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pdxleaf
·Won this in an auction. It hasn't arrived yet so these are auction pictures. It looks pretty good, good case, lume, hands and clean movement. Needs a crystal. Pretty pleased. I didn't know anything about Gallet until I stumbled on this watch so am doubly pleased at having discovered another brand as well as a new Jim Clark racing theme. Chronographs were already an interest so this broadens both my interests and education. This watch seems rarer than the speedmaster 321s that are readily available, even though crazy expensive. Feeling pretty, pretty, pretty good today.
I will check with my local watchmaker for service but am open to suggestions.
The watch is back from service and I am very pleased. Other than a new crystal, no parts were needed and the case was left untouched other than dirt removal.
Besides being beautiful and very clean, the functions are sharp. The chronograph was dirty before service so I did not get to feel the setting. This EP movement does take a lighter touch than the Speedy, as others noted. The reset is particularly satisfying with it's little click and whirr back to position 12.
Mine has the EP40-68 movement, which it seems to be the movement used in the original Jim Clark. The EP40-68 has an adjustable stud carrier as opposed to a fixed stud carrier in an EP40. (Now I need to look up what is a stud carrier.)
The Multichron 12 watch had either this EP movement or a Valjoux 72. Among other features, the EP movement was identified by an 'H' engraved in the lug. I suspect the 'H' probably stood for Henri Jeanneret-Brehm, a founder of Excelsior Park.
I plan to add a vintage JB Champion mesh bracelet that came on my 1963 Accutron Astronaut. I found an original correct date Bulova Coffin link bracelet on a Wittnauer that will go on the Astronaut. It was an exciting auction for the Wittnauer as it was inexpensive and I really just wanted the bracelet. I could see the links but not the clasp to positively identify whether it was an original Bulova. The Astronaut is also out for service now so I am waiting for it to be returned to put on the JB bracelet.
This is a great watch for me because it opened several doors. I discovered the Gallet brand and the watches that Jim Clark and other racers wore. It also broadened me beyond my narrow interest in space watches as a collection. It was not cheap. I paid a good penny to win the the auction. But it was so clean and original with this EP40-68 movement that I went big. It sure seems there are fewer of these than vintage speedys.
I guess it's time for pictures.
Here are the bracelets
Needless to say, I can't wait to wear it.
What a fun hobby!
EDIT: Apparently the 'H' stood for 'High Accuracy.'
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