Delbana Watches

Delbana Watches

Delbana isn’t loud. It doesn’t chase influencers or drop 47 colorways of the same watch. But it’s been quietly doing its thing — and doing it well — for nearly a century.

Affordable Swiss-made watches. Vintage charm. A little old-school flavor in a market obsessed with hype. If you’ve been sleeping on Delbana, you’re not alone. But it might be time to wake up.

A Little History

Delbana was founded in 1931 by Goliardo Della Balda — an Italian immigrant who set up shop in Switzerland with a vision of making quality timepieces

accessible to more than just the elite.

By the 1940s and ‘50s, Delbana had become known for stylish, reliable watches that didn’t break the bank. They were especially popular in Eastern

Europe and Latin America — markets where Swiss prestige was prized but budgets were real.

And while they never hit Rolex-level visibility, Delbana was part of the backbone of mid-century Swiss watchmaking — quietly turning out classic dress

watches, mechanical chronographs, and tidy field-style pieces that still turn up on vintage forums today.

What Collectors Love

Delbana’s vintage models have real charm — sector dials, coin-edge bezels, funky lugs, and classic numerals. You’ll find:

  • Mid-century dress watches with thin cases and enamel-style dials

  • Calendar models with triple-date displays and sharp typography

  • And the occasional mechanical chronograph that punches way above its resale price

But even modern Delbana models carry some retro DNA. Their reissue of the Recordmaster — a vintage-style dress watch with textured dial and

domed crystal — got legit praise from enthusiasts.

Collectors appreciate Delbana because it represents a slice of forgotten Swiss watchmaking — not glamorous, but quietly well-made and often full of

personality.

Why Delbana Is Worth a Second Look

There aren’t many brands offering Swiss-made mechanical watches under $1,000 that don’t feel phoned in. Delbana does.

They’ve embraced their heritage without getting stuck in it. The newer models have modern build quality — sapphire, automatic movements, better

finishing — but still lean into their vintage aesthetic with real intent.

If you want something that doesn’t scream for attention, that feels a little left-of-center but still timeless… Delbana nails it.

What’s New from Delbana

The modern lineup includes a clean mix of heritage-inspired dress watches, daily-wear automatics, and a few quirky vintage throwbacks. The

Recordmaster II, in particular, got attention for being a tasteful, sub-$1K piece that didn’t cut corners.

Delbana continues to operate under its parent company (Delma), and still assembles its watches in Switzerland — which is more than can be said for a

lot of the so-called “Swiss brands” in the same price tier.

Fed’s Take

I’ve always had a soft spot for brands like Delbana. No flash. No marketing fluff. Just solid heritage and classic style.

The vintage pieces? Some real sleepers there. And the modern ones? If you know how to dress a little old-school, they fit right in. I’ve sold a few to

guys who wear them with a knit polo and loafers, and it just works.

You don’t need a five-figure watch to have taste. Delbana proves that.

Check Out Our Delbana Inventory

Delray Watch is always on the lookout for unique Delbana watches — especially Recordmaster and vintage triple-date models.

If you have a Delbana you’re ready to sell or trade – reach out. We’re always buying.

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