SteveG
1529
An unusual vintage chronometer
I had never even heard of this watch until a few days ago, Universal Geneve's RailRouter from the early 1960s.
Apparently this model predated their Unisonic technology by only a few years, rendering these mechanical
chronometers charmingly obsolete. A bit of research has turned up a few references with slight variations in case and
dial, and one example with a movement including a swan's-neck regulator. There seems to be disagreement
regarding the jeweling (19 vs. 17), if I had the temerity to remove the hacking mechanism I would know for sure. The
movement is fully adjusted and sports an admirable functional finish:
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An unusual vintage chronometer
I had never even heard of this watch until a few days ago, Universal Geneve's RailRouter from the early 1960s. Apparently this model predated their Unisonic technology by only a few years, rendering these mechanical chronometers charmingly obsolete. A bit...
WOW, you caught another unusual piece...
i also keen to know how many jewels inside. by the way, congrats, it is really a very nice piece. thanks for sharing. stefan
Interesting piece, congrats!
I wonder if it is all original? (it could very well be, my following comments notwithstanding; also, I realize you might not care.) The "finishing" is intriguingly inconsistent on the various parts (two parts in particular) Cheers, TM
Thank you, Thomas! The seller stated that
the dial and hands were oem replacements, and indeed they match 2 of the other 3 examples I have run across, the third having a dial with a "0" at 12 o'clock and a very nice red seconds-hand (also marked "1205-0" rather than "1205"). The two parts in ques...
Hi Steve I agreee with you...
Hi Steve The hacking cams are original and correct.... I have been on the hunt for one for years... here are photos of ones i have seen over the years. Great watch.... I have a Longines and a GP will find photos.. Good Hunting Bill Sohne...
There are chronometers and then there
are chronometers, or even chronometres! While the ascendance of COSC as a commercial venture may suggest otherwise, they do not have a trademark on the term 'chronometer', and a much greater authority than I, Fritz von Osterhausen, in his book "Wristwatch...
Hey Steve here is another Railrouter.....
Hi Steve This is the one in my collection... Good Hunting Bill Sohne...
What a delicious watch, Bill!
Would like to learn more about this Rail Router! Best, Nicolas
Very interesting issue you raised here, Steve!
Regarding the current state of the term "chronometer", I think we have to differ between the international status and the Swiss situation. Apparently, there is no international agreement on the term "chronometer", nor is it protected as a brand name. As a...
Thanks, Marcus, for your most excellent insight!
You have confirmed several of my (personally) unresearched impressions, namely that -- the term 'chronometer' is certainly available for use by the general public, and except possibly in very specific circumstances means just what the involved parties agr...