A true neo-vintage watch, this Communication 24 is a traditional world-timer that is based on the work of Louis Cottier and understood to be the first serially produced watch from Andersen Geneve, one of the earliest modern independent watchmakers. With a classic look and a beautifully enamelled centre, this World Time is an excellent find for any collector seeking to add a traditional example of this dependable complication to their collection.

Svend Andersens output is as creative as it is varied, ranging from automatons to incredible enamelled pieces, and the watchmaker is well-known as a champion of independent watchmaking, as one of the co-founders of the AHCI.

Over the course of his career, before breaking away to create his own brand, he spent nine years at Patek Philippe, mainly working in the world time division. It then comes as no surprise that this Andersen Geneve World Time is a satisfying tribute to the original Louis Cottier watches.

Also known as Communication 24, the watch was created in the early 1990s, and was the brands first serially produced watch. The first batch of watches was initially sold by subscription to Andersens existing client base.

It is fitting, given his history, that the first world-timer created draws heavily upon aesthetics introduced by Louis Cottier. The 24-hour revolving bezel is a brushed gold upon which is printed the names of capital cities. A nocturnal and diurnal chapter ring is nestled between the bezel and the dial, while the central portion of the dial is rendered in blue enamel, with the map of the world and the Andersen Geneve logo in gold. The base calibre that powers the watch is the F. Piguet 9.51, to which Andersen added an in-house world-time module.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Andersen Genve Communication 24will be subject to 20% VAT

Closer look

This Andersen Geneve World Time is in very good condition overall, with a few light signs of wear throughout the case, consistent with the age of the watch. The brushed caseback is well preserved, though does show some marks on the brushed surface which can be seen most noticeably in product photography. The engravings remain crisp. Also shown in the product photography is oxidation, most apparent at the 6 and 12 oclock positions on the reverse of the watch. The bezel also shows very light signs of this as well.

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.