Why This Watch Matters If you've never heard of the brand name, you may still recognize the look of this watch as it shares the dial and style of the Rolex "Paul Newman" Yacht-Master Daytona prototype. The Full Story Lucien Piccard dates back to 1923 and is actually still around today specializing in multi-layered dials with skeletonized views of the movements inside. Vintage Lucien Piccard is a whole different ball game. The example we have here is named the Luccard and has become extremely collectible thanks to one main characteristic – the dial. In the spirit of the ébachue era of Swiss watchmaking where case, dial, and movement manufacturers led trends and supplied brands all over the country with parts, this Lucien Piccard sports a dial with aspects found within a very famous Rolex Daytona. As seen in Talking Watches With John Goldberger, it is believed that three Yacht-Master Daytona dials were made by the famed manufacturer Singer for Rolex with a yachting timer extension on the three o'clock sub-register and "Paul Newman" style exotic font and graduation in the other two sub-dials. The Lucien Piccard Luccard we have here today features an extremely similar design and layout as it was made by the same manufacturer, Singer. The blue outer track frames the silvered brushed center section of the dial so well and allows for the tachymeter and telemeter scaling to stand out. Along with the red yachting timer near four o'clock and the pop of that great "Paul Newman" style sub-register at nine with the lollipop hash marks, this dial has an unbelievably stunning look. The colors are vibrant and present as a great option for the summer months. Where the Singer dial calls to Rolex, the case shape calls to Heuer and reminds us of the Camaro with its very early 1970s cushion style lines and brushing. As beautiful as it is, this Lucien Piccard was meant to be usable as a tool watch. This utilitarian aim is best seen in the oversized crown which would be easy to adjust or wind with gloves on. The Valjoux 7734 ticking inside brings in the ébauche vibe of this watch even further as it was one of the true workhorse movements of this era. The date is well incorporated at six o'clock so as to not interrupt the design. We paired this Lucien Piccard with our Davenport strap in blue to play off of the blue accents on the dial and give the watch the ultimate summer look. The Fine Print Maker: Lucien PiccardModel: LuccardReference: 497-159Year: 1970sCase No: N/AMaterial: Giltron ruthenium plated base metalDimensions: 37.5mm width x 44.5 height; 14.5mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Lucien Piccard signed Valjoux, manually-wound, caliber 7734Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Davenport Calfskin Watch Strap In BlueLug Width: 19mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - "Paul Newman" Yacht-Master style dial- Great color palette- Oversized "LP" signed crown- Very uncommon watch Things To Know: - Light wear to plated case This Lucien Piccard is in overall great condition. The case is strong with some light scratches and light nicks. The case shows some wear to the plating around the edges. The writing on the caseback is clearly visible. There are some light scratches on the caseback, particularly around the edge from being opened. The dial is clean with light patina; the hands have developed light patina in general. The lume on the dial has developed patina and aged nicely. The lume on the hands has aged close to a matching color to that of the dial. The blue tachymeter scale around the edge of the dial has developed patina. The dial, case, crown, and movement are signed by Lucien Piccard. The crystal has one noticeable scratch in the center. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
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