Dating A Historically Important Watch Using Patents

I started this channel because I wanted to explore the historical effects of technological development on the watch industry, particularly in Switzerland where I live. I decided to learn what I could about traditional watchmaking so that I could analyze vintage watches from a forensic perspective to better understand that history. Swatch Group was the perfect starting point for my journey, and this historically important watch with its unique and dramatic story turned out to be the perfect watch.

Here's a link to the .pdf in the video (with updates):
https://ishootwatches.com/gg/

Here's a link to my playlist of videos all about this watch:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv4--9sRsFuIzcfSA8zvN_CQ8VFn0lThz

I also discussed the ETA patent a bit in this video about the precious metal responsibility mark:
https://youtu.be/Xl4BTGPlNvQ

In this third major video about the GG I focus on the historical evidence for its origin that can be found in patents -- not only patents relating to the Swatch, but also watches patented by Omega around the same time as the patenting of the Swatch case hinge design by ETA.

Here's a link to the 1982 Swatch case patent attributed to Elmar Mock and Alphonse Bron:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q5CtiFmF6VouY4Q9J7vig_RglqklpWRF/view?usp=sharing

With nearly three quarters of a billion Swatches sold to date, if this watch dates to 1966 it changes the history of Omega, Swatch, and the Swiss watch industry. If is confirmed to have been designed, made and signed by Gerald Genta then it's arguably even more historically significant.

Before opening any vintage watch or clock for the first time I recommend checking it for radium paint. I didn't do that in this video because it wasn't the first time that I opened this watch. For more information on radium and how to check for it using a geiger counter see this video:

https://youtu.be/8FlwNAjIgA8

My videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Critical / corrective comments and links to resources including other watchmaking channels are welcome.

#Omega #Swatch #GéraldGenta #history #watchrestoration