Why This Watch Matters The Turano Para-chrono. It just sounds cool, doesn't it? The Full Story Here's one you don't see every day, a Turano Para-chron. Although it doesn't have the same ring or brand recognition as the Rolex Submariner or the AP Royal Oak, this 1980s PVD chronograph is really spectacular for what it is. PVD coated chronographs using a Valjoux 7750 caliber and a tonneau or barrel-shaped case were a bit of a trend in the late 1970s and 1980s. Sort of like crispy chicken sandwiches in fast food restaurants today, you weren't really a watch brand worth your middle-market salt without one of these in your catalog. Ok, maybe that is going a little too far but we have seen examples of this same style watch come through the shop from Gallet, Orfina, and LeJour – just to name a few. For these watches, it's really all about charm. The quick-set day and date wheel is a nice touch and the day wheel is in French adding to the mystique of this model. The black PVD finish is going to wear a bit if you wear the watch, that is just part of this game. Every scratch and spot of wear will hopefully have a story behind it, even if it is as pedestrian as hitting your living room door jamb on a trip to the fridge. Luckily enough, this Turano is pretty clean as it, ready for some real wear by the next owner. Furthering the charm aspect here is the name. Para-chrono appears to reference a paratrooper as is seen on the caseback engraving. Paratroopers do look pretty sweet, we'll give whoever was behind this brand back in the day some credit. Maybe this watch and write-up is a good reminder to watch Band of Brothers. The Fine Print Maker: TuranoModel: Para-chronoReference: N/AYear: 1980sCase No: N/AMaterial: Black PVD coated stainless steelDimensions: 40mm width x 42.5mm height; 14.3mm thicknessCrystal: Mineral glassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Valjoux, self-winding, caliber 7750Bracelet/Strap: PVD coated stainless steel bracelet (Approximate max wrist size 7.25in / 184cm)Lug Width: 19mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - PVD coated stainless steel case- Creamy lume patina- Paratrooper engraving on caseback- French day wheel Things To Know: - Scratches on case and bracelet- Light wear to black coating This Turano is in overall great, honest condition. The case shows some light signs of wear on the black-PVD coating around the edges and behind the lugs, but the finish is in overall great condition. The most noticeable wear is to the rear of the lugs and around the caseback. The caseback also has engravings that are visible with light scratches. The dial is in good condition with a light patina. The lume on the hands and dial has developed patina and are close to matching in color as a creamy off-white. The hands are in great condition, having developed a light patina throughout. The unsigned bracelet is in good condition with some light stretch and some signs of wear on the edges between some links but mostly on the clasp. The dial is signed The crystal has some scratches. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
