Chronographe Suisse - Venus 170 Chronograph - Gilt Cream Dial - Salmon/Copper Hands - Serviced - Circa 1940-1942

Offered here is an early 1940s Chronographe Suisse chronograph powered by the legendary Venus 170, the kind of movement that made these watches the gateway drug for serious vintage chronograph collectors. Chronographe Suisse was not a single brand in the modern sense, it was a signature used by Swiss assemblers and retailers who cased high quality Swiss chronograph movements under a clean, understated name.

This example stands out immediately on the wrist with a warm glow and a dial with lovely authentic patina, honest speckling, and character. This is a rare example as the cream dial has true gilt numerals that catch the light like speckled copper. They are not raised and they are not foil. Gilt in this context refers to metallic-toned printing or plating that shows the actual copper of the dial through the lacquer. The numerals shift and flash depending on angle and light. On a cream dial like this, it is genuinely uncommon to see the gilt effect present this strongly and this cleanly. Typically gilt dials are black lacquer with gilt show through, this is the only cream gilt dial I have ever seen.

The classic Venus 170 layout showcases running seconds at six o'clock, a 30-minute counter at twelve, and a multi-scale outer track that gives the watch its instrument character. Period-correct red and blue scales add color without making the dial busy. The hands are the other half of what makes this watch special, blued to an unusual tone that shifts between salmon and coppery bronze depending on the light, and they sit perfectly against the warm cream dial.

The Venus 170 is a hand-wound, column-wheel-era workhorse and one of the most respected vintage chronograph calibers for both feel and architecture. This movement has been fully serviced and works as it should.

Case condition is honest and consistent with a watch that has lived a real life. One lug appears to have had a repair at the tip. The repair looks stable and well-executed, but it is disclosed clearly for any collector. Expect typical vintage wear throughout, including light marks and aging consistent with its age. Fitted on a very nice handmade rouge leather strap made in Ukraine.

Please review all photos carefully as they are a part of the listing. This is a vintage timepiece. Accuracy, power reserve, and water resistance are not guaranteed. Vintage watches may require periodic service. Performance can vary with wear, temperature, and position.

Because this watch has been freshly serviced, I provide a one-year limited warranty on the movement. If the movement develops a functional issue under normal use within one year of purchase, I will repair it at no cost for labor. This warranty does not cover anything related to the case, dial, hands, crystal, pushers/crown, bracelet/strap, or cosmetic condition, and it excludes any issue caused by external factors, including but not limited to impact or dropping, case damage of any kind, shock, improper use, tampering or attempted repair by anyone other than me, water or moisture exposure, humidity/condensation, magnetism, corrosion, loss of parts, or any other accidental or intentional damage. Any shipping costs associated with warranty service are the buyer's responsibility unless otherwise agreed in writing.

All sales final.