This week, we scoured eBay to find three great chronographs, starting with an early Speedmaster reference 2998-2 offering a superb tropical dial. We will also show you a Hamilton Chrono-matic with an automatic chronograph movement, and a solid gold chronograph from the French manufacturer Lip. Outside of eBay, we will look at a beautiful Longines Conquest, and a rarely seen Girard-Perregaux. This is your Bring A Loupe for June 17, 2016.
A Hamilton Chrono-Matic With Automatic Caliber 11 And Panda Dial
The winding crown on the left side shows that this Hamilton is more than just a pretty face. Granted, the panda dial and the matching date disc are seriously sexy, but the position of the crown and the "Chrono-Matic" name gives away the historical importance of this watch. Indeed, they indicate that this Hamilton houses one of the very first automatic chronograph calibers ever made, the caliber 11. Back in the late 1960s, this movement was indeed a contender with the Seiko 6139 and the Zenith El Primero for the title of first automatic chronograph, and was developed by a consortium of manufactures including nothing less than Heuer, Breitling, and Hamilton. They chose a modular construction, resulting in a noticeable thickness (14mm for the case) and a pretty unique placement for the winding crown. You should note that there are some missing lume dots near the indexes on the left side, but otherwise, this Hamilton remains in pretty sweet condition.
This Hamilton is listed on eBay here; at the time of publishing, bidding was at $1,700.
An Early Omega Speedmaster Reference 2998-2 With Tropical Dial And Gorgeous Patina
The straight lugs allow us to recognize an early Speedmaster, bearing the rare "lollipop" seconds hand. An additional read of our Speedmaster Reference Points article helps complete the description: we are dealing with an outstanding reference 2998-2, as the serial number easily confirms that the watch is comfortably in the required range. This Speedy, though, goes beyond offering correct original parts; it can boast a sublime tropical dial, taking a brownish hue that goes so well with the dark patina of the lume. Furthermore, the seller offers a very advanced description of his watch (notably explaining the early bezel), proving that he is himself a Speedy enthusiast.
This early Speedmaster is putting quite a show on eBay here with bidding already over $22,000.
A Solid Gold Chronograph From Lip
This chronograph from Lip proves that the link between the French brand and a Swiss manufacturer went much further than a strategic partnership for a geographical market. The 35mm monobloc case presents just too many similarities with the Breitling Top Time to be a coincidence, and the "Lip Geneve" on the dial and the case back further proves that this Lip was not manufactured in France but in Switzerland, very likely within Breitling facilities. It is a pretty special piece in itself, offering a case in solid 18k gold while the vast majority came with a more economical gold plated case. Note that the dial is also missing lume dots but its sheer rarity should quickly trump theses flaws.
This 18k chronograph is offered for 1,550 Euros or thereabouts, on eBay here; the seller also considers lower offers.
An IWC Chronograph Reference 3705 With Ceramic Case
Jack's review of the reference 3705 (here) had established how significant this chronograph was for IWC. It was indeed the first ceramic case launched by the brand, back in 1994. Furthermore, the production did not last long, resulting in less than 2,000 examples being ever made. Let's not forget that this watch looks killer with the original contrasting pushers, and a neatly balanced dial design. It solved the challenge to elegantly display the three registers and the two date windows, something most of their other chronographs don't manage nearly as well.
This highly coveted IWC can be found in the Christie's Shop, with bidding currently reaching $6,000; the watch comes with original box and (unsigned) papers.
A Girard-Perregaux Chronograph With Valjoux 72
From far away, this chronograph looks very much like a model from Wittnauer: the reference 6002/5, which incidentally also houses the workhorse Valjoux 72. Yet, Girard-Perregaux made some small tweaks in the dial that increased the overall legibility, while retaining the attractive blue external track. Similarly, its case shape is slightly different; closer to a Rolex Oyster case given the lugs. It is the type of 1960s chronograph that just works – even more so on a period-correct bracelet, as provided here.
The dealer WatchSteez just listed this nice chronograph for $3,250.
A Longines Conquest With Black Glossy Dial And Original Bracelet
The Longines Conquest watches from the 1950s are notorious for their stunning case backs, covered with an emblem in enamel. With this one, the front deserves a shout-out too, the black dial being gilt (with gold font) and glossy, as we like them in, for instance, our vintage Rolexes. The sharp dauphine hands could not complement the broad indexes better, all those parts being in gold. Clearly, no expense was spared to make the Conquest a very enticing watch, halfway between a formal dress watch and a resilient sports watch.
You can find this stunning Longines here.
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