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2 January 2021, 08:18 AM | #1 |
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Vintage Chronographs? Post them!
I wanted to take the time to showcase a very cool, vintage chronograph. It’s an “Election Chronometre” Pulsations with a Valjoux 22. The gold plated case has hooded, fixed lugs. I was completely enamored with it when I first saw it for sale in South America. However, the case was in horrid condition. The gold plating wore off in many spots. The case and case back were heavily scratched and dented. The hooded lugs were bent and the pushers were missing. It was a basket case. But that gorgeous dial was too good looking to pass up. The overall condition, beautiful patina, colors, markings, hands, iridescent chapter ring, etc…
I negotiated and purchased it and would just figure out what the heck I’m going to do with the case! I found a watchmaker in Seattle. He worked on chronographs as a hobby. But, he was metallurgist by profession. He was able to translate his profession to his watch hobby and do complete case restorations. Perfect! I contacted him, sent him the watch, and what you see now is the result of his magic. He smoothed all the dents, straightened the lugs, dripped silver solder in deep scratches and serious dents. He then sanded it perfectly smooth. The inside case back indicated it had been originally plated in 20 microns of gold. He plated it in 40 microns of 24k gold! The case was left looking pristine in a double thick coating of pure, buttery 24k gold. The movement was fully serviced with new pushers, mainspring, and glass crystal. It’s a real gem in my vintage collection. Love it! Sent from Crapatalk
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The wristwatch is an intimate accessory. The best watches live in harmony and interact with the wearer, and their functions offer a reassuring and emotionally satisfying bond - Kintaro Hattori |
2 January 2021, 08:42 AM | #2 |
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Beautiful! I love that it was painstakingly restored and will give you great use!
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2 January 2021, 09:54 AM | #3 |
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Sweet story and awesome watch!!!!! I love chronographs. Nothing vintage to share but will be following along.
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2 January 2021, 01:46 PM | #4 |
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Very cool watch OP
Only one i have at the moment. Think it dates to around ‘74. Have been searching for a vintage omega lately as well.
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2 January 2021, 03:04 PM | #5 | |
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Quote:
Interesting dial layout accommodating the date. I like the chrono hand. Cool case brushing.
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The wristwatch is an intimate accessory. The best watches live in harmony and interact with the wearer, and their functions offer a reassuring and emotionally satisfying bond - Kintaro Hattori |
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2 January 2021, 03:51 PM | #6 |
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This thread is basically my thing
Let’s start with this 2. Valjoux 72c And |
3 January 2021, 12:04 AM | #7 |
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WWII era Pierce pilot chronograph.
dP
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3 January 2021, 04:08 AM | #8 | |
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That's what drew me to the watch was the placement of the date window at the traditional 3 o'clock position and the single chrono register at 6 o'clock. I wish there were more modern chronographs to choose from that had the center seconds and minutes chono hands.
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3 January 2021, 06:20 AM | #9 |
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Ive been on the look out for a Tissot Chronograph since buying my Tissott Seastar, an awesome under rated brand by my reckoning
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"H" 5513 Submariner 1968 114270 Explorer 2005 Smiths W10 1968 Tissot Seastar 2011 |
3 January 2021, 11:59 AM | #10 |
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Awesome guys!
Those two triple date chronos and the Pierce are the bee's knees! Would love to have an example of each. It's my understanding those Pierces are a total PITA to service.
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The wristwatch is an intimate accessory. The best watches live in harmony and interact with the wearer, and their functions offer a reassuring and emotionally satisfying bond - Kintaro Hattori |
3 January 2021, 02:09 PM | #11 | |
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However, I understand the Pierce moon phase movements are considered high quality. dP
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3 January 2021, 02:19 PM | #12 |
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Up/Down Venus 170 very large for its time, I think 37mm
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3 January 2021, 06:04 PM | #13 |
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Loving this thread - I don’t own any vintage chronos but looking for one. I love the omega Apollo II - not vintage but I love the look. Sadly, it’s a bit too dear, and there are other watches I’d want to buy first.
Happy new year everyone x |
3 January 2021, 06:56 PM | #14 |
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Loving this thread...
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4 January 2021, 04:13 AM | #15 |
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5 January 2021, 07:14 AM | #16 |
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I just finished working on this one.
Invincible was a brand created by Helbros. Movement is unsigned, common with small manufacturers from that time. *Replaced and cut to size new pushers. *Light hand polish and brushing. *Found vintage hands for it. (Did not have any) and lumed it with luminova. *case gasket *movement clamps and screws *replaced chronograph lever. *New glass *New crown. *serviced movement. Had to spend good time adjusting the chronograph escentics they were all over the place. |
5 January 2021, 07:40 AM | #17 | |
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Quote:
I've been thinking about adding this modern version as well
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14 January 2021, 02:39 AM | #18 |
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1950’s classic 18k “Chronograph Suisse” with a Valjoux 22. I purchased it in 2004 from someone in the United Kingdom. It came on an old worn broken in leather strap that smelled of sweet pipe tobacco. Very common design for this era. This one was put together by the old watch company Egona. Fully serviced, new mainspring and glass crystal. Still retained the inner dust cover. I paired it with a genuine alligator band.
Sent from Crapatalk
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The wristwatch is an intimate accessory. The best watches live in harmony and interact with the wearer, and their functions offer a reassuring and emotionally satisfying bond - Kintaro Hattori |
14 January 2021, 02:40 AM | #19 | |
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Fantastic work! Great watch Sent from Crapatalk
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The wristwatch is an intimate accessory. The best watches live in harmony and interact with the wearer, and their functions offer a reassuring and emotionally satisfying bond - Kintaro Hattori |
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21 January 2021, 07:03 AM | #20 |
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My Chrographe Suisse. Received from my parents in 1966 and father owned since 1949
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21 January 2021, 09:10 AM | #21 |
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That's very cool. Nice provenance. I don't know anyone who has a 72 year old chronograph heirloom
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The wristwatch is an intimate accessory. The best watches live in harmony and interact with the wearer, and their functions offer a reassuring and emotionally satisfying bond - Kintaro Hattori |
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