Mon Bijou Swiss Ref. 180420 - Second Half of the 1970s
A watch manufactured in Switzerland, marketed in Japan by Orient Watch, and featuring a 1970s design where the bracelet flows seamlessly into the case... Thanks to this unique combination of origins, the Mon Bijou Ref. 180420 is not merely elegant; it is a period piece that becomes increasingly fascinating the more you explore it.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: As this item ships from within the European Union, you will not be liable for customs duties within the EU.**
While the watch’s Japanese model tag displays the information "GP No. 180420," the case back bears the code W180420-20. The "Swiss Made" and "Orient Watch Co." markings on the same tag directly attest to the fact that the watch was Swiss-made and reached the Japanese market via Orient. As there is no reliable serial-to-date chart for this model, pinpointing the exact year is difficult; however, the movement used and period records for Mon Bijou place this example in the second half of the 1970s.
The gold-plated case, measuring approximately 31 mm, connects almost seamlessly to the woven bracelet thanks to its geometry featuring softened corners. A finely textured gold-tone dial and long black hands balance the opulent materials with a legible, understated layout. The element that truly defines the model's character is its flexible, integrated metal bracelet, which fits wrists up to approximately 19.5 cm. Continuing the textural language of the case, this design elevates the watch beyond a simple dress piece, aligning it with the "jewelry-watch" aesthetic of the era. The buckle, featuring the original MB logo, also maintains this sense of cohesion.
Beneath the case back lies a hand-wound movement stamped “MON BIJOU 18040 - 21 JEWELS - SWISS MADE.” The “P 7001” marking visible on the movement confirms that the caliber is based on the Peseux 7001 family, renowned for its slim profile. Emerging in the early 1970s, this ultra-thin Swiss movement architecture is a key technical factor enabling the Mon Bijou’s low-profile case and jewel-like silhouette. Here, the movement does more than just power the watch; it explains how such a slender design was achieved.
The fact that the watch has been preserved in NOS (New Old Stock) condition is made even more significant by the accompanying model tag and the period price tag showing a price of ¥50,000. The survival of the gold-plated case, finely textured bracelet, dial, and original buckle in unused condition is particularly noteworthy for delicate models like this, which are prone to surface marks.
The fact that the name “Mon Bijou” later reappeared in a different context with Orient adds another layer of interest to this piece. While the name is best remembered today for the Orient skeleton models of the early 1990s, this watch serves as physical evidence that “Mon Bijou” was previously used for a Swiss-made product line in Japan, linked to Orient Watch.
Final Thoughts
The value of the Mon Bijou stems not from a major brand name, but from the completeness of its unique story. With its Peseux 7001-based Swiss-made movement, Orient-certified Japanese connection, integrated bracelet, original MB buckle, and period tags, this Ref. The 180420 is an extraordinary design object that embodies both the international watch trade of the 1970s and the aesthetic of jewelry-style timepieces.
The item shown was manufactured between 1975 and 1979.
It has undergone professional servicing and restoration.
The movement was completely disassembled; every component was cleaned, lubricated, and precisely adjusted to ensure flawless operation. (It requires no maintenance for three years, provided it is not exposed to adverse conditions.)
Item Condition: Tested; all functions are fully operational.
