HOGA Directime Jump-Hour Automatic — Ref. 9034 — Gold-Plated Rectangular Case — Swiss Made — ca. 1972–1976
CHF 1200.00
The Directime display system replaces conventional hands entirely. A vertical porthole window — faceted and domed in characteristic Space Age fashion — reveals two independently rotating discs. The upper section carries a white drum printed with the brand name "HOGA" in bold block lettering; immediately below, a blue minute disc rotates continuously, its progress read against a fixed red indicator needle. At the base of the window, a large, crisp numeral snaps forward instantaneously at each new hour — the celebrated "jump hour" complication that lent the platform its name. The effect is strikingly modern even by contemporary standards, a mechanical answer to the nascent digital-watch revolution of the era.
The movement is the Swiss automatic calibre AS 1901/1902, 17 jewels, with Incabloc shock protection — a robust and well-regarded workhorse produced by A. Schild S.A. of Grenchen and specified precisely for the Directime disc-display mechanism. The steel caseback is engraved DIRECTIME — 9034 — Swiss Made Mod. Déposé, and the case flank carries the Plaqué Or hallmark stamp confirming gold-plated construction.
The rectangular case has no conventional lug horns; it was conceived for a proprietary integrated bracelet or rail-mount system. Sourcing a period-correct bracelet requires specialist research, and fitting a standard aftermarket strap is not possible without modification. This example is therefore presented case-only.
The Directime concept is attributed to the French designer Prince François de Baschmakoff, who developed the rotating-disc display for LIP in the early 1970s. The platform was subsequently licensed to and distributed under several respected Swiss and French marques — among them Damas, Vulcain, and Carl F. Bucherer (Lucerne), who retailed it through their flagship boutique under the Bucherer name. HOGA-branded examples represent the same high-quality mechanical platform in Swiss market guise. The protected model designation (Modèle Déposé) on the caseback confirms the case design was registered intellectual property — an extra layer of period authenticity for the discerning collector.
Material: Gold-plated brass case (Plaqué Or), steel caseback, acrylic crystal with characteristic domed porthole window
Condition notes
The gold-plated case shows light but clearly visible surface wear — scratches and scuffs consistent with normal use and age, most pronounced on the flat top and side panels. The gold plating is intact overall; no deep dings or dents are apparent from the images. The domed acrylic porthole crystal is present and appears free of major cracks, though minor surface haze may be present. The white hour-drum and blue minute-disc are legible and the red indicator needle is visible and intact. The movement runs; however, the jump-hour mechanism does not advance reliably — the hour disc fails to snap forward cleanly at each hour change, a known characteristic fault of the AS jump-hour calibre (typically attributable to spring-tension loss, lever misalignment, or wear on the disc-engagement pins). Service by a watchmaker experienced with AS jump-hour movements is strongly advised before use. The crown is present and functional. No bracelet or strap is included; the lug-less rectangular case has no standard strap-attachment provision. Sold as a collector's piece.