VINTAGE SICURA (Breitling Connection) Mechanical “Jump Hour” Digital Watch 1970s

Historical Context: The Sicura & Breitling Legacy

This remarkable timepiece is a quintessential example of 1970s avant-garde watchmaking by Sicura, a brand with a profound historical footprint in Swiss horology. Founded in the 1960s by visionary watchmaker and pilot Ernest Schneider, Sicura became renowned for its bold, unconventional designs during the “Space Age” era, catering to a market hungry for futuristic aesthetics.

More importantly, Sicura is famously known as the “savior of Breitling.” During the height of the Quartz Crisis in 1979, when the legendary Breitling company suspended operations, it was Ernest Schneider (CEO of Sicura) who stepped in to purchase the Breitling name and its assets. For a time, both brands existed under the same roof before Schneider eventually phased out Sicura to focus entirely on restoring Breitling to its former glory. Today, Sicura watches are highly sought after by collectors not just for their striking retro designs, but as a vital piece of the Breitling survival story.

Item Description

Up for consideration is a striking Vintage Sicura Mechanical “Digital” Watch, often referred to by collectors as a “Jump Hour” or “Direct Read” watch. This model perfectly captures the funky, forward-thinking design language of the 1970s.

Instead of traditional hands, the watch tells time via a series of rotating discs beneath a beautifully stylized golden dial. The dial features a prominent sweeping red second hand to provide continuous mechanical action.

Display Layout:

• Left Window (H): Displays the Hour on a striking red disc.

• Top Arc: Displays the Minutes on a contrasting black disc with an orange indicator.

• Right Window (D): Displays the Date on a rich blue disc.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: Sicura (Switzerland)

• Era: Circa 1970s

• Movement: Swiss Mechanical, Manual Winding, 17 Jewels.

• Case Material: Gold-Plated base metal bezel with a solid Stainless Steel back.

• Case Shape: Tonneau / Cushion case—a hallmark of 1970s retro design.

• Case Dimensions: 36mm without crown 

• Lug Width: 43mm Lug to lug

• Dial: Champagne/Gold tone dial signed “SICURA”, “17 JEWELS”, “SWISS MADE”.

• Case Back: Screw-down stainless steel back featuring the iconic Sicura coat of arms (crown, seahorses, and shield). Engraved with “STAINLESS STEEL BACK”, “BASE METAL BEZEL”, “WATER RESISTANT”, and “SWISS MADE”.

• Crystal: Acrylic

• Strap: Fitted with a new [or describe existing] black leather strap with a gold-tone buckle, complementing the case perfectly.

Condition Report

• Case: The gold-plated case remains in very good vintage condition, exhibiting honest, light surface wear consistent with age. The gold plating remains vibrant with a deep luster.

• Dial: Excellent original condition. The text is crisp, and the viewing windows are clean. The rotating discs (Hour, Minute, Date) are highly legible with well-preserved colors.

• Crystal: Clear and free of major scratches; presents beautifully.

• Movement: The 17-jewel manual wind movement is running strongly. The discs turn over as they should, and the date advances correctly. (Note: As with all vintage timepieces, a routine service is recommended for daily wear and optimal timekeeping accuracy).

Terms & Shipping

• Shipping: Ships securely packaged, fully insured, with tracking provided. Express international shipping is available.

• Authenticity: 100% guaranteed authentic vintage Sicura.

• Returns: 60 days free return Please carefully review all high-resolution photographs as they constitute a major part of the description. Feel free to message with any questions regarding this exceptional piece of 1970s horological history.

The watch comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $2500