Another Incoming, Vintage Chronograph!

[ianmedium]

Well. I have been on a bit of a spree of late but this is the last for a while. Heck, I need time to enjoy the new purchases.

 

I have wanted a simple vintage chrono for a long time. I just found one for sale here in Canada which had been reduced by $100 by the seller and because I keep my PayPal balance in US funds I got almost another $50 off again due to the exchange rate.

 

I have never heard of the make before so any help would be appreciated. It is a rather unusual name.

 

" Fellow Watch Co. Geneve"

 

It is a two register vertical 30 minute chronograph. I have asked the seller the make of the movement as he had it serviced before putting it up for sale. All works perfectly.

 

I know its crazy but sometimes when something pulls at our heart strings we have to do it, this was the case for me!

 

Here are a couple of pictures from the seller. Any info would be much appreciated!

 

[Marc]

That's really nice.

I like that it's not fussy like chrono's can get, and I love the treatment of the crown and pushers.

Looks good and clean too.

[ash145]

Great looking dial, however,do you think those pushers and winders are original?. They just look way too big...

[WillFly]

That's a good looker. I'm also a fan of these 50s and 60s simple dials. I have to say that the pushers and winder look rather large for the case. Might be worth trying to find some pics of the same make on the web - just as a reference. It may well be that that was the design! For comparison, here's the Swiss Emperor chrono from the same period which Mark recently serviced for me:

 

Edited March 4, 2014 by WillFly

[SeikoWatch]

Very nice watches guys :)

[ianmedium]

Thanks Guys, WillFly, that Swiss Emperor is a beauty.

 

I think the pushers and crown are original to the piece. It was serviced a few weeks ago and in an email conversation with the dealer his watch maker seems to think it is all correct to the date looking at the wear and patina of the crown and pushers. I am wondering with the extra size pushers and crown if this may have had a military application? I cannot find anything about the make. The seller said he will ask the watchmaker what the movement is as he did not ask him at the time.

 

Your Emperor seems to be the norm for the type of crown and pushers of the period though i have found these images on the web with similar styles to mine. Remember as well mine is a 34mm case and I think most others around that time were 36-38mm so the diminutive case size might make them appear bigger.

[SeikoWatch]

If the Heuer is all authentic, that's the most expensive from the 2 others. nice watches anyway.

[ianmedium]

So this gorgeous chronograph arrived and I am so happy with it!

 

I popped the back off to take a photo and hopefully the more knowledgable here can help me determine which make and type of movement it is?

 

Its an up/down bi-compax 30 minute chronograph.

 

Any help would be much appreciated. It works beautifully (having just been freshly serviced).

 

[ianmedium]

OK, I think I have found it. The link below shows a Heuer with a Valjoux 77 movement and mine looks identical

 

http://www.farfo.com/menswatches/Page2/heuer_up_down_chronograph.html

 

Does anyone have any thoughts on this movement? It works beautifully and the chrono pushers are just wonderful.

[SeikoWatch]

unfortunately Ian, I know nothing about this movement but on link you give , I saw the movement and if my eyes are okay, the price is $1999 bucks.

[ianmedium]

Yes, your right, the Heuer is $1999 which makes the $300 I paid for this one seem something of a bargain!

[SeikoWatch]

Yes, your right, the Heuer is $1999 which makes the $300 I paid for this one seem something of a bargain!

You're right.. it's a bargain considering the price of the movement. all that I know is that it's a good quality watch

[WillFly]

Lovely movement - what a bargain!

[Geo]

Excellent choice, I just love these old chronographs. I have a few myself, they are great 3D jigsaws!

[ianmedium]

Thanks Gentlemen.

 

Just checked its timekeeping this morning and it's +4 seconds on yesterday, remarkable for a watch around 64 years old I think!

 

Here is a shot of it on my wrist, just love the proportions. I am thinking of a nice brown cordovan strap for it but the one it came on, a new Hirsch Traveller is none to shabby either!

 

 

 

[SeikoWatch]

Nice looking Watch Ian.. Really ;)

[ianmedium]

Thank you so much! All my watches tug at my hear strings but this one and the fusee just that bit more!

[SeikoWatch]

No probs Ian :D..

[Mark]

I love the Fellow watch Ian. Nice catch!

[ianmedium]

Thanks Mark. Been on a bit of a roll of late. You should see the Omega Geneve F300hz I won this past weekend from a retired watch repairer in the UK, its a mint example and fully serviced, should be here next week and I will post pictures!

[No8yogi]

That is a lovely piece! I have a vintage Chrono on my want list but not till next bonus in Feb 2015! so sitting on my hands for now and limiting time on ebay!

[ianmedium]

Its worth keeping looking. I honestly did not think I would get what I wanted for under $700 and then this came along!