Fitted with the column wheel Valjoux 22 movement, this early Accurist is an interesting vintage chronograph.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
The movement in this watch was first designed and used in 1914, but in 1936 the two pusher version like this was introduced. Amazingly the movement was still being used up until 1974! Accurist were formed in 1946, so this can not pre date that, and the dial features the earliest logo. Another clue is the base metal case – premium stainless steel was still in short supply in the post war years. Given all of this we think the watch was made in the late 1940’s, but can not be 100% precise.
CONDITION
Most chronographs are something called cam switched, and while this is cheaper to produce you might be surprised to see these in vintage Heuer and Breitling watches, among others. However higher end chronograph movements use a column or pillar wheel, as it gives a better and more positive feel to the pushers. So to find one of these better movements in an Accurist is a lovely surprise – Accurist were always sold as a value for money watch, with slightly better movements than their rivals. Usually that just extended to having 21 jewels instead of 15 or 17, but this is a fairly big step up. As previously mentioned the case is base metal, which was then chromed. and for one of these the case is in good order for it’s seventy plus years. The dial has no lume, so no concerns about radium. Everything is working correctly, but being picky the minute counter resets to just before zero. The tan leather strap is new, and could be swapped for a different colour if preferred, but to our eyes this soft tan leather works perfectly with the off white dial.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
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SIZE
Width with crown 37.7 mm
Width without crown 35.4 mm
Between lugs 18 mm
Lug to lug length 42.3 mm
Case Thickness 12.7 mm
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.
