Eska – Blue Sunburst Dial – Peseux 7066 manual wind – c.1970
A distinctive vintage Eska from around 1970, combining an extraordinary electric-blue sunburst dial with an elegant gold-plated, stepped oval case and a hand-wound 17-jewel Peseux movement.
Eska was the watchmaking name of S. Kocher & Co., a Swiss manufacturer established in Grenchen in 1918. The Eska name derives from the initials “S.K.” of founder Silvan Kocher, and the company became particularly associated with elegant and unconventional Swiss watches during the mid-20th century.
This example is particularly striking. Its deep blue sunburst dial changes dramatically with the light, ranging from almost midnight blue to vivid electric blue. The dial is restrained, with slender gold hands, the simple Eska signature and a discreet date aperture positioned unusually at 12 o'clock. A “SWISS” signature appears at the lower edge of the dial.
The case is equally characteristic of the period. Measuring approximately 34mm including the crown and 40mm lug-to-lug, its softly sculpted, stepped oval form sits somewhere between a traditional dress watch and the more adventurous case designs that began appearing at the end of the 1960s. The case is 10-micron gold plated, with a stainless-steel case back, and takes a 17mm strap.
Inside is the Peseux calibre 7066, a Swiss hand-wound mechanical movement with 17 jewels, running at 21,600 vibrations per hour and incorporating the date complication. The movement is signed ESKA and remains beautifully clean.
The Peseux 7066 belongs to the 7050-series family that appeared around the turn of the 1970s, and period documentation places the 7066 firmly in this era. Together with the case and dial design, this allows the watch to be dated confidently to circa 1970–72, with circa 1970 being a reasonable attribution.
The inside of the stainless-steel case back is signed “S. KOCHER / SWISS / STAINLESS STEEL BACK”, providing a pleasing direct connection to the company behind the Eska name. The exterior carries the reference 10-129.
A Personal Note:-
This is one of those pieces which offers so much more than value than the price would suggest. An under-the-radar maker, but at the same time, highly regarded. This one packs a big, sophisticated punch. In fact, I’m not actually sure why I’m selling it!!
Condition:-
The watch presents extremely well for its age in all areas.
The blue sunburst dial is the highlight and remains in almost perfect condition, retaining its rich colour and radial finish. The printing and Eska signature are clear, and the minimalist gold hands complement the dial beautifully.
The gold-plated case retains all its original definition and shows only very light honest age-related marks. In fact, I really don’t think it could have been worn much at all. The stainless-steel back is also particularly clean, with its brushed finish still clearly visible, along with its markings.
Mechanically, the watch is running beautifully. Winding and hand-setting operate correctly, and the date sets and functions perfectly.
This piece should not be considered waterproof.
This piece will be supplied on a new 17 mm leather strap.