The Valjoux 23 chronograph movement is the base for the more famous calibre 72, but with two dials not three.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
In 1938 Valjoux added a second pusher to the case, so we know it is later than 1938. There is a service mark for 1950 inside the case back, so we know it is before then. Given that the chronograph has three minute markers to show the elapsed time when on international calls, and these were introduced in the late 40’s, we are confident that we will be pretty accurate at circa 1948.
CONDITION
This Valjoux chronograph movement can be considered one of the greats. In production from 1916 to 1974, it has one of the longest production runs in watch movement history. In caliber 72 guise, it has powered watches from many top brands, including in the Rolex Daytona that some models fetch over $1m . This article goes more in depth.
This particular Election is cased in an oversized rolled gold case. The case has a few marks, and the case back has a deep mark revealing the base metal. The watch is running perfectly, resetting to 60 and keeping very good time. The dial is marked Chronometre, but this is the French for stopwatch rather than the COSC standards we are more familiar with today. The watch does have even patina right across the dial, but all the print, including the blue outer telemetre scale in KM, is readable. The patina is best seen on the video. A new leather strap has been fitted with gold tone buckle.
This watch will be supplied with our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video below for more detail.
SIZE
Width with crown 39.6 mm
Width without crown 37.8 mm
Between lugs 19 mm
Lug to lug length 47.4 mm
Bracelet maximum length n/a
Thickness 12.6 mm
All sizes are approximate
PRICE
£SOLD including 2 months 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.
