1968 Buren Manually Wound "Tank"
Ref: 458
Specification
Specific Age : Circa. 1968
Case Size : 26mm
Case Thickness : 7mm
Lug to Lug : 38mm
Lugs : 18mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : None
Case Material : Steel Back
Service History : 12-Month NON WATERPROOF Warranty
Points of Mention
This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no Buren box or Buren paperwork. The watch comes paired on an aftermarket black leather strap that suits the watch nicely. The watch is from Circa. 1968 based on the engraving on the back when it was presented to the gentleman. The dial is early refinished and has signs of age and wear. The movement has been serviced and the watch does come with the KibbleWatches 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.
The Watch
Buren Watch Company was founded in 1898 in the Swiss town of Buren an der Aare, Bern Switzerland. Owned by H. Williamson Ltd from 1916 they used Buren Watch. Co on their timepieces. During the 1929 stock market crash the company closed and was bought out by an English and Swiss management who changed the name to Uhrenfabrik Buren AG. In 1966 the company was sold to the Hamilton Watch Company. Hamilton's production was moved to Switzerland from the US. The Buren/Hamilton company then became part of the SSIH Group in 1971 later in 1983 becoming the Swatch Group. Sadly in 1972 Buren was sold with all assets. Today the brand name is owned by the Swiss Watches Editions in Hamburg manufacturing timepieces using old movements and ETA.
This Buren Tank has a 26mm rectangular stainless steel case with fine angled lugs. The case has a slim profile with a narrow bezel. The crystal is flat and raised slightly above the bezel. Sitting above a cream dial with applied slim batons and narrow fence hands. On the reverse, we have an engraving “Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd. Presented to A.G. Shimmin 20 Years service 1969.” A company based in Slough, UK started in 1926. Manufacturing paints, varnishes, etc. Inside a Manually Wound Buren, Cal. 280, 17 Jewels 18,000 beats per hour. Fitted on an 18mm Leather strap.
Personal Note
It is no secret I have a weakness for my personal Cartier Tank, to the point where I have sourced the exact same reference to put up for sale as I get asked so often if mine is for sale! To go along with thank Tank I wanted to offer something similar and affordable, but equally as awesome in its own right. This Buren is exactly that! Vintage, mechanical, and wears amazingly on the wrist. I wouldn't sleep on this one as it is a very fair price and I suspect won't stick around long.