Vintage Swiss 17-Jewel Incabloc Mechanical Chronograph 39.4mm – Circa 1960s

A distinctive example of mid-century Swiss watchmaking, this vintage 17-jewel mechanical chronograph combines classic period styling with the character and functionality of a traditional hand-wound chronograph.

Dating to approximately the 1960s, the watch features a gold-tone case measuring approximately 39.4mm including the crown, giving it an impressive wrist presence for a vintage timepiece. The case is complemented by a champagne-coloured dial with applied baton hour markers and prominent Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 o'clock.

The dial features a traditional two-register chronograph configuration, with subsidiary dials positioned at 3 and 9 o'clock. A central chronograph seconds hand works in conjunction with the two pushers positioned alongside the crown, providing the mechanical stopwatch functionality associated with classic Swiss chronographs of the period.

Elegant dauphine-style hands complement the warm tones of the dial, while the detailed outer scales add both visual interest and functionality. These include a tachymeter scale for calculating speed over a known distance and a 1 km telemeter scale, traditionally used for estimating distance by measuring the time between visible and audible events.

The dial is marked “17 Rubis – Incabloc”, denoting a 17-jewel mechanical movement equipped with the renowned Incabloc shock-protection system. At the bottom of the dial, the “T Swiss Made T” marking reflects its Swiss manufacture and period construction.

Inside is a Swiss manual-winding mechanical chronograph movement, offering the traditional mechanical operation and interaction that makes vintage chronographs particularly appealing to collectors and enthusiasts.

The stainless-steel case back is marked “Fond Acier Inoxydable”, meaning stainless-steel back, together with the number 5630. A brown leather strap complements the gold-tone case and champagne dial, completing the watch's classic vintage appearance.

As expected from a genuine vintage timepiece, the watch displays visible signs of previous wear, including surface marks, scratches and age-related characteristics to the case and case back. These have been retained as part of the watch's history and individual character.

An attractive and unusual piece of Swiss horological history, this vintage chronograph combines traditional hand-wound mechanics, a beautifully detailed multi-scale dial and classic mid-century styling.

Specifications

Brand: Unbranded / Swiss Made
Type: Mechanical Chronograph
Era: Circa 1960s
Movement: Swiss Manual-Wind Mechanical Chronograph
Jewels: 17 Rubies / Jewels
Shock Protection: Incabloc
Case Material: Gold-Tone / Gold-Plated Base Metal
Case Size: Approx. 39.4mm Including Crown
Case Back: Stainless Steel
Case Back Marking: Fond Acier Inoxydable
Case Back Number: 5630
Dial Colour: Champagne / Silver
Indices: Applied Baton Markers with Arabic 12 & 6
Hands: Dauphine-Style
Chronograph: Two-Register Configuration
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Running Seconds & Chronograph
Dial Scales: Tachymeter & 1 km Telemeter
Crystal: Acrylic / Plexiglass
Strap: Brown Leather
Country of Manufacture: Switzerland
Condition: Pre-Owned / Vintage – Visible age-related wear, surface marks and scratches
Style: Vintage / Chronograph / Collectible / Dress