Fine 1980 Garrard ETA Movement Manual Winding Dress Watch

A fine quality Garrard watch circu 1980 which we have had serviced. This was a 25 years service award from "BL Cars"
The Unusual oval case is gold onbrass, 34mmx34mm.
The entire watch is presented in excellent condition, on a new strap.
British Leyland's car-producing division was officially reorganised as BL Cars in 1978. This change occurred when the company's main operations were split into separate divisions, with "BL Cars" managing the mass-market car business and other subsidiaries taking over commercial vehicles. 1982: The mass-market car-producing arm was rebranded again as Austin Rover
Garrard
Crown Jewellers: In 1843, Queen Victoria appointed Garrard as the first official Crown Jeweller of the United Kingdom, a role they held until 2007.
Iconic Pieces: The firm was responsible for setting the famous Cullinan I and II diamonds into the Sovereign's Sceptre and the Imperial State Crown.
The Watchmaking Era
Mid-20th Century Production: Garrard gained prominence as a fine watchmaker, even producing timing instruments for Wellington and Lancaster bomber aircraft during World War II.
Corporate Presentation Pieces: During the mid-20th century, Garrard watches were highly sought after as corporate gifts. They were commonly presented by major British companies (such as Imperial Chemical Industries) to employees for long service and retirements.
Swiss Movements in British Cases: Garrard did not manufacture their own movements. Instead, they placed high-quality, hand-wound or automatic Swiss movements (from makers like ETA, AS, and Unisys) into exquisitely crafted cases. Many of their gold cases were stamped with the brand's hallmark, or manufactured by the prestigious Denison case company.
Garrard Today
Return to Core Roots: While the firm ceased selling timepieces to focus entirely on luxury jewellery, vintage Garrard watches remain highly collectible. Today, the House of Garrard operates out of its historic headquarters at 24 Albemarle Street in Mayfair, London.