Pre-Owned Spotlight: Seriously Rare Vintage Chronographs
For today’s edition of Pre-Owned Spotlight, I am going back to my vintage roots. You can take the watch geek out of the vintage boutique, but you cannot take the vintage boutique out of the watch geek. That doesn’t sound quite right, but you catch my drift.
I have decided to track down some vintage chronographs, money no object. I found three that would elevate even the best collections out there. So strap in — no best-value or affordable alternatives today, just three amazing vintage chronos!
Image: Amsterdam Vintage Watches
Rare vintage chronograph #1: Rolex Oyster Chronograph 6034 “Pre-Daytona”
Like RJ, I am not much of a Rolex Daytona guy. The design never quite clicked for me. Early ones, however, do speak to me. But what I like even more are Rolex chronographs that predate the Daytona era, and here is a nice one. If it’s a rare vintage chronograph you’re after, this could be right up your alley.
This is the Rolex ref. 6034 “Pre-Daytona.” Measuring 36mm wide and powered by the legendary caliber Valjoux 72, this is chronograph history in the metal (stainless steel, to be precise). Interestingly, these came in different variations. This one features fascinating dial printing. Have a look at how the printing of the sub-dial just runs straight through the main seconds track. It is completely messy by today’s standards. The cool thing, if you ask me, is that it makes you wonder how exactly these dials were printed. It is one of the things I love about vintage watches; they trigger imaginary time-traveling bouts when you gaze at them.
Image: Amsterdam Vintage Watches
This 1953 example comes on an original beads-of-rice bracelet. Yes, there was a time before the Oyster, Jubilee, and President trinity. It is offered here in the Netherlands by Amsterdam Vintage Watches. The price is a cool €45,000.
Image: Bulang & Sons
Rare vintage chronograph #2: Military-issued Lemania Monopusher
We’ll stay in Holland for a little longer, this time with our friends at Bulang & Sons. They have something a little more accessible on offer, but it is still a rather rare vintage chronograph. This is a Lemania Monopusher that was issued to the Canadian Navy.
Image: Bulang & Sons
What stands out to me is the dial. For starters, the colors are just lovely. The vertically brushed silver base with the vanilla tritium, black printing, and heat-blued hands come together in a spectacular manner. I also love the spaciousness of the dial. Every single element has plenty of room and negative space around it, which is rare for a chronograph. As a typography fan, I love the numerals too. That flat-topped 4 and hooked 7 always work on watches.
Image: Bulang & Sons
The case measures 38mm across, which was huge for the time. In true military fashion, it is fitted with fixed strap bars. I reckon that different tones of khaki and green straps will make the dial sing. This rare vintage chronograph is on offer for €5,900.
Image: Wind Vintage
Rare vintage chronograph #3: Breitling AVI ref. 765
The final rare vintage chronograph in today’s Pre-Owned Spotlight comes from Breitling. This is the famous AVI ref. 765. If you feel the previous Lemania is too small, this watch, at 40mm wide, might work for you. Although it had its bezel replaced, the lume is, apparently, still original and beautifully colored. Importantly, the case has not been refinished, which is rare for a watch from 1961.
The 765 is interesting because it predates the famous Breguet Type 20. Apparently, in 1953, Breitling was in negotiations with the French Air Force, but the deal fell through. The Breguet, Auricoste, Vixa, Dodane, and Airain chronographs that came a year later, in 1954, look a lot like the 765.
Image: Wind Vintage
Again, this is typography Nirvana. You can clearly see that this was done by hand. Have a look at the 3s in each of the sub-dials. They are completely different. Similarly, we have a hooked 7 in the sub-dial and a straight 7 for the lumed hour marker. The same applies to the 5s. Ah, this really awakes the geek in me. This watch is offered by Wind Vintage. The price is set at US$19,900.
Image: Bulang & Sons
Closing thoughts
There you have it — three rare vintage chronograph watches available on the market today! I know, I know; this is quite a niche interest. But even if you aren’t in the market, they are fascinating to behold. The quirky dials make the mind wonder about the old-world ways in which they were made. In fact, I wrote an article about that a while back.
Which of these rare vintage chronographs would you like to take home? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured image: Bulang & Sons
