The ultimate tool watch, designed with one primary problem to solve, this sporty VIP Memosail yacht timer watch is now one cool watch.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
Valjoux developed the 7737 movement for this watch in 1972, and the name Memosail was registered in 1971 (and in the US in 1973). That original watch had a round UFO chrome plated brass case, and that later changed to an almost square case Both of these changed to stainless steel later in their production. By the mid seventies the barrel shaped case of this watch was launched, and the word VIP added to the dial. The VIP versions came with the stainless steel bracelet that still accompanies this watch. So, given these subtle changes to design, we think this watch was made circa 1976.
CONDITION
If you race yachts, you will know why this ten minute countdown timer was so important. But for the rest of us that have not been involved in this hobby for the super rich, yachts start their race when moving, and you can not just line them up. Competitors are given ten minutes notice tot he start of the race, and the yacht that can cross the line going as fast as possible as close to the start time ten minutes later has a big advantage. So a ten minute countdown was critical, and to make this as clear as possible on a watch dial presented a challenge. This was achieved with a cut out reaching round from 12 to 4, and a disc underneath gradually counting down until after ten minutes the word START is revealed. Now, given that you should never wear a vintage watch anywhere it might get wet you might wonder why you need a vintage yacht timer? Well you don’t need it for that purpose, just like you don’t need a vintage racecar to wear your racing chronograph.
This is a large watch, but it sits quite flat on the wrist. Everything is working as it should, and the movement has been adjusted to be within a handful of seconds a day , and the original bracelet has been cleaned in our ultrasonic bath. The watch has hooded 20mm lugs, so could be worn on a leather strap easily if you want to change up the look. The crown has a few pitting marks, but is fully functional. The top pusher starts and pauses the countdown timer, and the bottom pusher resets everything. The dial and crystal are both very good, as are the hands.
No yacht supplied with this Memosail VIP watch!
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 45.5 mm
Width without crown 42.9 mm
Between lugs 20 mm
Lug to lug length 43.7 mm
Case Thickness 13.6 mm
Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 190 mm. The bracelet can be sized for you if you give us your wrist size when placing the order.
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.
