pagol model or series. The hour markers are rather unique, consisting of square indices with a cross pattern. Finally, the text "SWISS MADE" at the bottom indicates its Swiss origin. The overall design and features suggest it is from the 1960s, consistent with the style and technologies used in that period.

Vintage Titoni Incabloc Titoflex 21 Jewels

Titoni is a Swiss watch brand with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1919 by Fritz Schluep in Grenchen, Switzerland. Known for its high-quality craftsmanship and reliability, Titoni has built a reputation for producing elegant and durable timepieces. The brand remains family-owned and continues to produce watches today.

Some key features of this Titoni Incabloc Titoflex 21 Jewels timepiece.

The watch features a classic round dial with a two-tone design. The hour markers are a combination of applied indices and Arabic numerals at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions, adding a touch of sophistication. The gold-toned hour and minute hands are designed for readability and elegance. Finally, the case is gold-plated, which was a common choice for watches in the mid-20th century, offering a luxurious appearance without the cost of solid gold.

The "21 Jewels" marking indicates a high-quality mechanical movement. Jewels in watch movements reduce friction and wear, enhancing the watch's longevity and accuracy. This watch requires manual winding, a typical feature of watches from this era. Hand-wound movements are appreciated by collectors for their craftsmanship and the tactile connection they offer to the wearer. The term "Titoflex" likely refers to a specific feature or series within the Titoni brand. While not as widely documented, it may denote a particular type of flexible or durable construction in the watch's design. Of course finally we have the "Swiss" designation at the bottom of the dial, which signifies that the watch meets the strict criteria set by the Swiss watch industry for quality and origin, further emphasising its craftsmanship and reliability.

Although both watches were resurrected, they are a testament to the enduring quality and elegance of Swiss watchmaking. Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to vintage watches, this model offers a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship and timeless design that have defined the Titoni brand for over a century.

In crafting the perfect ensemble for the Pagol timepiece, I've opted for a sleek grey leather strap. Not only does it harmonise flawlessly with the dial's hues, but it also synchronises seamlessly with our latest innovation, the Duo-Zip Cloudy Charm Watch Box. Noteworthy is the ingenious addition of a discreet pouch nestled beneath the watch box cover, tailor-made for stashing away accessories like straps and buckles.

As for the Titoni timepiece, I've settled on an audacious orange leather strap, a daring choice to complement the opulence of its gold-plated case. Interestingly, I had initially earmarked the Titoni for my grandmother, only to discover the antiquated notion that such timepieces were exclusively deemed masculine.

Finally I also picked this date, the 7th of July 2024, to publish this post as it falls on his birthday, 7 July 1937. He turn 87 years old today and here's a wrist-shot for you all and one for keepsake!

公公生日快乐！