This Astree watch is easy to overlook until you know it has the Raymond Dodane 344-2 movement inside, then it is a lot more interesting.

HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?

According to this post, which credits Mr Dodane himself, this movement was made between 1968 and 1972.  The movement in the photo has a much higher serial number, so we think this is the earlier Mk1 version.  We would have suspected this watch was much earlier than this date, so if you have any more information please do contact us.

CONDITION

Dodane have been making watches in France since 1857, and if you look at the history page on their website the 344-2 movement features prominently.  You can also see that they made lots of chronographs for NATO, so their quality is unquestioned.  Astree Watch was a trademark registered to Dodane, but we can not say when or why.

That in house movement is running well, and it is set in a gold plated case that was originally water proof.  The words Tropical-Protect are stamped on the caseback and Bagobloc to indicate which antishock system is used.  The quartered dial is nice but does have patina and a semi circle where the hour hand has touched in the past.  The stepped case almost looks like sometype of bezel was missing, but the crown shows that this is just how it was designed.  Despite some visual flaws the watch has some charm, and has been paired with a tan leather strap.  Our hope is that this watch is not just scrapped for the movement for an more expensive Dodane.

This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.

Please see the HD video for more detail.  All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned.  We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.

​SIZE

Width with crown  36.1 mm

Width without crown  34.6 mm

Between lugs  18 mm

Lug to lug length  41.2 mm

Case Thickness  10.3 mm

All sizes are approximate.

Included with this watch is a 1 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.

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