The Excelsior Park brand may not be a familiar name in horology, however their history dates back to 1866 when Jules-Frederic Jenneret established his firm in St. Imier Switzerland. His company was passed down first to his son Albert, and then his sons Henri and Constant. The brothers split the company and under Henri Jeanneret-Brehm
the Excelsior name was trademarked in 1911. Henri added “Park” to make the brand more accessible to English speakers. Known for quality timing movements, Excelsior Park produced stopwatches and chronographs as well as sold movements to brands like Gallet, Girard-Perregaux and Zenith. Post World War II, they were a successful brand, however suffered financially during the quartz crisis and went bankrupt in 1983, and sold to a German firm called Flume, who were unable to revive the brand.

The present Monte Carlo is rooted in the watch manufacturing of the 1960s and 1970s, and notably identifies with Zenith’s A. Cairelli oversized chronograph made for the Italian Army during this period. The large 43mm diameter case sports a black dial with luminous Arabic numerals and hands, the legendary “Excelsior Park” script and uni-directional calibrated bezel. The case back is engraved “21/50 mono Anniversary of 150th Issue”, referring to the Japanese fashion magazine Mono. A lifestyle journal on men’s fashion, eyewear, electronics and watches, this wristwatch celebrates Mono’s 150th issue in 1980. An interesting note is the caliber 7740 found inside, which was produced not by Excelsior Park, but rather than Breitling, which at the end of the 1970s faced bankruptcy and sold off movement and other components. It appears these movements were used in the Monte Carlo timepieces, and explains bridge, which has an engraved blank space, presumably where the Breitling name was featured.

In excellent condition, this Monte Carlo is a wonderful time capsule of 20th century horology, with its quality timing movement, and 1960s design.