The original Chronographe Suisse - which has no relation to any modern incarnation of the brand name - was at one time a major parts supplier to a number of the big houses of Swiss watchmaking. Leading up to the quartz crisis of the late 1970s, which shuttered a tremendous percentage of the industry, Chronographe Suisse was manufacturing manual-winding chronographs like this one for a number of retailers throughout Switzerland and greater Europe, sometimes with their brand names printed on the dials, but often completely unbranded. This dial on this particular example is signed "Fischer," which we believe to be in reference to a now-defunct brand which manufactured and sold weather-related instruments and gauges in the mid 1900s.
These timepieces were relatively plentiful from the 1940s-1970s and featured a variety of casing materials, movements, and dial designs. Most Chronographe Suisse models were gold plated or plain steel, but a few were produced in solid gold. They were particularly popular with tourists visiting Switzerland in the 1950s and 1960s, looking to take home a piece of fine Swiss watchmaking on a budget - they looked like a million bucks back then, and they still do today!
Although Chronographe Suisse timepieces are relatively plentiful on the market today due to their high production volume, this particular example caught our eye instantly due to its originality and rare casing material. It is finished in solid 18K Pink Gold with snap back case, and has a completely stunning original dial with no signs of refurbishment or restoration. The crisp condition of the twin register Arabic dial is eye-watering, and its 37mm size makes it infinitely wearable on the modern wrist. If you've been captivated by the "oversized" chronographs from brands such as Universal Geneve, Longines, and Tissot which have become super hot on the market, you'd do well to consider Chronographe Suisse as an alternative - all the looks and vintage appeal, at a fraction of the price.
Many of these chronographs were fitted with fickle movements - and in some cases the internals were outright shit. Our example is fitted with the Landeron 248 - a much more robust option than others used at the time - that has been serviced and timed, as with all our timepieces. This is a truly stunning and undervalued vintage chronograph. Don't miss it!
