Greetings everyone, An unexpected purchase materialized today -- my first chronograph. I looked at buying one for many months, but having just recently bought two long coveted watches I thought I was done for a while. Then this showed up (seller's pictures): I had heard of those before, a pal who collects military chronographs even let me try one on. They are said to have been used by the Yugoslav air force in the 1950s but little is known about them. The seller was in Eastern Europe and the asking price was way above what I was prepared to pay. One pusher is clearly off, and as usual no telling what a service might reveal. It had what appeared to be a marvelous chocolate dial under a certain light. But it looked more dull on other photos: As it turned out the seller was not only willing to discuss the price, he was about to drive to Paris for the week end for the Euro championship. And he agreed to meet at a watchmaker's shop to have the movement looked at. If the purchase went ahead, I planned to pay him inside the shop as I didn't want to walk around with cash in the street in the company of a stranger. Lo and behold my safety planning was thrown off when the guy called, saying he and his friend were nearby but lost, and asking if I could come and get them. Darn. Two friends together? The watchmaker saved me and agreed to hold the cash while I went on my rescue mission. So here I am in a fancy neighborhood of central Paris, linking up with two young guys wearing beer and heavy metal tee shirts, who had just driven 1400 kilometers for a football match, and shuttling them to a watch inspection. The dial was exactly as I had hoped. The original lume looked pretty good to the naked eye for an old presumed military watch. The movement would need service but was deemed in good condition. When I left the shop with my loot I was in a bit of a shock, not being used to such transactions. Coffee and photos were part of the recovery. A million thanks to @Northernman for his kind and generous guidance and encouragements.
Thanks gents, I'm going to have to quiet down a bit. @DirtyDozen12, it's all that pent up energy from months and months of research and learning waiting to be put to use.... Interestingly each of these purchases was an experiment on a different method. This was clearly the most adventurous and uncertain. PS - duly noted, Paul @Darlinboy
I have never seen this piece and it looks amazing! Great job! Would you be able to share the price you paid for it, if you are willing of course? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Ahem Seriously - WOW - that is an amazing-looking watch, and some adventure too! For me, coffee usually precedes a nice pickup Looks awesome on you!
I knew you were going to say that! But now it's true, really really done (okay, for big ticket items at least). Thank you so much everyone for your lovely comments of appreciation!! The timing for the purchase wasn't great but you're confirming my instinct the opportunity should not be missed. @abrod520 @Jones in LA, I knew at some point I wanted a military chronograph that looked very masculine. (with kind regards to Mrs. Jones, and kick ass lady enthusiasts on this forum, @meganfox17, @vintagelady). With the 37mm size that is probably the best alternative I will find to the Auricoste Type 20 or issued Lemania I will never have. @abrod520, what's the significance of the coffee "before" instead of after? @Sose, happy to share price info via pm.
I LOVE to read stories like this! That is certainly an honest vintage watch. A barn find. Not tampered with or altered. It will renovate nicely, and you'll have an eye catching gem and a wonderful memory for years to come! Congrats Syrte, right on!
