CASEBACKS

Gold Casebacks

Both 14K and 18K casebacks are identical in shape, the only difference being in the gold engravings inside. A different gold alloy can result in a different hue, making 14K casebacks more “bronze” in color.

14K model markings

• 14K 0,585 (or 585 in late production). This corresponds to the number of carats and the ratio of pure gold.

• A squirrel, which is the Swiss hallmark for 14K gold.

• The Poinçon de Maître (maker’s mark) indicating the case manufacturer, in this instance a hammer head with the number 136, corresponding to C.R. Spillmann.

18K model markings

• 18K 0,750 (or 750 in late production): this corresponds to the number of carats and the ratio of pure gold.

• The head of Helvetia (the female personification of the nation), which is the Swiss hallmark for 18K gold.

• Maker’s mark 136.

Similar to steel versions, special order examples bear the serial number inside the caseback and may have a special engraving.

An example would be watches ordered by the Sultanate of Oman, displaying the Khanjar and also the name of the British retailer Asprey on the caseback.

This chapter presents a rich gallery of the most representative manual winding Daytonas from 1963 to 1988, although it is not exhaustive given the near-infinite number of variants.

The following pages show what the authors believe are top-quality, iconic examples displaying the breadth and variety of the manual winding Cosmograph Daytona.

The next pages are classified as follows:

• Steel classic Cosmograph Daytona

• Yellow Gold classic Cosmograph Daytona

• Paul Newman Cosmograph Daytona

• Special Cosmograph Daytona.