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Cool And Exotic.
This is one of those watches where your eye doesn’t settle right away.
You look at it and think octagon, then you realize that’s only part of the story. There’s a softer outer case sitting around it, almost like a cushion, and the two shapes don’t fully agree with each other. The inner frame is sharp and defined, while the outer shell rounds things out. Then you catch the small recessed indents at 12, 3, 6, and 9, and it starts to feel even more intentional. It’s a layered case, not just in construction, but in how it reads.
DeLaneau is not a brand most people spend time researching, and that’s partly the appeal. They were making watches during a period where design was pushed more by jewellery than by traditional watchmaking rules. Stone dials, unusual forms, smaller production They weren’t trying to compete with the usual names on their terms - they were doing their own thing, and pieces like this are a result of that approach.
This one sits within the Secrett line, which doesn’t offer much in the way of documentation. You’re left to judge it on what’s in front of you, which in this case works in its favour.
The dial is black onyx, cut thin and fitted cleanly. That matters more than it sounds. These dials are fragile during production and just as fragile decades later. Many don’t make it this far without cracks or chips. This one has neither. It’s still intact, with that flat, deep black surface that plays off the gold hands without needing anything else on it.
The size also deserves a mention. At just over 32mm, it has more presence than you expect, especially because the case extends outward with that outer frame. It doesn’t wear like a small watch, and it doesn’t feel limited to one type of wearer either.
The rest of the details are consistent with how this watch was originally put together. The strap is original and still shows the DeLaneau signature underneath, which usually fades quickly with wear. The buckle is signed with a “D,” and the keeper is made in solid gold rather than leather. It’s a small detail, but it tells you how far they went with the finishing.
You don’t need to overthink where this fits in a collection. It’s the kind of piece you reach for when everything else feels a bit too familiar.
Overall excellent vintage condition with light signs of wear and strong preservation across all components.
The 18k yellow gold case shows light surface wear consistent with age while retaining its original definition and shape.
The black onyx dial is free of cracks or chips and remains fully intact.
The caseback shows light wear with visible hallmarks that are slightly softened.
The hands and crystal are in excellent condition with no notable damage.
The original black alligator strap shows light wear and retains its gold-stamped signature, paired with its original 18k signed buckle and rare solid gold keeper.
The manual-wound movement is running as expected.
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