Solvil et Titus Genève Ref. 9236 - 1970s Swiss Elegance
At first glance, this Solvil et Titus appears to be a rather understated timepiece. Its slim gold-tone case, vertically brushed champagne dial, and two-hand layout—displaying only hours and minutes—embody the classic "dress watch" aesthetic of the 1970s. However, the watch's true character is revealed when the case back is opened and its accompanying period-correct accessories are examined.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: As this item ships from within the European Union, you will not be liable for customs duties within the EU.**
Inside the watch lies a manual-winding Peseux 7001 movement, featuring a bridge signed "GENEVE SOLVIL & TITUS." Introduced in 1971, the 7001 was one of the era's significant slim manual movements, measuring only about 2.5 mm in thickness, and marked the beginning of a long-lasting caliber family that would later continue as the ETA 7001. Solvil et Titus’s decision to utilize this slim movement in a minimalist design—focusing solely on hours and minutes without a seconds hand—further accentuates the watch's dress-style character.
While it is impossible to pinpoint the exact year of manufacture based on a single factory serial number chart, a date of *circa* 1977 emerges as the most likely estimate when considering the movement's era, Solvil et Titus’s Asian market operations in the late 1970s, and the watch's Japanese-origin period tag and design language.
The gold-plated case, measuring approximately 35 mm, creates a more substantial presence on the wrist than its dimensions suggest, thanks to its broad brushed surfaces and short lugs that appear almost recessed into the case. The Titus wreath emblem appears on the winding crown, and the same symbol is repeated on the gold-tone buckle. The inner side of the black strap bears the TITUS signature.
However, what makes this watch particularly interesting are the preserved traces of its era. The numbers 9236 and 107891 appear on the vintage Titus tag on the case back; these same two numbers are exactly replicated on the watch's attached "GOLD PLATED" tag. The price tag—featuring the Titus wreath logo and the inscription "SWISS – SINCE 1887" on the reverse—still clearly displays its original Japanese retail price: ¥47,000. The original presentation box from that era has also survived along with the watch.
Thus, this is not merely a well-preserved vintage Swiss dress watch. With its movement, period case tag, serial numbers, Japanese price tag, signed details, and navy blue box, it retains tangible elements of its life from the late 1970s that remain legible today.
Final Word
After nearly half a century, this Solvil et Titus does more than just tell time. With its vintage ¥47,000 price tag still attached, it carries with it the memory of the days it once sat as a brand-new watch in a shop window in Japan.
The product shown here was manufactured around 1977.
PROFESSIONALLY FULLY SERVICED. The watch movement has been completely disassembled; every part has been cleaned, lubricated, and precision-adjusted to ensure flawless operation. (It requires no further servicing for three years, provided it is not exposed to adverse conditions.)
Product Condition: Tested; all functions are fully operational.
