Pre-owned Auricoste watches

Founded in 1854 by Émile Thomas and later acquired in 1889 by Joseph Auricoste, the Auricoste brand established itself as a cornerstone of professional watchmaking in France. Initially specializing in marine chronometers and precision measurement instruments, the company quickly earned a solid reputation among prestigious institutions such as the Élysée Palace and the Banque de France.

From the 1950s onward, Auricoste took a decisive turn toward military watchmaking. The Type 20 Chronograph, developed to meet the exacting standards of the French Ministry of Defense, was designed for fighter pilots in the French Air Force and Naval Aviation. Equipped with the flyback function, it allowed instant reset and restart of the chronograph—a vital feature during flight missions. Produced in only 2,000 units, this model is now one of the most sought-after French military chronographs on the pre-owned market.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Auricoste reinforced its military presence by developing dive watches for combat swimmers and navy bomb disposal units. Water-resistant, shockproof, and anti-magnetic, these watches stood out for their ruggedness and reliability. Unlike major Swiss brands, Auricoste maintained a utilitarian approach, staying true to a philosophy of service and efficiency.

After being acquired in 1980 by Claude Tordjmann, Auricoste continued to evolve while preserving its identity: limited production, focused on high-quality professional watches. In the 2000s, the brand made a notable comeback with faithful reissues of its historic models—especially the Type 20—appealing to fans of neo-vintage timepieces.

At Mostra Store, we proudly showcase this unique heritage with a carefully selected offering of vintage pre-owned Auricoste watches. Each piece is authenticated, serviced, and presented in our Aix-en-Provence boutique. Our team, passionate about military watchmaking for over 40 years, will guide you in choosing an exceptional timepiece that blends French tradition with technical excellence. Acquiring an Auricoste from Mostra means investing in a rare watch, steeped in history and built to endure.