SINCE 1979 • NEWPORT BEACH, CA
Concord Service
Pioneering Ultra-Thin & Bold Design
For more than 47 years, Newport Jewelers has been the trusted destination for luxury watch service in Orange County. Our master technicians specialize in Concord, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and more — restoring the precision and heritage of this iconic Swiss maison.
Concord: The Architect of Ultra-Thin
Founded 1908 – Biel/Bienne
Concord was founded in 1908 by the Lacher brothers in Biel, Switzerland, later moving to La Chaux-de-Fonds. The brand rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s with the legendary Delirium — the world’s thinnest quartz watch (1979), measuring just 1.98mm thick. The Delirium IV (1981) reached an astonishing 0.98mm, a record that stood for decades. In the 1990s and 2000s, Concord became known for bold, avant-garde designs like the Saratoga, Mariner, and C1 QuantumGravity. Today, under Movado Group, Concord focuses on limited collections that blend heritage with modern engineering.
Their motto: “Architects of Time” — a testament to their structural, sculptural case designs.
Concord Today: Niche Revival
~45M CHF — estimated 2025 revenue, stable with a focus on heritage reissues
~5,000 watches produced annually, emphasizing exclusivity
#35+ largest Swiss brand by sales, but highly collectible in the vintage ultra-thin segment
Secondary market for neo‑vintage Concord (1990s–2000s Saratoga, Mariner) has seen renewed interest, with certain limited editions trading 10–20% above original retail. The Delirium remains a cornerstone of quartz horology, and well-preserved examples are increasingly sought by collectors of record-breaking movements.
Every Current Concord Model — Exact Case Sizes (2026)
Market Desirability: Which Concord Sizes Are Most Sought After?
Highest Demand / Collector Grails
- 40mm Saratoga Automatic (ref. 0320147) – The quintessential 1990s–2000s integrated bracelet sports watch. Neo‑vintage appeal is surging, especially with the original “wave” dial and ETA‑based automatic movement.
- Delirium® Heritage (41mm quartz) – A modern tribute to the 1979 ultra‑thin icon. Collectors value the historical significance and wearable 41mm case. Limited production creates waiting lists.
- 41mm Mariner Classic – Robust, nautical‑inspired design with 200m water resistance. Steady demand among entry‑level luxury sports watch buyers.
Strong & Growing Segments
- 38mm Impression Automatic – Dressier, unisex size, often with guilloché dials. Growing among collectors seeking smaller vintage‑proportioned Concord pieces.
- 45mm C1 QuantumGravity – A bold, architectural statement piece with skeletonized dial and visible movement. Niche but passionate following.
- 42mm Saratoga Chronograph – Valjoux‑based chronograph with signature tonneau case. Attractive to fans of 2000s avant‑garde design.
Pro tip: The 2025–2026 vintage revival has lifted Saratoga and Mariner values. Original bracelets, boxes, and service records significantly boost desirability.
| Model / Size | Market Position | Best For (Your Clients) |
|---|---|---|
Saratoga Auto 40mm | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Neo‑vintage darling / rising | Collectors of 90s–00s integrated bracelet watches, daily wear |
Delirium Heritage 41mm | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Historical icon / limited | Quartz enthusiasts, record‑breaking design fans |
Mariner Classic 41mm | ⭐⭐⭐ Solid performer / entry luxury | Divers, active lifestyle, budget‑conscious luxury buyers |
Impression 38mm | ⭐⭐⭐ Rising / dress unisex | Small wrists, formal occasions, vintage lovers |
C1 QuantumGravity 45mm | ⭐⭐ Niche / bold collector piece | Architecture fans, statement watch wearers |
Our Recommended Service for Concord Watches
Service Every 3–5 Years
Concord primarily uses ETA and Sellita automatic movements (e.g., ETA 2824-2, 2892-A2, Valjoux 7750) as well as high‑precision quartz calibers. We recommend a full service every 4 years for automatics, and battery/gasket replacement every 2 years for quartz models.
What a full service includes?
- Complete disassembly, cleaning, and inspection of movement
- Replacement of worn components (automatic module, mainspring, jewels)
- Fresh lubrication with high‑grade Swiss oils
- Regulation to manufacturer specifications (±10 sec/day for mechanical)
- Case and bracelet refinishing — satin, polished, or brushed finishes as original
- Water resistance testing and new gaskets (up to 200m for Mariner models)
Daily Care & Best Practices
- Rinse Saratoga/Mariner after saltwater exposure – protects the screw‑down crown and pushers.
- Avoid magnetic fields – older Concord models lack silicon hairsprings; keep away from speakers and MRI machines.
- Clean the integrated bracelet with a soft toothbrush – debris can accelerate link wear.
- For quartz Delirium, never over‑tighten the crown – the ultra‑thin case has delicate threading.
Why trust Newport Jewelers? 47+ years of experience with niche Swiss brands. We specialize in vintage Concord Delirium battery replacements (including rare 1.5mm cells), Saratoga bracelet link resizing, and case restoration for the iconic tonneau‑shaped cases. We also source NOS parts for 1980s–90s Concord movements.
Why Concord Demands Specialist Care?
Concord's legacy includes some of the thinnest movements ever made — the Delirium series uses a unique construction where the movement and caseback are integrated. Servicing these requires specialized tools and extreme care to avoid damaging the ultra‑thin dial and fragile quartz circuitry. Later mechanical models (Saratoga, Mariner) often feature complex integrated bracelets with hidden screws and proprietary links. The C1 QuantumGravity uses a modular movement with a distinctive bridge layout that only experienced watchmakers should handle. At Newport Jewelers, we have extensive experience with these rare calibers and maintain a library of Concord‑specific parts.
“Newport Jewelers brought my father’s 1990s Concord Saratoga back to life. The automatic movement now runs within COSC specs, and the case refinishing is impeccable. Thank you!”
— Kit Newman
“Jacob serviced my vintage Concord Delirium — a nerve‑wracking job given its thinness. He replaced the battery, cleaned the contacts, and even pressure‑tested the case. A true master.”
— R Whis
The Delirium Legend
In 1979, Concord shocked the watch world with the Delirium I — at 1.98mm thick, it was the thinnest watch ever made. The movement used the caseback as the mainplate, a radical innovation. Delirium IV (1981) measured just 0.98mm, a record that stood until 2008. Today, original Delirium models are highly collectible, and we offer full service, battery replacement, and dial restoration for these historic pieces.
Investment Perspective (2025–26)
Concord has become a “smart money” vintage pick. Neo‑vintage Saratoga and Mariner models (1995–2005) have appreciated 15–25% over the last two years, driven by the integrated bracelet sports watch trend. The Delirium Heritage reissue is sold out at boutiques, with secondary prices 30% above launch. A well‑serviced Concord with original box and papers can command a significant premium.