For right this moment’s version of Pre-Owned Highlight, I’m going again to my classic roots. You’ll be able to take the watch geek out of the classic boutique, however you can’t take the classic boutique out of the watch geek. That doesn’t sound fairly proper, however you catch my drift.
I’ve determined to trace down some classic chronographs, cash no object. I discovered three that may elevate even one of the best collections on the market. So strap in — no best-value or reasonably priced options right this moment, simply three superb classic chronos!
Picture: Amsterdam Classic Watches
Uncommon classic chronograph #1: Rolex Oyster Chronograph 6034 “Pre-Daytona”
Like RJ, I’m not a lot of a Rolex Daytona man. The design by no means fairly clicked for me. Early ones, nonetheless, do communicate to me. However what I like much more are Rolex chronographs that predate the Daytona period, and here’s a good one. If it’s a uncommon classic chronograph you’re after, this might be proper up your alley.
Picture: Amsterdam Classic Watches
Picture: Amsterdam Classic Watches
Picture: Amsterdam Classic Watches
That is the Rolex ref. 6034 “Pre-Daytona.” Measuring 36mm vast and powered by the legendary caliber Valjoux 72, that is chronograph historical past within the steel (stainless-steel, to be exact). Curiously, these got here in numerous variations. This one options fascinating dial printing. Take a look at how the printing of the sub-dial simply runs straight by way of the principle seconds monitor. It’s fully messy by right this moment’s requirements. The cool factor, for those who ask me, is that it makes you marvel how precisely these dials had been printed. It is likely one of the issues I really like about classic watches; they set off imaginary time-traveling bouts if you stare upon them.
Picture: Amsterdam Classic Watches
This 1953 instance comes on an unique beads-of-rice bracelet. Sure, there was a time earlier than the Oyster, Jubilee, and President trinity. It’s supplied right here within the Netherlands by Amsterdam Classic Watches. The worth is a cool €45,000.
Picture: Bulang & Sons
Uncommon classic chronograph #2: Army-issued Lemania Monopusher
We’ll keep in Holland for somewhat longer, this time with our associates at Bulang & Sons. They’ve one thing somewhat extra accessible on provide, however it’s nonetheless a reasonably uncommon classic chronograph. It is a Lemania Monopusher that was issued to the Canadian Navy.
Picture: Bulang & Sons
What stands out to me is the dial. For starters, the colours are simply beautiful. The vertically brushed silver base with the vanilla tritium, black printing, and heat-blued palms come collectively in a spectacular method. I additionally love the spaciousness of the dial. Each single aspect has loads of room and unfavorable area round it, which is uncommon for a chronograph. As a typography fan, I really like the numerals too. That flat-topped 4 and hooked 7 all the time work on watches.
Picture: Bulang & Sons
The case measures 38mm throughout, which was large for the time. In true navy vogue, it’s fitted with fastened strap bars. I reckon that totally different tones of khaki and inexperienced straps will make the dial sing. This uncommon classic chronograph is on provide for €5,900.
Picture: Wind Classic
Uncommon classic chronograph #3: Breitling AVI ref. 765
The ultimate uncommon classic chronograph in right this moment’s Pre-Owned Highlight comes from Breitling. That is the well-known AVI ref. 765. For those who really feel the earlier Lemania is just too small, this watch, at 40mm vast, would possibly give you the results you want. Though it had its bezel changed, the lume is, apparently, nonetheless unique and superbly coloured. Importantly, the case has not been refinished, which is uncommon for a watch from 1961.
Picture: Wind Classic
Picture: Wind Classic
The 765 is fascinating as a result of it predates the well-known Breguet Kind 20. Apparently, in 1953, Breitling was in negotiations with the French Air Pressure, however the deal fell by way of. The Breguet, Auricoste, Vixa, Dodane, and Airain chronographs that got here a yr later, in 1954, look rather a lot just like the 765.
Picture: Wind Classic
Once more, that is typography Nirvana. You’ll be able to clearly see that this was finished by hand. Take a look on the 3s in every of the sub-dials. They’re fully totally different. Equally, we’ve got a hooked 7 within the sub-dial and a straight 7 for the lumed hour marker. The identical applies to the 5s. Ah, this actually awakes the geek in me. This watch is obtainable by Wind Classic. The worth is about at US$19,900.
Picture: Bulang & Sons
Closing ideas
There you will have it — three uncommon classic chronograph watches accessible available on the market right this moment! I do know, I do know; that is fairly a distinct segment curiosity. However even for those who aren’t out there, they’re fascinating to behold. The quirky dials make the thoughts marvel concerning the old-world methods by which they had been made. Actually, I wrote an article about that some time again.
Which of those uncommon classic chronographs would you wish to take house? Tell us within the feedback under!
Featured picture: Bulang & Sons
