Introduction
Founded in Paris in the 1930’s by Alexis Barthelay, Alexis’ eponymous brand first began by focusing on jewellery but quickly expanded into watchmaking, an arena in which the brand quickly developed a name for itself. Famed for combining unusual materials in their designs, Alexis Barthelay would become known for ultra-thin watches that featured coral, stone, wood and other quirky materials alongside more typical materials such as silver, gold, and steel. Offered here we have one such Alexis Barthelay watch that was commissioned by Gucci. Boasting an 18kt yellow gold and wood construction, this Gucci watch features a rectangular Tank-style design with a bracelet that sports alternating wood and 18kt yellow gold links. Powered by a manual-wind movement and boasting a classic white dial with Roman numerals, this timepiece combines the traditional with the exotic for a unique aesthetic that few brands would have ever been confident enough to attempt.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$3,000 – $5,000
The Details
Brand
Gucci
Dimensions
19mm x 26mm
Model
Tank by Alexis Barthelay
Movement
Manual-wind
Reference
846
Bracelet
18kt yellow gold and wood bracelet (alternating links)
Year
Circa 1970s
Condition
Very Good
Material
18kt yellow gold and wood
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
White
THE DIAL
With a classic white dial with Roman numerals and under-the-radar Gucci branding, this example's display certainly does not subscribe to the same avant-garde design language as its bracelet.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Boasting an 18kt yellow gold rectangular Tank-style case, this Gucci watch's departure from the rest of watchmaking's norms begins with its bracelet, which features a unique blend of 18kt gold and wooden links.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information. Please note that the watch winds and is running, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.
Condition
Watch is in very good overall condition. Case shows moderate signs of surface wear, with light scratches and marks visible. Caseback engravings and hallmarks are crisp and fully legible. Gucci signed dial shows light spotting with some marks. There is debris trapped underneath the crystal. Crown has some areas that the plating has worn off, and the cabochon is cracked. Both gold and wooden links are in excellent condition. Watch head was manufactured in Switzerland by A. Barthelay, and the gold links are stamped 18k ITALY. Watch fits a 6 3/4" wrist. Please note that the watch winds and is running, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.
Our Perspective
Aesthetically interesting thanks to its unusual wood and gold bracelet, this Gucci timepiece showcases the quirky design language that made Alexis Barthelay's timepieces so desirable.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
