Ofair Cal.22 1940's Oversized Chronograph Black dial Motor sport Championship Geneva

Dealer description — Bulang & Sons

The Ofair Watch Company, often branded as Ofair Genève, was a Swiss watch brand active primarily during the 1950s and 1960s. The company specialised in elegant complications, producing high-quality chronographs, triple-calendar watches and moonphase models that reflected the classical style of the era. Presented here is a beautifully preserved, oversized chronograph measuring an impressive 37 mm. The stainless steel case features the characteristic square chronograph pushers of the period and a snap-on case back. The beautifully preserved dial features a classic bi-compax layout with two subsidiary registers, an outer Base 1000 scale, rich gilt printing and applied Arabic numerals. It is exactly the kind of elegant mid-century chronograph that continues to captivate collectors today. The most intriguing feature, however, is found on the case back. It bears the following presentation engraving: “Offert par l'État et la Ville de Genève, Finale Championnat Suisse aux Engins 1946.” Translated, this reads: “Presented by the State and the City of Geneva, Final of the 1946 Swiss Apparatus Gymnastics Championship.” Presentation watches are among the most charming pieces to discover. Unlike standard production watches, they tell the story of a particular moment in time and of the person who originally received them. While the identity of the original recipient has unfortunately been lost to history, this remarkable engraving transforms an already attractive chronograph into a fascinating historical object with a story all its own. Powering the watch is the robust, hand-wound Valjoux 22 chronograph movement, one of the great workhorse calibres of its era. It has been fully serviced by our watchmaker and is ready to be enjoyed for many years to come. Some vintage watches are collected for their movements, others for their design. This Ofair offers something even rarer — a tangible connection to a moment in history, preserved in steel for eight decades. Specifications: Ofair Genève Chronograph 37 mm steel case with snap back case back Rare black dial with base 1000 scale Square pushers Case back engraving for the Swiss final of the 1946 Swiss Gymnastics Championships No lume stick style hands Valjoux.22 hand wound movement Serial serial 54xxx dating to the 1940’s Bulang and sons leather strap Fully serviced by our watchmaker