Technicum La Chaux-de-Fonds Valjoux 23 Chronograph

leftpain2 · 2019-03-11T10:35:44Z

Discover a rare Technicum La Chaux-de-Fonds chronograph with a Valjoux 23 movement. Explore the appeal of 'school watches' and their artisanal finishing.

Leftpain2 shares an intriguing chronograph from the Technicum La Chaux-de-Fonds, highlighting its rare Brevet case and beautifully finished Valjoux 23 movement. The post invites the community to discuss the appeal and characteristics of these unique 'school watches,' which embody purist design and artisanal craftsmanship.

A chronograph from the watchmaker’s school Technicum La Chaux-de-Fonds. It has a rare 36.6mm two-part waterproof Brevet case.

Inside it is a Valjoux 23, finished to a very high standard as you can see in the photo. The name of the student ‘Pierre Wenger’ is engraved on the bridge. It would be interesting to know which manufacture Pierre worked for after graduating from Technicum...

What do you guys think of school watches? I myself find them fairly intriguing and attractive—they are the epitome of purist design and artisanal finishing.

Best,

Key Points from the Discussion

School watches often feature very simple dials and cases that can be a bit rough, but the movements, like the Valjoux 23 in this example, are frequently finished to an exceptional standard.
The contributor shares a photo of another school watch, featuring a Peseux 260 movement, showcasing the variety and quality of these educational pieces.
The contributor mentions that their grail school watch is an Ecole d'Horlogerie piece housed in a Patek 2509 case, illustrating the high regard some collectors have for these watches.
It is noted that a vintage watch dealer in Barcelona, Mimandcroket, occasionally offers nice school chronographs, indicating their availability to collectors.
The contributor agrees that simple dials can be perceived as visually boring but expresses an intention to order a display case back to showcase the impressive movement.
The contributor mentions that someone on the site owns Philippe Dufour's school watch, highlighting the historical significance and rarity of such pieces.

The Discussion

VinnieD

Mar 11, 2019

Nice one

I find those 'ecole' watches tend to have a few weaknesses (very simple dial, cases sometimes a little rough) but the movement of this one is amazing! It would deserve a display case back

leftpain2

Mar 11, 2019

Thanks.

Yes I agree that they tend to come with very simple dials and people sometimes find them visually boring. And yes I really should order a display back for it!!

amanico

Mar 11, 2019

I love them... There is one I am desperately hunting...

This one, on the right... With a very nice Peseux 260... Best, Nicolas

leftpain2

Mar 11, 2019

Wow that’s an interesting one!

Do you happen to know what the number ‘124’ stands for?

leftpain2

Mar 11, 2019

Good luck with the hunt!

My grail school watch is the Ecole d'Horlogerie in a Patek 2509 case. Here’s a photo from Antiquorum.

renerod

Mar 16, 2019

Both are beautiful my friend!

The solid gold one looks so classic calatrava like Best. René

Technicum La Chaux-de-Fonds Valjoux 23 Chronograph

Key Points from the Discussion

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