I've recently developed a hankering for a Cal 134 Pierce chronograph. Anyone on the forum own one and can share their views on them
I have one, circa 1940. Iconic because they developed their own movement. I've always assumed this was a personally owned military watch with the number and name on the back.
Does all functions are 100% ok? I know there are not easy to restore/service because of the system of the chronograph' coupling clutch made in rubber or something. I have bought one month ago but I have still not started the service : (I know my photos are pretty bad!! ) These chronos are interesting because they produced their own movement with the willing to propose a lower cost movement (less gears but an innovant coupling clutch system and still a column wheel) => lower cost watch than the other brands' chronos. Two calibers : cal 130 => one pusher / cal 134 => two pushers.
I have a 130. Lovely little watch often issued to medical staff in the British Army in the 40's. the leather washer will be an issue. there are a couple of guys in the US who do specialise in them.
Yes, all functions are in proper working order, my watchmaker is a wizard with these. PM if interested in a name.
I have one with the 4-in-1 box. It is a wonderful chronograph, keeps excellent time, wears and feels well on my smallish wrist. I highly recommend them. Cheers, Buster
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Mine has just come back from a repair and service from this guy... http://www.abellwatchmakers.com/ Good guy; knows his Pierce chronos. Thumbs up!
Yes, The pusher had been painted previously. The rationale is that the chrono function is reversed to the norm. Thus, the red pusher to denote the correct button to push for stop and start. The normal instinct is to hit the top button which is the reset, so importantly nothing would happen when you wanted it to. Cheers, Buster
Time to get mine serviced I reckon ! Air Ministry issued... and triple signed Swiss on the dial ! Besides "abellwatchmakers", are there any recommended guys to work on these ? I am in Germany so a Europe based watchmaker would be easier for shipping and avoiding import/export duty complications...
I have 3 of these, all with slightly different cases. 2 with plated cases and one SS. This is the biggest of the plated but also most worn. If it weren't for photbucket I could have shown you the others too... I highly recommend them but they are not beaters
Seen quite a few of these Pierce chronos moving on eBay lately. Prices are all over the place... bargains to be had.
Here's the back. I think the placement of the markings isn't always the same, but can't really say what variations exist as I've never looked deeply into it.
Have you tried to contact Dr Ranfitt? He might be able to connect you with someone in Germany (www.ranfitt.de)
Wow, great Pierce's! I've not been out here in awhile but what a cool post to come back to after some time. I have two chronos but wear them for only the gentlest occasions. Spent 4 months getting an overhaul but the post prompted some wrist time.
@w154 I've seen some dials described as "triple signed" with three "Swiss Made" or "Switzerland " markings like yours. Is there any significance to this triple signing? Why would the manufacturer do this?