Fratello On Air: Discussing Vintage Chronographs — Part 2

Back with the finale and loads of details

February 18, 2025

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Welcome back to Fratello On Air! This week, we tackle the second half of our discussion on vintage chronographs. We get into the weeds in this episode, so we hope you like it nerdy!

Last week, we kicked off this discussion on vintage chronographs with our thoughts on why we find these watches so alluring. We mentioned racing, the space race, and other daring feats, along with how chronographs were present during many of these activities. Now we’re ready to go into detail.

Handgelenkskontrolle

Because we recorded this episode directly after the last, we skipped the usual banter. Don’t worry; it will return next week! For the Handgelenkskontrolle, both of us are on task with our choices. Mike is wearing a Roamer Stingray Chrono Diver, one of the wildest vintage chronographs he owns. The case shape, quality, patina, and Valjoux 23 movement all make it a lovable piece. Balazs is wearing his Grana LE, a Hungarian Air Force piece with a lovely patina.

Vintage Chronographs — Part 2

We begin with a discussion on the market for vintage chronographs. Then, we mention buying these watches, what to look out for, and what to expect during ownership. After all, these are relatively complex timepieces, so there is a greater potential for issues. Condition and originality are also worth considering. Chronographs contain many details, including specific pushers, hands, and dials. Finding replacements can be impossible. Finally, we mention key models and movements. The Valjoux 72, Lemania 321, EP 4, and El Primero 3019PHC are some of the calibers we discuss. The Breitling Chronomat, Gallet Decimal, Omega Speedmaster, and Zenith El Primero A386 come up during the show.

As always, thank you for listening, and we hope you enjoy this episode. If you’d like us to come back and discuss our favorite vintage chronographs, just comment below. Of course, if you have suggestions for future shows, please let us know.

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Fratello On Air: Discussing Vintage Chronographs — Part 2

Three, four vintage (1990s qualify as vintage..? if not, only one remains) chronograps have a solid spot on my wishlist—-–Speedmaster 3594.50, Breguet 3800/3810, IWC 3706 and this exact Carrera 2447s (the only Vintage?).

Great topic with so many cool options out there. The Valjoux 72, Landeron, etc., allowed brands to do some nice stuff in the 70s, and I just picked up a NOS Aurore Watch Chronograph Swiss Manual Wind cal.189. Yes, NOS from the 70s! For less than $1K and a few hours of work to clean the parts and apply modern lubricants, I got a beautiful watch that would outlive me. I’d stick with manual wind movements when it comes to vintage chronographs.

Thanks guys – I hope all your listeners enjoyed this two parter as much as I did – although the section on the realities of maintaining chronographs was a tough but essential listen.

Revisiting the topic of your favourite vintage chronograph models would be great – a subject you have covered a while ago, but it would be great to have another take on this, or suggest some interesting examples off the beaten path.