Delirium Vulgaris Prototypes, 1980
Categories: proofs of principle
Description: Blue, ABS plastic, monocoque cased quartz wrist watches. Back of the cases unstamped. White brass dials with blue printed minute marks. ‘Swiss Made’ printed in blue at ‘6’. Date display at ‘3’ with white disc. Blue, thin hour, minute and seconds hands. Acrylic crystal. Nickel chromed, brass crown.
Dimensions: 34mm (without crown), lug width: 16mm
Movement: Quartz cal.: 11 1/2″ Vulgaris
Additional info: These two prototypes are the very first plastic wrist watches build within ETA’s ‘Delirium Vulgaris’ project. There are no images of the movement. ETA Engineer Jacques Müller’s family remembers, that the hands of these prototypes were turning backwards in December 1980, when these pieces were finalised.
The concept included the cases being of plastic, a material, which had been used for movement parts since the early 1970s. The current problem was to fabricate plastic cases of consistent quality, suitable for industrial production. Not knowing where to start, Elmar Mock turned to Lego, which provided him with the raw material to fabricate the first cases.
The straps are basic, commercial, black leather versions with white metal buckles.
The technical drawing shown in the picture mentions the proportions and the measurements of the watch head as well as the realisation date: 23.12.1980.
Provenance: These two pieces and the technical drawing were part of the private collection of Marlyse Schmid and Bernhard Müller. Picture credit: Sotheby’s
Electric Watch Prototypes 