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If you’ve never heard of Progress… you’re not alone.
This is one of those obscure Swiss brands from the mid-20th century that didn’t make headlines, didn’t sponsor race teams, and didn’t survive the quartz
crisis. But here’s the thing: some of their watches did survive. And they’re surprisingly solid.
Progress isn’t a household name — it’s a collector’s curiosity. And sometimes, that’s where the fun starts.
Progress was one of many smaller Swiss marques that popped up during the mechanical watch boom of the 1940s to 1970s. Like many of its peers, it
operated more like an assembler than a full manufacture — sourcing movements from reputable ébauche makers and building watches aimed at the mid-market.
These weren’t luxury pieces. But they weren’t junk either. The name “Progress” was often associated with simple, well-constructed dress watches and
some funky sport models, mostly sold in Europe.
Then the quartz wave hit. And like so many others… Progress faded quietly into obscurity.
Today, vintage Progress watches pop up in the same circles as Kelton, Bucherer, and Enicar’s side brands — undervalued, under-researched, but often surprisingly well-made.
You’ll find:
Collectors like these watches not for the logo — but for the charm. They’re reminders that even the forgotten brands had moments of real watchmaking integrity.
Because it was never meant to impress the masses. It was meant to work, look good doing it, and sit on a wrist for 40 years without complaint.
Most Progress watches used Swiss movements — FHF, ETA, or similar — cased in stainless or gold-plated shells, with dials that were often beautifully balanced and crisply printed.
Are they collector grails? No. But they’re vintage Swiss mechanicals with real wrist appeal — and you’ll get a lot more watch than the price suggests.
Only vintage. The brand’s long gone — and so are most of the pieces.
But a few surface from time to time: 35mm manual-winds, sub-seconds, and the odd automatic calendar model with day/date functionality. You’ll
often find them in estate lots or European auctions, usually priced well under $500.
Look past the name. Look at the watch. You might be surprised.
Look, no one’s flexing a Progress on Instagram. But that’s what makes it fun.
I’ve seen a few that were absolute sleepers — crisp dial, great patina, signed crown, reliable movement — and the whole thing cost less than a dinner at a steakhouse. That’s a win.
If you’re into offbeat vintage that doesn’t need validation, Progress belongs on your radar.
Delray Watch is always on the lookout for unique Progress watches — especially manual-wind dress and calendar models.
If you have a Progress watch you’re ready to sell or trade – reach out. We’re always buying.
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