Hey everyone. I picked this watch up the other day for $180. Fair deal? Gold plated bezel although I am not 100% sure on that as it hasn't been tested. 38mm case. The watch itself is in great original condition, runs nicely and keeps time but the functions don't work. Never been redialed which is pretty rare I could imagine? Movement looks clean. I think it's a Venus 188, can anyone confirm this? When would this have been made? 1950s? Also, I assume Lincoln is just some unknown brand? Any info anyone can provide would be great!! This is my first vintage/mechanical chrono, I love the way it looks for sure. Thank you!

 

For $180 you did pretty good!

Here's a small shot of a Venus 188 from Dr. Ranfft:

And a link to the page:

http://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?10&ranfft&194&2uswk&Venus_188

Now get it cleaned, lubed and adjusted by a competent watchmaker and enjoy.

 

That is an awesome find. Congratulations.

 

This source suggests that "Lincoln" was a brand name owned by Bulova. Mikrolisk confirms that Lincoln was a registered wordmark of Bulova, although I seem to recall that Bulova had an early model known as the "Lincoln" so take this attribution with a degree of scepticism. A little bit of searching will find several different models featuring the Lincoln brand name, with dial and case styles suggesting that the brand lived until the 1970s.

 

I'd say plated but in very good condition. Nice patinated dial, applied indices ... lovely. If this said UG on it it's a much more expensive watch! At $180 it's a great pick up.

 

Would you guys say 1950s?

 

Congrats on your purchase. That's a nice first chrono and a gift at that price! The Venus 188 has an excellent reputation and was used in several big name chronos. It certainly looks like one and there should be a 188 on the movement near or under the balance wheel. I think this is late 50s or early 60s. Lovely untouched dial and GP in excellent order makes it well worth the cost of servicing.

 

The source Chronograph Wristwatches: To Stop Time suggests that, in general terms, the highest speed reading on the tachometer scale is a means of dating a chronograph. Chronographs made in the twenties have scales that reach 300-360kph; in the thirties scales reach 400, and by 1940 scales of 500 can be found. By 1950, top numbers were 750-800, in line with the increasing speeds of autombiles and aircraft. Your example reads 800, so late 1940s to 1950 is about right, and is consistent with the dial and case style.

 

$180 is fair deal and I am sure you can get your money back if you don't like it. Congrats!!!

 

Great looking watch and a steal.
Gold plating is consistent with the sub branding.
Enjoy

 

Very nice! The Venus 188 is a great movement and will run well once serviced. Here was mine from a while back:

 

Awesome find. I don't know anything about the brand, but it's great looking. I'll give you $185 right now

 

Got my watch back today.... HATE the band it's on, needs a new one, suggestions? Also, all the functions are working and it runs great. Didn't get a service and oil as I'm currently getting my Seamaster fixed up. Anyways, here it is! Almost too big for my small wrist lol, never thought I'd have that problem with a vintage watch....

 

These guys have some good quality straps for not much money. http://stores.ebay.com/KELARAN-USA?_trksid=p2047675.l2563


Here's a strap with less texture and a slighter lighter tone:



http://www.ebay.com/itm/18mm-Cognac...-KELARANUSA-/381893077377?hash=item58ea99e981Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

I put a tan leather Hirsch strap on this one which is also powered by a Venus 188. Works for me.