Vintage Chronographs: A Collector's Journey

blomman Mr Blue · 2015-08-17T14:14:36Z

Blomman Mr Blue explores vintage chronographs: Excelsior Park, Minerva, Breitling, Eweco, Tissot. Discover movements, designs, and collector insights.

blomman Mr Blue

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

55 replies7387 views7 photos

Blomman Mr Blue, a self-proclaimed "No-Chrono guy," embarks on a fascinating horological journey, sharing his newfound appreciation for vintage chronographs. This post showcases his initial acquisitions, including pieces from Excelsior Park, Minerva, Breitling, Eweco, and Tissot, inviting the community to explore the allure of these historical timepieces.

Friends,

For many years I was a pure No-Chrono guy…

Then I started to hang here in the PuristSPro forum and look what happen…!

I committed the ultimate sin by getting one – after that… I just had to…

You all know I love themes!

Still just scratching the surface, but even here you may find some nice and interesting pieces...

Excelsior Park, caliber P40. Same movement as in the Girard-Perregaux Olimpico.

Minerva, reference VD712. An early version that I will come back and present in more detail over at the Montblanc forum.

Breitling, reference 777. Lucky number se7en?

Eweco, Landeron inside.

Tissot, reference 2401. Sold in Sweden 1947.

So, what “collecting traps” have you been falling into lately…?

Best

Blomman "No-more No-Chrono" guy

This message has been edited by blomman on 2015-08-17 14:45:06

Key Points from the Discussion

Vintage chronographs, particularly those from the 1930s to 1960s, can be highly addictive for collectors, with Longines, Universal Genève, and Zenith often cited as favorites.
The Excelsior Park caliber P40 is noted for its quality, sharing the same movement as the Girard-Perregaux Olimpico, while Minerva's oversized chronographs with Cal 17-29 CH and 19-9 CH are highly sought after.
A debate arises regarding "mushroom pushers" on vintage Longines 13ZN waterproof cases, with some suggesting they might be a defect rather than an original design feature.
Longines' referencing system often applied to case types and pushers, and the brand was known for investing significantly in steel and case manufacturing, sometimes in-house.
The journey into chronographs can lead to a range of emotions, from initial fascination to eventual indifference, with some collectors finding specific brands like vintage Longines to successfully blend technical and aesthetic appeal.
The discussion includes examples of other notable chronographs, such as the Breguet Type XX and the JLC Chrono 2643 "Shark," highlighting the diversity within the genre.

The Discussion

amanico

Aug 17, 2015

I have a strong weakness for the Excelsior Park, too. And of course, for the Tissot. The Minerva is nice, too, but there is better to hunt: These oversized chronographs, with the Cal 17-29 CH and 19-9 CH. These are bombs! Nice, very nice start... Now, you have to hunt some Lemania / Omega 33.3, Longines 13 ZN and 30 CH, and some Cal 285 from Universal Genève! Best, my friend. Nicolas

TheMadDruid

Aug 17, 2015

I, too, have a fondness for Excelsior Parks. Enjoy collecting theses little wonders.

fernando

Aug 17, 2015

A Purist collector par excellence! Bravo! Best fernando

watch-guy.com

Aug 18, 2015

Those bloody chronos grow on one ...

blomman Mr Blue

Aug 18, 2015

The Minarva have a very interesting background and military connection. Will tell you more soon... Best Blomman

blomman Mr Blue

Aug 18, 2015

Thank you! :) Like you, I work many different themes simultaniously... After some time the group comes together! ;) Best Blomman

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