1960s Pierre Vallee Chronomaster Ref. 106-062 'Yachting'
Why This Watch Matters
Pierre Vallee is not a company you'll hear about too often, as its watches were actually produced by the Croton Watch Company. This example is an uncommon take on the classic Croton Chronomaster, and it features a neat red and blue yachting countdown marker on the minutes sub-dial. Ā
The Full Story
The Croton Watch Company was founded in 1878 by Jacob Horton in New York City. In need of a larger office, the company moved to a suburb of New York City, Croton-on-Hudson, in 1963. Croton had an ongoing partnership with the Swiss brand Nivada and, as a result, many Nivada watches sold in the United States were branded Croton. The example we have here today was built by Croton, even signed by the company on the inside caseback and movement, but the dial is signed Pierre Vallee.
The Chronomaster was made in numerous case, dial, and movement variations throughout its production years. Today's watch is considered to be more rare than the typical Chronomaster, because of the Pierre Vallee branding, coupled with its red and blue yachting countdown indicator inside the minutes sub-dial. This dial also has silver-white engine turned sub-dials and a silver-white tachymeter scale on the rehaut, giving it the reverse-panda aesthetic that so many enjoy. We paired this Chronomaster with our Reid Strap in Red to play up the red accents on the dial and give this watch a fun, colorful vibe.Ā
The Fine Print
Maker: Pierre ValleeĀ
Model: Pierre Vallee Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver
Reference: 106
Year: 1960sĀ
Case No: 062Ā
Material: Stainless steelĀ
Dimensions: 37mm diameter; 11.5mm thicknessĀ
Crystal: PlexiglassĀ
Lume: Yes, tritiumĀ
Caliber: Manual winding Valjoux 7733Ā
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Reid in Red
Lug Width: 19mmĀ
Box/Papers: NoĀ
What we Love and What You Should Know
This Chronomaster is in overall nice, attractive condition. The case is strong with scratches. The facets on the lugs are visible and the caseback engravings are crisp, including the case number. The dial is in good condition with light patina. The engine turned sub-dials have some light patina and the one at nine o'clock has some light marks in the center. The lumeĀ on the hands and dial have developed patina and are close to matching in color. The lumeĀ on the minute hand has had some repair inĀ its center. The hands and hour markers have developed patina. The bezel is in good condition with some scratches and wear around the edge. This watch has retained its original 24-tooth crown. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.Ā
Why This Watch Matters
Pierre Vallee is not a company you'll hear about too often, as its watches were actually produced by the Croton Watch Company. This example is an uncommon take on the classic Croton Chronomaster, and it features a neat red and blue yachting countdown marker on the minutes sub-dial. Ā
The Full Story
The Croton Watch Company was founded in 1878 by Jacob Horton in New York City. In need of a larger office, the company moved to a suburb of New York City, Croton-on-Hudson, in 1963. Croton had an ongoing partnership with the Swiss brand Nivada and, as a result, many Nivada watches sold in the United States were branded Croton. The example we have here today was built by Croton, even signed by the company on the inside caseback and movement, but the dial is signed Pierre Vallee.
The Chronomaster was made in numerous case, dial, and movement variations throughout its production years. Today's watch is considered to be more rare than the typical Chronomaster, because of the Pierre Vallee branding, coupled with its red and blue yachting countdown indicator inside the minutes sub-dial. This dial also has silver-white engine turned sub-dials and a silver-white tachymeter scale on the rehaut, giving it the reverse-panda aesthetic that so many enjoy. We paired this Chronomaster with our Reid Strap in Red to play up the red accents on the dial and give this watch a fun, colorful vibe.Ā
The Fine Print
Maker: Pierre ValleeĀ
Model: Pierre Vallee Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver
Reference: 106
Year: 1960sĀ
Case No: 062Ā
Material: Stainless steelĀ
Dimensions: 37mm diameter; 11.5mm thicknessĀ
Crystal: PlexiglassĀ
Lume: Yes, tritiumĀ
Caliber: Manual winding Valjoux 7733Ā
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Reid in Red
Lug Width: 19mmĀ
Box/Papers: NoĀ
What we Love and What You Should Know
This Chronomaster is in overall nice, attractive condition. The case is strong with scratches. The facets on the lugs are visible and the caseback engravings are crisp, including the case number. The dial is in good condition with light patina. The engine turned sub-dials have some light patina and the one at nine o'clock has some light marks in the center. The lumeĀ on the hands and dial have developed patina and are close to matching in color. The lumeĀ on the minute hand has had some repair inĀ its center. The hands and hour markers have developed patina. The bezel is in good condition with some scratches and wear around the edge. This watch has retained its original 24-tooth crown. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.Ā
Description
Why This Watch Matters
Pierre Vallee is not a company you'll hear about too often, as its watches were actually produced by the Croton Watch Company. This example is an uncommon take on the classic Croton Chronomaster, and it features a neat red and blue yachting countdown marker on the minutes sub-dial. Ā
The Full Story
The Croton Watch Company was founded in 1878 by Jacob Horton in New York City. In need of a larger office, the company moved to a suburb of New York City, Croton-on-Hudson, in 1963. Croton had an ongoing partnership with the Swiss brand Nivada and, as a result, many Nivada watches sold in the United States were branded Croton. The example we have here today was built by Croton, even signed by the company on the inside caseback and movement, but the dial is signed Pierre Vallee.
The Chronomaster was made in numerous case, dial, and movement variations throughout its production years. Today's watch is considered to be more rare than the typical Chronomaster, because of the Pierre Vallee branding, coupled with its red and blue yachting countdown indicator inside the minutes sub-dial. This dial also has silver-white engine turned sub-dials and a silver-white tachymeter scale on the rehaut, giving it the reverse-panda aesthetic that so many enjoy. We paired this Chronomaster with our Reid Strap in Red to play up the red accents on the dial and give this watch a fun, colorful vibe.Ā
The Fine Print
Maker: Pierre ValleeĀ
Model: Pierre Vallee Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver
Reference: 106
Year: 1960sĀ
Case No: 062Ā
Material: Stainless steelĀ
Dimensions: 37mm diameter; 11.5mm thicknessĀ
Crystal: PlexiglassĀ
Lume: Yes, tritiumĀ
Caliber: Manual winding Valjoux 7733Ā
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Reid in Red
Lug Width: 19mmĀ
Box/Papers: NoĀ
What we Love and What You Should Know
This Chronomaster is in overall nice, attractive condition. The case is strong with scratches. The facets on the lugs are visible and the caseback engravings are crisp, including the case number. The dial is in good condition with light patina. The engine turned sub-dials have some light patina and the one at nine o'clock has some light marks in the center. The lumeĀ on the hands and dial have developed patina and are close to matching in color. The lumeĀ on the minute hand has had some repair inĀ its center. The hands and hour markers have developed patina. The bezel is in good condition with some scratches and wear around the edge. This watch has retained its original 24-tooth crown. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.Ā
