Today's offering showcases an original and large c. 1920's Swiss single-button chronograph in 18K gold with enamel dial.

Chronograph watches were originally designed as precision instruments, serving the needs of doctor's, pilots, auto racers, and other professionals who demanded a high level of precision in their timing. Equipped with special functions to aid the wearer in the task at hand, these fine mechanisms played an integral role in their owner's lives.

Three of the most utilized features on a chronograph were a special dial for timing events up to 30 minutes in duration, "telemeter" markings around the dial that made calculating the distance of sound-based phenomena such as munitions blasts and thunderclaps at a glance, and a tachometer scale for easily determining speed and distance, such as on this watch.

This rare early chronograph watch is powered by an early Landeron/Hahn caliber movement. For those unfamiliar with chronographs, due to their complexity, in vintage times most brands, including respected firms like Rolex, Breitling, and Heuer, did not fully manufacture their own movements but rather purchased them from companies who specialized in making the sophisticated mechanisms.

One of the well-known chronograph movement makers of the period was the the Swiss firm Landeron. Their movements are best known for powering some of Heuer's and Baume et Mercier's chronographs, as well as watches from Gallet and other Swiss watch houses.

The movement on the watch is running strong and true, and the chronograph resets crisply and to a perfect zero, although their is damage to the bezel which prevents the installation of a crystal. Please see the photos. It is being sold as-is and priced accordingly.

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide

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