Vintage Rodana chronograph - a redial??

Rasputin · Jul 15, 2021

I always found these Venus 170 based chronographs a nice change from traditional 2 and 3 register designs. They also seem to be a relatively good value compared to other vintage chronographs. Various brands, many now defunct, utilized this movement with Breitling versions seemingly the most prized. Rodana (pre-Rodania) also appears to be among these brands. At first I thought this example was possibly a redial but now I’m not so sure after seeing the striking resemblance to the Arbor Sport version (photo from the internet). Thoughts?

Faz · Jul 16, 2021

If this was redone, it was probably the day after it left the factory .😁
This printing on these very early Rodana was common and sloppy. I think this is original.

Rasputin · Jul 16, 2021

I’ve seen some “imprecise” original printing but these take the cake.

Larry S · Jul 16, 2021

Faz
If this was redone, it was probably the day after it left the factory .😁
This printing on these very early Rodana was common and sloppy. I think this is original.

+1

Faz · Jul 16, 2021

One area to focus on, is where the subdial tracks intersect with the other tracks. Redials have a lot of smudging or sloppiness there. Judging from the pics, that area seems to be crisp enough. A loupe inspection of those areas would reveal quite a bit.

Rasputin · Jul 17, 2021

Faz
One area to focus on, is where the subdial tracks intersect with the other tracks. Redials have a lot of smudging or sloppiness there. Judging from the pics, that area seems to be crisp enough. A loupe inspection of those areas would reveal quite a bit.

These areas are indeed clear and distinct with consistent numerical fonts along the tachymeter and subdials. This is in contrast to the hour marker numerals which almost appear hand painted and thus leading me to question originality.

Faz · Jul 17, 2021

Rasputin
These areas are indeed clear and distinct with consistent numerical fonts along the tachymeter and subdials. This is in contrast to the hour marker numerals which almost appear hand painted and thus leading me to question originality.

I agree. But those watches I've observed in my research (anecdotal) have the same characteristics

Vintage Rodana chronograph - a redial??

Rasputin

Faz

Rasputin

Larry S

Faz

Rasputin

Faz

Similar threads

FS Vintage 1950s Rodana Chronograph

A Unique Vintage Longines, and its Connection to One of the “Princes of Precision”