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How They Might be Produced

Based on these postings and some other information that I have received, here are the "steps" that appear to have been taken to produce some of these oversize chronographs:

(1) find a vintage pocket chronograph with an appropriate movement (Valjoux 76 being the ideal); if it is a genuine Heuer pocket chronograph, all the better (as described in step 3) - - - cost should be $200 to $500.

(2) have the dial refinished so that the numbers and markings are rotated 90 degrees (because the crown will be at 3:00 o'clock on the wrist chronograph rather than at 12:00 o'clock on the pocket chronograph); I understand that this can be done in Germany, at a cost in the $100 range

(3) if the "donor" pocket chronograph was not a Heuer, add Heuer marks to the movement; note that many pocket chronographs of the period did not have any "brand" or "logo" marks on the movements

(4) have a high grade steel case produced to house the movement and dial; I have heard that these are being produced in Poland, at a cost in the $400 to $500 range.

so there you have it -- a vintage movement in a shiny new case, with a total cost in the $700 to $1100 range. If you put "Heuer" on the dial and movement, you have produced a "fake" (and broken the law) . . . but this is one explanation of how some of these oversize chronographs are being produced.

let the buyer beware!!

Jeff

Messages In This Thread

Targa Florio Movement ... Coincidence ??
How They Might be Produced
SomeThoughts...
some more..
Current Position
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