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Eska Tank - Turquoise and Black Lacquered Dial

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Details

A Small Watch That Refuses To Be Normal

This Eska Tank may remind you of a Cartier Tank at first glance, then immediately doesn’t. Square case, compact proportions, classic Tank inspiration, but finished in a way that stops you. At 23 by 23 millimeters, it wears small, but the dial gives it presence far beyond the size.

Why The Dial Is So Special

The hand-painted turquoise and black dial is the highlight of this piece. This is a true one-off execution, not a factory pattern repeated across a production run. The color contrast is bold, graphic, and very much of its era. No two painted dials age the same way, and that is exactly why pieces like this survive as singular objects rather than references to be chased.

There is visible spidering and a small spot around five o’clock. It is evidence of how the dial was made and how it has lived. Featuring a playful contrast, this watch pairs a gold-plated case with a faux diamond accent near 8 o'clock.

What You Need To Know Before Wearing It

Condition is good overall. The case is in good shape with normal wear for age. The dial shows spidering and a small mark near five o’clock, clearly visible and part of its character. The crystal is in good condition. The watch is fitted to a leather strap with an aftermarket buckle.

The manual-wind in-house movement is running properly after passing by our test bench. The watch comes with its original box, which is uncommon for pieces from this tier and era.

Why This Watch Still Works

This is not a substitute for a Cartier Tank. It is something else entirely. A small, expressive watch made by a brand willing to do things its own way. It works for someone who values originality over logos and understands that true one-off dials matter more than reference numbers. Strange, personal, and impossible to replace once it leaves.

 

Every watch we offer has been authenticated and mechanically looked over to ensure immediate usability.

Bracelet extension, cutting, or sizing is available upon request through our professional in-house jewelers.


Key Specs

Series Tank

Movement Type

Manual wind

Dial Turquoise & black painted

Size23x23mm

Bracelet Leather Bracelet

Case Gold-plated

History

Founded in 1918 by Silvan Kocher and his son Erwin in the Swiss watchmaking village of Selzach, ESKA emerged from humble beginnings as S. Kocher & Co. The brand name itself is a phonetic play on the founder's initials—"ES-KA" from Silvan Kocher. What began as a small family workshop quickly evolved into a respected manufacturer known for producing beautifully decorated wristwatches with small, high-quality calibers and exceptional attention to detail.

By 1937, ESKA's success necessitated a move to Grenchen, Switzerland's renowned watchmaking hub, allowing the brand to expand production and strengthen its international presence. Throughout the pre-war and post-war decades, ESKA carved out a distinctive niche with elegant dress watches featuring guilloché and grained dials, often remarkably thin for their era. The brand found particular success in emerging markets, establishing a loyal following in Brazil, the United States, Australia, and Asia. After World War II, ESKA became equally celebrated for their exquisite ladies' jewelry watches and sophisticated complications including full calendars, moon phases, and chronographs.

The brand's most legendary creation came in the late 1950s—the ESKA Amphibian 600, a robust diver's watch that would become a collector's grail. With its distinctive oversized Bakelite bezel and military-grade construction, the Amphibian 600 was reportedly used by the French Navy and famously worn by Roy Rogers himself. Like many proud Swiss manufacturers, ESKA ultimately fell victim to the quartz crisis of the 1980s, ceasing operations in 1987 and slipping into what collectors affectionately call a "sleeping beauty" slumber—but leaving behind a legacy of fine craftsmanship and understated Swiss elegance that vintage watch enthusiasts continue to treasure today.

Eska Tank - Turquoise and Black Lacquered Dial
Eska Tank - Turquoise and Black Lacquered Dial Sale price$2,750.00 USD

What Our Clients Say About Us

Dan Young
4 months ago

I knew I was gonna like Danny, based on his name, but nothing could’ve prepared me for how great of an experience this was. He had the most beautiful 70s Seamaster Cosmic on his website and I was set to be married 2 days later - I arranged to buy it but before leaving we both realized it needed to be serviced. I panicked, because I was literally buying this for my wedding, and Danny being the legend he is, loaned me a nearly identical Seamaster to make sure I could get through the event Never have I had someone go so above and beyond for me, especially while purchasing one of the lesser priced items in their inventory. He serviced my watch and exchanged it with me after the wedding on a super fast turnaround timeline. I would sincerely recommend you visit this guy, you will not be disappointed Edit: adding a pic of the loaner (two tone) and the owner (crosshair)

Patrick Farella
5 months ago

Great service and shop. Danny and his team were incredibly accommodating, professional, and kind. Great selection of vintage watches. Their store is the hidden gem in the diamond district.

Zee06
2 months ago

This was my first real luxury watch purchase, a Rolex 15200 Date 34mm, I own Tissots and a Laco, but those are entry level luxury watches. I found Danny’s Vintage Watches online, and had great feedback both on Google, Chrono24 and the Reddit watch community. So decided to give him a shot as buying online can be a crap shoot. Ordered Monday night, was at my doorstep Friday morning. Despite the watch being over 30 years old, serial number says it’s from 91, the watch looked new. Didn’t come with box or papers, and was shipped in a plastic sleeve wrapped in bubble wrap. Danny was always available to answer questions. I’ll be buying from Danny again for the next purchase…saw a couple of Speedmasters on his site I liked….

Mohammed Islam
4 months ago

Can't recommend Danny's vintage watches enough!!! My first Omega ever and im in love have been wearing every day since I purchased it. Danny's shop is a must visit if you are in NYC looking for a watch!!!