Hey all,
Looking at this Wakmann Chronograph. The movement (I think it's a Valjoux 72c) is proper grimy, but can be restored. Of greater concern is the hands, which look to be too new for the dial. I've also not found any Wakmanns from that period that have the same style--they tend to be either dauphine (50s) or flat-ended baton. Then again, they do match the subseconds hands and the lollipop sweep-second looks right. Wakmann did a lot of variations in this period.

Thoughts?

 

The lume on the hands does look aged at more or less the same level as the numerals . . .

 

My thought is that it's a nice looking old watch that I would get serviced and wear. Worrying about whether the hands are correct is for Speedy dweebs.

 

I agree, it's nice, but it needs a full service and the asking is $1800, which seems a bit steep, even for a Val. 72c. If the hands have been replaced, you never know what _else_ has been replaced . . .

 

I would suggest seeking a different watchmaker...

 

Heh, that's $1800 for the watch, not the service

 

Valjoux 72c is a full calendar chronograph movement. This is a Venus 178 movement, IMHO.

 

Thank you! That would make sense, since Breitlings from that period were using the 178 as well.

 

Correct. Not a V72c or even an ordinary V72. With no shock protection, so likely from the 40s or early 50s. Definitely a franken, with replaced parts in the movement and newer hands.

 

Why is the chronograph bridge copper coloured when the rest of the movement is silver, for the Wakmann hallmark ?
At least both the case and the dial say « France ».

 

Nice observation. This is why I love OF--every discussion is an education.