Richard 300 Ball Bearing 768 F. Borgel Case - 43mm

This Richard 300 Ball Bearing ref. 768 is a vintage diver from the 70s with a large 43mm F. Borgel case and a fancy dial design.

You don't see Vintage Richard (pronounced "Ree-sharr") watches often. There is also little information about this Swiss brand, which was listed as Richard Automatic, Richard SA, Morges/Saint-Jean in 1949 and Richard SA in 1966. As is so often the case, it is the timepieces themselves that tell their own story with their designs and aging.

This superbly preserved automatic wristwatch from the 1960s features a beautiful anthracite dial. The horizontal and vertical bars filled with luminous material give the watch a minimalist design. The original tritium can also be found in hands and in small hour markers on the dial periphery. At 3 o'clock, there is a rectangular date window. The dial is signed with the model name "Ball Bearing" and "Super Automatic Incabloc".

A special feature of this watch is its F. Borgel case. François Borgel (F.B.) was a case manufacturer who patented a water-resistant case even before Rolex's oyster case. These old Borgel cases are very robust. Not for nothing, the Patek Philippe models 565 and 1463 are equipped with a FB case. But F. Borgel made cases not only for high end brands like Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, but also for affordable watch brands like Mido, Movado or Richard 300. A typical feature of a FB case is the screw-down decagonal caseback. In addition, the inside of the case cover is stamped with the manufacturer's mark F.B. and a key.

The F. Borgel case of this Richard watch has a large 43mm diameter. Combined with the fancy wide lugs, it creates a dominant look on the wrist. The rotating black bezel adds an extra dose of sportiness.

Condition report
Dial: flawless - original and intact tritium luminous material in markers and hands - signed "T SWISS T".

Case: unpolished stainless steel case - sharp lugs - a few storage marks - intact engravings on the back: "GUARANTEED 100% WATERPROOF" and the serial number - deep engraving of the reference 768 between the lugs.

Bezel: rotating bezel - perfect black inlay - rotates smoothly in both directions - sharp notches - intact luminous dot at 12 o'clock.

Movement: automatic caliber ETA 2523 - timegrapher: rate: +3s/day, amplitude: 293, beat error: 0.7ms.

Bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet in great condition - clasp engraved: C.M.VI. ACC INOX MADE IN ITALY.

Summing-Up
This Richard Ball Bearing is a big vintage diver's watch with a perfect dial and a desirable case that was never polished. A flawlessly functioning movement makes this watch ideal for daily wear. "A lot of vintage watch" for a relatively affordable price.

Case number: CDE58xxx

Int.Exe.: 12203