Men’s 1940 Chronographe Suisse Antimagnetique Watch

While mechanical timekeeping began several centuries ago, a "Chrono-graph" or "time-writer" capable of measuring specific intervals of time was engineered in the relatively late year of 1822. This device, by the inventor Rieussec, "marked" time by making small dots of ink on a dial, allowing the observer to record the duration of a given event. Within a few decades, pocket watches were designed which allowed the operator to push a small button on the side of the case, starting a hand independent of the hour and minute hand: a second button stopped this hand. By 1862 Adolph introduced the first chronograph that allowed the timer hand to "fly-back" to a zero mark, providing a constant base line for measurements. By 1879, chronographs were operating in fractions of seconds.

Today, a timepiece with a separate function that starts and stops at will is considered a chronograph. Wrist examples emerged early: a one button chronograph was introduced in 1910; Breitling introduced its first two-button chronograph in 1939.

Chronographs are considered "complicated" watches, as they are machined engineered to do more than tell time. Such mechanisms are a myriad of levers and gears, all perfectly machined and self-contained in cases often smaller than a quarter. Early 20th century military officers and aviators found chronographs to be indispensable for measuring distance and altitude, while racers and physicians used chronographs to measure elapsed time and the speed of a patient's pulse.

Today these complicated mechanisms, these wrist-sized "time-writers" constitute one of the most collectible areas of horology. Exceedingly rare; expensive when new, these remarkable machines helped mark our time as we rocketed into the modern world.

We're delighted to offer this early dual-register, two-button wrist chronograph in original condition. Manufactured around the WWII era, this timepiece, with its complicated dial; split second and telemetry features could have very easily seen military use.

Everything about this rare timepiece, from its spear hour and minute hands with center sweep to its “Chronographe Suisse/Antimagnetique” marked dial is completely original. Measuring an impressive 41mm lug to lug by 35mm in diameter (!) this stunning 17 jewel vintage wrist machine has the sort of stance that one dreams of in a WWII era wrist chronograph; that strong aviator look that draws attention and commands respect. Movement and case are marked "Majestic Products Co., Swiss," a name associated with Wittnauer, Gruen and Thommen as a solid "miscellaneous Swiss" import.

We've completely cleaned, oiled and calibrated this timepiece so that it keeps time and functions as intended. Fitted with a period new-old stock pigskin strap and matching buckle; tucked away in a custom-fitted khaki presentation pouch, it is the perfect work of art to peek from under that tasteful sleeve of yours.