Tropical Clebar Valjoux 7733 Diver

Clebar is not a terribly well-known brand. They will not be at GPHG next year. But they—like Leonidas—had a partnership with Heuer that would see the creation of some lovely 70s chronographs. There were simple two-register affairs like this panda, pilots with large tachy scales, and a few slightly more developed divers. Today we have a Clebar diver with a very distinct patina.

I’m a simple man. I see a solid 7733, and unique case, and tropical bezel, and I wonder to myself if I should drink for a bit and make a late night bad decision. In this case, however, I think I’d be fine. I can’t imagine a better looking off-brand 70s dive chronograph. This thing is going to hold value just fine. Certainly, you’re unlikely to find another like it. At 38mm it is a svelt case by modern standards. But that’s what a lot of people are after these days. It’s really quite charming.

This example has a . . . shall we say foible. The bezel was loose, so the seller secured it. Now it doesn’t rotate. It may be worth asking how exactly it was secured, this may be an easy fix. The dial, on the other hand, is exceptional. Tritium plots are intact on hands and indices, all matched. The crystal looks barely marked. Crown and pushers are original. The seller is offering a one year warranty. It isn’t perfect. But this would be a really great entry point for someone looking to start out in vintage and not sell body parts to do so.

Find this Diver here from seller A Bit Spoilt for 1300 EUR.