Posts Tagged ‘Chronograph’
A Near-Perfect Zenith A. Cairelli CP-2
For those who adore the utilitarian military aesthetic of the classic pilot’s chronograph, this your watch. Moreover, theres a flash of that classic 1960s Italian style that knows no bounds. I can’t quite say why, but this watch puts me in mind of all the classic icons: the Vespa, Alfa’s original Disco Volante, and Lake…
Read More1 of 100 Montblanc Villeret Monopusher 1858
Navy on steel may be a bit cliché in the moment. However, Montblanc preceeded this trend. A there’s no doubt they nailed the aesthetic. Their design echoes early Minerva pilots from after WWI, with modern touches and proportion. For the 1858 collection, Montblanc also redesigned their logo to a less cursive, nowhere-else-seen sans serif mountain…
Read MoreRolex 6234 Antimagnetic Pre-Daytona Chronograph
This is not the type of watch you come across every day. It’s not even the type of watch you come across every year. The 6234 is a marker of a very crucial period in Rolex history, really the genesis of what became the Daytona. This simple chronograph didn’t gain much traction until the 6238…
Read MoreCyma Multi-Scale Chronograph in Yellow Gold
It is always refreshing to find a vintage chronograph that has not only survived, but aged gracefully. However, when a fine wine condition is paired with this triple stepped case and muti-scale dial, I just can’t say no to a feature. Cyma are a now (basically) defunct, under-the-radar vintage manufacture who didn’t quite have the…
Read MoreSchumacher Legends: the Most Rolex Speedmaster Ever Made
This is a watch I adore but struggle to articulate precisely why. There is the obvious visual appeal—it’s a lovely chronograph. But it goes deeper than that. I generally don’t gravitate toward homage or heavily inspired inspired designs. I prize creativity in mechanics and design, it’s something horology offers like no other discipline. Yet, I…
Read MoreHeuer 73463 Silver-Dial ‘Orange Boy’ Autavia
Vintage Heuer has been coming into its own in the last few years. The Autavia, Carrera, and Monaco are the lifeblood of that revival. While the Rindt and Siffert are likely the most recognizable Autavia chronographs, this, the silver orange boy, is the rarer 73463. It may not have been glued to the wrist of…
Read MorePatek Philippe ‘Tasti Tondi’ 1463
This is a mecca in vintage Patek Philippe collecting. The 1463 was Patek’s first water resistant chronograph, succeeding the previous and iconic 130 chronograph. The improvements were characterized by a larger, modern case, rounded pushers, and a screw-down back. Some call this the Patek’s first ‘sports’ watch, though it is a bit of a stretch.…
Read MoreEberhard ‘Pre Extra-Fort’ Rattrapante
Not often discussed, Eberhard Split Seconds chronographs were among the very first to attempt the complication. There is, of course, controversy over whether Rolex or Eberhard reached rattrapante first, but consensus seems to be that Eberhard were first to market. Demand was driven by the heyday of the Bentley Boys and Italian playboys on newly…
Read MoreTropical AP Royal Oak ‘Kasparov’ Chrono 25860ST
The range of Royal Oak variants on offer today is hard to keep up with. There’s the perpetual, offshore, diver, concept series, and various limited editions. However, before the upsized offshore chrono, there was this: the Kasparov. Making any adjustment to the iconic Royal Oak was always going to be controversial. This was one of…
Read MoreA Lemania RAF Monopusher Series 3
Aviator’s chronographs are certainly some of the more sought-after pieces in military collecting. The humble complication is a tool with an important purpose in aviation, but still useful outside of it. Lemania, in collaboration with Omega and Tissot, created some of the most robust, widespread military chronographs. Also, arguably, some of the most handsome. There…
Read More