Important Watches

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Lot 35
  • 35

Universal

Estimate
30,000 - 40,000 CHF
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Description

  • A massive over-sized stainless steel aviator's split seconds chronograph wristwatch with 24-hour dial and 16-minute register Retailed by A.Cairelli, circa 1935, No.2620
  • diameter 44mm.
nickel lever movement (cal.Valjoux 55, 17'''), mono-metallic compensation balance, silvered dial, black Arabic and dot numerals for 24-hours, two engine turned subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 16-minute register, blued steel moon hands, massive circular case with satin finished sides, polished chamfered bezel, polished down-turned lugs, fixed bar lugs, case, dial and movement signed 

Catalogue Note

Universal have confirmed that Officine A.Cairelli, Roma, were official suppliers to the Italian Armed Forces and supplied Universal watches to them during the years 1930 to 1936.

The Valjoux calibre 55 (17''') was especially used for large wristwatches such as the oversized Rolex split seconds chronograph ref.4113. In the present wristwatch the under dial work of the calibre 55 was modified to incorporate a 24-hour dial and an unusual 16-minute register clearly divided in 4 minute sectors. As an aviator's chronograph, the 24-hour dial also represents one rotation of the earth (360 degrees). Considering the 16-minute register, one degree of rotation equals 4 minutes, which would allow, at a constant speed, the positioning of the aircraft with precision.