DOCUMENTATION ERNEST BOREL FLASH CA. 1958

Extremely rare documentation on the technical innovation of the year 1957/1958, made by Ernest Borel. At the time, this was one of the technical innovations, along with Universal Genève's "Microrotor", Buren's "Super-slender" and Heuer's "Ring Master".

Here's a summary of the documentation, which clearly explains the principle behind its innovation:

Now - see the time clearly in all lighting conditions, with the watch glowing at the touch of a button.

For generations, the world's leading watchmakers have studied the problem of designing watches that are easy to read in poor lighting conditions. It has been partially solved by the use of luminous materials. While useful in total darkness, this method is ineffective in semi-light conditions.

Using a completely new approach, the ERNEST BOREL watch and chronometer factory has now provided the perfect answer with Flash, the watch whose attractive dial lights up electrically at the touch of a button.

Featuring an ultra-thin battery and one of the world's smallest bulbs, the Flash is a classically elegant watch. Its water-resistant case seals out all dust and moisture from the high-precision movement, which is shock-resistant, anti-magnetic and equipped with a lifetime unbreakable mainspring... qualities that have earned all Ernest Borel creations a worldwide reputation for excellence.

The lighting system has been designed to operate for six months to a year under normal conditions. Thanks to the accumulator-type battery, the owner can recharge the electrical system whenever necessary.

And here's an extract from the April 1958 issue of "la revue internationale de l'horlogerie" about this new model:

The Fabrique Ernest Borel is one of those companies that attach great importance to technical development and the constant search for new formulas in watch presentation. In recent years, it has produced a number of highly successful creations for the world market. These include the "Cocktail", "Datoptic", "Extra-plate", "Rendez-vous", "Society" and, last year, the "Versailles" style watches, which are still being talked about.

Remaining true to its avant-garde ideas and proving once again that it is constantly on the lookout for novelties, Ernest Borel this year presents the fruit of many months of research, the surprising "Flash" wristwatch with electric lighting. The problem of reading the time in the dark is solved in a particularly happy way, thanks to the judicious distribution of indirect light that doesn't allow any glare to filter through.

The Ernest Borel "Flash" watch finally satisfies all those who have had to make do with the imperfection of dials with radium numerals.

Only a pusher makes the ingenuity of the invention apparent, which not only takes a step into the future of watchmaking technology, but also enhances the aesthetic interest of the watch by giving it the clarity that the elegance of the piece claimed.

Overcoming one technical difficulty after another, the result is an instrument of disconcerting simplicity.

A simple press on the push-button illuminates the dial and hands using a tiny bulb, cleverly concealed to avoid dazzling, which is connected to a miniature waterproof battery. The latter is recharged using a simple device supplied with the watch. It can be attached to any 2-element flashlight for a few hours, after which it can be used as a flashlight.

which the "Flash" watch lighting can be used again for a period ranging from 6 months to a year, depending on how it is used. What's more, this operation can be repeated hundreds of times without in any way damaging the accumulator or the smooth running of the movement, which is independent of any electrical influence.

In addition, the water-resistant "Flash" is equipped with a 17-jewel, shockproof and anti-magnetic movement with unbreakable spring. It is available in both gold-plated and stainless steel.

We are witnessing the junction between the century of craftsmanship and the century of automation, as the age-old tradition of watchmakers has made the movement a precision instrument, while the essential characteristic of the "Flash" watch is only achievable thanks to the progress of modern technology.

The enthusiasm generated by this novelty rewards the efforts of a company that has succeeded in mass-producing a wristwatch that is both classic in appearance and avant-garde in the design of its totally new lighting system.

Publisher: Ernest Borel
Year of publication: 1958
Number of pages: Leaflet with 3 double-sided panels
Dimensions: Height 27.5 cm (Folded 9.5cm) Width 21 cm