The Mustang 301 shown here is from 1968, and was part of a salesman's sample chest. It is NOS in all respects with tags and the protective purple coating on the back. This piece does not have a movement fitted, instead the hands and dial are mounted in a cork base. While a movement could easily be fitted, it is worth preserving this fascinating slice of history as is.
Mustangs were produced between 1967 and 1975 with at least five different movements and 3 different case styles (301, 303 and 601)
This style of Mustang (301) features a front loading (access through the crystal) waterproof case and hidden crown at 3 o'clock. The Mustang started in 1967 with two case styles (the 301 here and the 601) and two movements, the date only models with the 44 jewel MST 471 and the day-date (D+D) using the MST 477 (modified and Roamer finished ETA 2538). From 1969 the 28 jewel version of the MST 471 was fitted to the date only version, along with the MST 478 (modified and Roamer finished ETA 2638) fitted to the D+D models, in addition the 303 case was advertised (like this 301, but with hidden lugs). The 303 was advertised in 1966 as part of the new Stingray range, it appears then to have become in 1967 part of the Mustang range. The 301 and 303 were only available in stainless steel cases, and in 1970 the 301 was dropped and only the 601 and 303 were listed. Between 1971 and 1973 there was an electronic version fitted only to the 601 with the MST916 (ESA 9154) that does not appear in the catalogs. In the 1974-75 catalog the 601 Mustang is shown as a date only stainless steel version with the new MST522 automatic calibre, in addition this case style is now also shown as part of the anfibio range, but only in gold plate (on brown leather). The 303 is no longer advertised, and in the 1976-77 catalog the 601 Mustang is gone, but the case style remained as part of the anfibio range, fitted with the MST 522 movement.
|
