Concord 'La Costa'

The 1980s were a remarkable period for watch design, when traditional Swiss watchmaking embraced new materials, unconventional silhouettes, and the emerging language of modern luxury. Few brands captured that spirit quite like Concord, whose ultra-thin quartz watches and sleek, integrated bracelets helped define an era of sophisticated, high-tech elegance.

Founded in 1908 in Biel, Switzerland, Concord had established itself as a manufacturer of fine timepieces long before the quartz revolution. But it was during the late 1970s and 1980s that the brand truly found its design identity, most famously with the Concord Delirium, introduced in 1979 as one of the thinnest watches ever produced. It was a technical achievement that also announced a new aesthetic direction for the company.

The La Costa, dating to circa 1985, reflects this adventurous approach to watch design. Combining the warmth of gold-tone with the industrial character of steel with black PVD coating, it presents a striking study in contrasts. Its slender, rounded case features a polished yellow gold punctuated by geometric accents, framing a minimalist black dial with applied gold baton indices and a matching two-hand display. The Concord signature sits discreetly beneath 12 o’clock, while an equally understated QUARTZ inscription appears above 6.

Perhaps its most distinctive feature is the integrated black bracelet, with gold connecting elements that lend the watch an almost architectural quality. Measuring approximately 30mm across, the case has the compact proportions characteristic of the period, making it an appealing unisex proposition today.

Powered by a Swiss quartz movement, this unusual Concord offers a fascinating snapshot of a moment when luxury watchmaking was experimenting with new ideas about materials, technology, and style. With its dramatic black-and-gold palette, minimalist dial, and unmistakably 1980s personality, the La Costa is a compelling alternative to the more familiar integrated-bracelet watches of the era.

A little bit Art Deco, a little bit space age, and entirely of its time. What’s not to love? This era is looking better and better!

Founded in 1908 in Biel/Bienne, Concord was born in the beating heart of Swiss watchmaking—surrounded by the same industrial know-how and artisanal tradition that shaped the great maisons of the 20th century. But from the start, Concord’s personality leaned less “old-world romantic” and more sleek, modern, and international.

By the late 1970s and 1980s, Concord made its name with a very particular kind of Swiss confidence: technical one-upmanship with real design appeal. The brand’s most famous chapter came with the Delirium line, a family of ultra-thin quartz watches that became a headline-making symbol of Switzerland’s fight back during the quartz crisis. These weren’t just watches—they were proof-of-concept statements, engineered to show the world the Swiss could still innovate at the sharpest edge of miniaturization.

Today, Concord sits under the umbrella of the Movado Group, the American-owned company that also acquired the storied Swiss brand Ebel. Concord remains best remembered for its bold 1980s glamour, razor-thin engineering, and a certain unapologetic, New York-meets-Switzerland energy that still feels uniquely its own.

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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.