Why This Watch Matters One of the best Chronomasters to hit the HODINKEE Shop as of late. The Full Story Croton Watch Company dates back to 1878 when a man named Jacob Horton founded the company in New York City. Growth necessitated a larger office, driving the company to a suburb of the city, Croton-on-Hudson, in 1963, which ultimately gave the company its name. The brand's main function in the watch world was as a distributor to the good ole, US of A. You might recognize Croton from the company's long standing relationship with the Swiss brand Nivada Grenchen. As a result of the twosome's partnership, many Nivada watches sold in the United States were branded Croton (or Croton Nivada Grenchen). Alongside the Antarctic, the Chronomaster chronograph is the best known (and most sought after) watch to come from the Croton (and Nivada) stable. The Chronomaster was produced in a wide variety of case, dial, and movement executions throughout its production years. Today's watch is considered to be more desirable than your conventional Chronomaster for its combination of external and internal characteristics. Those include the broad arrow-style hands, the stepped sub-dials with radial numerals, and the hand wound Valjoux 23 movement ticking inside. This example is really special, with a splash of red on the minutes sub-dial that can operate as a five-minute countdown timer in a pinch. Add in the tachymeter scale on the periphery of the dial, the dueling 60-minute/12-hour markers on the rotating bezel, and the simple pump pushers, and you have all the ingredients of one of the most underrated sport watches out there. The condition on this watch is remarkable. We've been lucky enough to offer a few Chronomasters as of late in the HODINKEE Shop, and this combination of dial, hands, and bezel is among the best we've seen. The Valjoux 23 movement is stamped "COW" in no reference to the barn animal but as an indication that the watch was originally imported from Switzerland to the US. These three letter codes refer directly to the brand with "COW" referencing "Croton, Nivada SA." The import stamp lines up with the dial featuring only Croton branding, the US distributor and marketer. We paired this Chronomaster with our Sedona Strap in Mustard to complement the aged tritium on the handset and hour markers. The Fine Print Maker: CrotonModel: Chronomaster Aviator Sea DiverReference: 105-9870Year: Circa 1960sCase No: N/A Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 38mm diameter; 14mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Valjoux, manually-wound, caliber 23Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Sedona Watch Strap In MustardLug Width: 20mmBox/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know This Chronomaster is in great, attractive condition. The case is strong with scratches. The facets of the lugs are clearly visible and sharp. The caseback has been polished, and the engravings are no longer visible. The dial is in great condition with light patina. The hands are in great condition and have developed patina. The lume on the dial and hands have developed patina aging to a pleasing creamy yellow color. The bezel is in overall great condition with light scratches and some wear along the very edge; it has retained its attractive black color. The dial, case, and movement are signed by Croton. The crystal has some light scratches. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
Related
Related
Related
Related