Hi OF,

I was wondering if anyone had information about this BWC Chronographe Suisse (or BWC in general), an extended family member just sent it to me and I hadn't heard of the brand prior to this. Some google searching has gotten me to the Butte Watch Company general information page and I was able to find one other example of this model sold at auction. Otherwise, looks to be gold filled or plated and has a Valjoux 7730. I also have no idea what to do with it so it might make its way to the sales forum at some point, it doesn't really fit into my collection and there's zero heirloom status for the watch in my family, but I don't even have enough information on it to list it. Any information OF could offer would be helpful.

Thanks,
Andrew

 

Chronographe Suisse is more relevant than BWC in this case, since CS examples were made with various dial branding. Are you sure it's plated? Often these CS cases were made of gold, but incredibly thin cases and casebacks, and with hollow lugs. Try doing a search for chronographe suisse. Usually they have Landeron movements. Valjoux 7730 is not a calendar chronograph. Can you show photos of the back and inside?

 

Thanks @Dan S , here are more pictures. There aren’t hallmarks anywhere and I mentioned the 7730 since that looks very similar to this catalogue picture but I’d be happy to hear what it really is. Cheers.

 

Venus 199, I believe. You're not far off, since it is a variant of the Venus 188, which was the predecessor of Valjoux 7730.

Edit: @gatorcpa is correct and answered while I was looking for the correct Venus 188 variant. I missed the moonphase complication.

 

I will also add that the SS case-back does indeed suggest a gold-filled/plated case. Overall, this piece is a step up in quality beyond a typical CS.

 

That is just superb. Love these triple dates with moonphase.

 

Thanks @Dan S and @gatorcpa -- very much appreciated. I ended up finding a small stamp between the lugs noting that it is gold plated. At least the plating is in good condition. Will look more using Chronographe Suisse later today. Any idea if these are common enough movements to find parts for since it's not functioning at this point?

Andrew