BWC REVERSE PANDA CHRONOGRAPH | VALJOUX 72 | STEEL

THE STORY

While it’s the aesthetics of a watch that initially draw us in, what’s inside is equally as important.  Being the heart and brain of a watch, the movement must be engineered to function reliably and with precision.  Indeed some movements have set themselves apart with their superior function and craftsmanship.

The Valjoux 72 is a movement with pedigree – Rolex, Breitling and Heuer have all used it to power some of their most notable chronographs.  The design was based on the earlier Valjoux 23, also a superb movement, and was produced from 1940 into the 1970’s.  Its reputation as a stellar chronograph led it to be adopted by many lesser known high quality brands.  Today it’s increasingly sought after among collectors.

BWC is an obscure Swiss brand that adopted the Valjoux 72 for use in its chronographs.  The brand was founded in 1924 by Arthur Charlet in his birthplace of Neuchâtel, Switzerland, also home to watchmaking heavy hitters Breguet, Jaquet-Droz, Patek Philippe and dozens of others.

THE WATCH

This gents BWC reverse panda chronograph dates from the late 1960’s to very early 1970’s and is in spectacular condition with all its original parts.  The solid steel case is in near mint condition and measures 38mm excluding the original screw down crown.  The case was made by Ollech & Wajs, a company who also provided cases to popular diving watch brands like Jenny and Le Cheminant.  The reverse panda dial is mint and untouched, sub dials with slight bevels and mirror polished silver rings.  Applied indices and original creamy lume.  Original baton hands with orange tipped lollipop chronograph hand.  An acrylic filled diving style bezel rotates bi directionally.

The chronograph features a 30 minute counter and a 12 hour recorder used by pilots for navigational calculations.

The original Valjoux 72 column wheel chronograph movement is, like the rest of the watch, near mint, functioning well and keeping the time.

We’ve paired the watch with a modern black leather strap and stainless steel buckle.

*Due to the sensitive nature of vintage watches, this watch should be treated as though not water resistant, even if marked as being so.

BUY WITH CONFIDENCE

Each Stetz & Co. timepiece includes a 7 day inspection period during which the watch can be returned for any reason.  In addition the functionality of every watch is guaranteed for 30 days.