Borel Conquistador Alarm Watch

These days, we’re overly reliant on our devices for daily task alerts.

Phones, tablets, computers, and smartwatches all bombard us with frequent beeps and pings to remind us of our next appointment, or when it’s time to wake up from a mid-afternoon power nap. Sure, they’re convenient. But wouldn’t it be nice to shed our digital alerts for a while and return to a more analog way of doing things? In the past, 'alerts' could come in a vastly more engaging mechanical form, such as a mechanical alarm.

A mechanical alarm complication makes use of an extra mainspring barrel whose energy powers a hammer. At the appointed time, the hammer beats against a small gong, which sounds the alarm. Popularized by the Vulcain Cricket — the watch of many U.S. Presidents — variations on this system were subsequently used by numerous brands.

This particular alarm watch, produced by Ernest Borel following the firm's acquisition by the Synchron Group — then-owners of Doxa and Cyma — in 1975, is an under-the-radar alternative to more popular models such as the Jaeger-Lecoultre Memovox and the aforementioned Vulcain Cricket. Housed in a brushed 37mm stainless steel tonneau case with a polished bezel, an acrylic crystal, dual signed alarm crowns, and a neat flat-link bracelet, it features a handsome silvered dial with applied 'baton' indices, an inner minute track, and a luminous 'sword' handset with a red alarm hand.

Powered by the Swiss-made, hand-wound Synchron-signed Calibre 48 movement, this well preserved tool watch in excellent condition is the perfect way to disconnect from your phone for a few minutes. After all — wouldn't you like to wake up to something that doesn't also contain an early-morning email from your boss?!

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.