Having a love for complications and complicatedwatches, makes me love Chronograph watches. At first two register chronographfor simplicity of the dial and providing chronograph functionality for themost. Then the three-register chronograph for the complication of movement andthe history of the movements, like of the iconic Omega Ref. 321, Ref. 861 (usedin famous moon landing), Zenith El Primero, Venus mostly used in Breitlings,Landeron, and one of the most well-known movement makers Valjoux. With theirfamous Valjoux 72 put in the vintage Rolex Pre Daytona’s and of course the bigdog Patek Philippe reference 2499 using Valjoux 88 my favorite which sold inauction for $3.30 Million in 2018. Ialso love the Heuer Caliber 11 first micro automatic chronograph movement withdate.
A Chronograph is simply a watch that combines thefunction of a stopwatch with a timekeeping display watch, by utilizing anindependent sweep second hand. Chronographs often have complications on theface of the watch which can be used to record different time measurements, mooncycles, heart rate and more. Chronographs have usually have a separate buttonsto stop, start, and reset (unless it is an monopusher) the stopwatchcomplication, with the start button typically at the two and four o’clockposition.
The name Chronograph is derived from the Greek words‘Chronos’ – the personification of time – and ‘graph’, meaning to write. Thefirst modern Chronograph was created in 1816 by French watchmaker, LouisMoinet. Invented solely for use in union with astrological equipment, Moinet’sChronograph could measure time accurate to 1/60th of a second – an unrivaleddegree of precision at the time of its creation.
"poor man's" Heu-ers represent an interestingfacet of Heu-er's history and also provide a sensible way for individuals tocollect these chronographs on a more reasonable budget. The term "PoorMan's Heu-er" only to refer to chronographs manufactured by Heu-er forother brands one of which is Zodiac & Clebar, which is one of my favoritebrands. Please note on ebay there are few brands that are not made by Heu-erand still refer to as Poor man which is not true.
OFAIR is one of the Rarest brands to find, also finding a Valjoux 72C which is one of the most complicated movement to be made in 70 years a go, is a amazing. Also not too many of any brands with Valjoux 72C were made in 18K Gold, which makes it even rarer. Plus per my understanding this was made by Heuer Since Dial matches the blue other date wheel and the configurations. Great find, this was owned by a TWA pilot since 1990's.
This is a beauty Vintage 1950's OFAIR Triple Date Chronograph in 18K Gold watch, also known as DATORA TRI COMPAX with a VALJOUX 72C movement. It is very rare to find a watch thisold with Original Jewelers OLSEN & EBANN Box (CANADA) With OFAIR Geneve Guarantee Certificate in French. Defiantly a collector watch. Please look at all thepictures, as they are part of the description. The watch is working and keeping time. This is a highly collectible watch. Very few left with this raremovement. Sure, to increase in value overtime, and a great addition to yourcollection. The condition of the watch is the same as it appears in thephotos. The watch is working and ispart of our new Certified Pre-Owned CPO. Contact me if you have any questions first.
SPECIFICATION | |
Case | 18K Gold Case and Case Back. |
Case Size | 34,50 mm without the crown and 44,30 Lug to Lug |
Case Back | 18K Gold cover. Snap on. |
Crown | UnSigned |
Crystal | Acrylic Some Scratches, shows age & character |
Bezel: | None. |
Dial: | hands & numbers & indices dial, Swiss made Mark, with the Triple date Chronograph dial. Original Gold Champagne Dial with Original hands. Day and Month Are in English. Shows light patina Please see picture for more detail. |
Complication | Seconds, Date, Chronograph, Day, Month. |
Movement | Manual-winding Famous Valjoux 72C |
Movement Notes | Just inspected and in great shape. Please see pictures and as some old movements don't have a very clear marking. Movement is running. Keeps great time see below time testing. |
Strap | Genuine Baume & Mercier Geneve Leather & Gold Mesh Hadley USA Mesh Bracelet 1/40 10K KRGP Lug Size: 18 mm Please see picture. |
Box | Come with Original Jewelers OLSEN & EBANN Box (CANADA) With OFAIR Geneve Guarantee Certificate in French |
Reference # | DATORA TRI COMPAX Valjoux72 C |
Made in | Switzerland |
Water Resistance | No. Please pressure test before water use. |
Service Level | 3 (Please see Tab below for details) |
Timing Test ** | 15 s/day In-House Time Test Results (See Service Level Tab)** |
Certified Pre-Owned | Passed 25-point inspection. Please see tab below for details. |
Warranty | NA (Please see Tab below for details) |
Notes: | All watch functions tested and operable. Circa 1950's with box and paper, strap and bracelet |