A Special Old Chronograph of Mine
Jan 1, 2021 14:23:04 GMT -8
jringo8769, leffemonster, and 5 more like this
Post by suntzu on Jan 1, 2021 14:23:04 GMT -8
I wanted to take the time to showcase a very cool, vintage chronograph. It’s an “Election Chronometre” Pulsations with a Valjoux 22. The gold plated case has hooded, fixed lugs. I was completely enamored with it when I first saw it for sale in South America. However, the case was in horrid condition. The gold plating wore off in many spots. The case and case back were heavily scratched and dented. The hooded lugs were bent and the pushers were missing. It was a basket case. But that gorgeous dial was too good looking to pass up. The overall condition, beautiful patina, colors, markings, hands, iridescent chapter ring, etc…
I negotiated and purchased it and would just figure out what the heck I’m going to do with the case!
I found a watchmaker in Seattle. He worked on chronographs as a hobby. But, he was metallurgist by profession. He was able to translate his profession to his watch hobby and do complete case restorations. Perfect! I contacted him, sent him the watch, and what you see now is the result of his magic. He smoothed all the dents, straightened the lugs, dripped silver solder in deep scratches and serious dents. He then sanded it perfectly smooth. The inside case back indicated it had been originally plated in 20 microns of gold. He plated it in 40 microns of 24k gold! The case was left looking pristine in a double thick coating of pure, buttery 24k gold. The movement was fully serviced with new pushers, mainspring, and glass crystal.
I negotiated and purchased it and would just figure out what the heck I’m going to do with the case!
I found a watchmaker in Seattle. He worked on chronographs as a hobby. But, he was metallurgist by profession. He was able to translate his profession to his watch hobby and do complete case restorations. Perfect! I contacted him, sent him the watch, and what you see now is the result of his magic. He smoothed all the dents, straightened the lugs, dripped silver solder in deep scratches and serious dents. He then sanded it perfectly smooth. The inside case back indicated it had been originally plated in 20 microns of gold. He plated it in 40 microns of 24k gold! The case was left looking pristine in a double thick coating of pure, buttery 24k gold. The movement was fully serviced with new pushers, mainspring, and glass crystal.
It’s a real gem in my vintage collection. Love it!
