The elegant way of obnoxious
DeLaneau is not a brand with centuries of heritage like many other watch brands in my collection.
The founder, Albert Kneuss, was already a well-established wholesale trader in the post-war period. Initially known as Delano, the brand officially changed its name in 1972 to DeLaneau – “Le” Joaillier de la Montre. With that change came a decisive shift in direction.
Gold. Diamonds. Stones. And oh boy, they did deliver.
Coming not from a traditional horological background, DeLaneau never pretended otherwise. Mechanics were never the headline. Instead, they embraced bold design, jewellery craftsmanship, and unapologetic extravagance. Thinking this would compromise quality? Think again.
In 1982, DeLaneau won the Triumph Award for European excellence, previous winners including Rolls-Royce, Yves Saint Laurent and Tiffany & Co. You get the idea.
This watch features one of DeLaneau’s most recognisable case designs: a compact round case with wide lugs. While the silhouette is familiar, almost every example differs. One, two, three or four movements. Different stones. Different diamond settings. No two are quite the same.
And don’t be put off by the 30mm case size. Thanks to the wide 18mm strap — still the original leather strap — this remains a perfectly wearable men’s watch with real wrist presence.
As you can see in the photos, the previous owner clearly didn’t have the nerve to wear this elegant yet gloriously obnoxious piece of disco-era excess. Do you?
————
Brand: DeLaneau
Model: “Four-Timezones "Onyx and Diamonds" “
Reference: G362
Year: 1940’s
Material: 18k Yellow Gold
Dimensions: 30mm (without crown)
Crystal: Sapphire
Caliber: 4 x ETA/Chopard 201.001 Quartz
Bracelet/Strap: Original Deleaneau strap and plated Delaneau buckle
The elegant way of obnoxious
DeLaneau is not a brand with centuries of heritage like many other watch brands in my collection.
The founder, Albert Kneuss, was already a well-established wholesale trader in the post-war period. Initially known as Delano, the brand officially changed its name in 1972 to DeLaneau – “Le” Joaillier de la Montre. With that change came a decisive shift in direction.
Gold. Diamonds. Stones. And oh boy, they did deliver.
Coming not from a traditional horological background, DeLaneau never pretended otherwise. Mechanics were never the headline. Instead, they embraced bold design, jewellery craftsmanship, and unapologetic extravagance. Thinking this would compromise quality? Think again.
In 1982, DeLaneau won the Triumph Award for European excellence, previous winners including Rolls-Royce, Yves Saint Laurent and Tiffany & Co. You get the idea.
This watch features one of DeLaneau’s most recognisable case designs: a compact round case with wide lugs. While the silhouette is familiar, almost every example differs. One, two, three or four movements. Different stones. Different diamond settings. No two are quite the same.
And don’t be put off by the 30mm case size. Thanks to the wide 18mm strap — still the original leather strap — this remains a perfectly wearable men’s watch with real wrist presence.
As you can see in the photos, the previous owner clearly didn’t have the nerve to wear this elegant yet gloriously obnoxious piece of disco-era excess. Do you?
————
Brand: DeLaneau
Model: “Four-Timezones "Onyx and Diamonds" “
Reference: G362
Year: 1940’s
Material: 18k Yellow Gold
Dimensions: 30mm (without crown)
Crystal: Sapphire
Caliber: 4 x ETA/Chopard 201.001 Quartz
Bracelet/Strap: Original Deleaneau strap and plated Delaneau buckle
