Tourneau Datofix Triple Calendar Moonphase Chronograph, 1950s

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

One factor that we feel differentiates the Analog:Shift approach to vintage timepiece dealings are that we readily step outside the box to source some incredibly interesting and unusual watches for your consideration. When it comes to vintage chronographs, we love the heavy hitters just as much as the next guy. The Rolex Daytona, the Heuer Carrera, and the Omega Speedmaster all have special places in our hearts - and collections. But for every well-known name in the vintage watch world, there’s one or two that make us stop and say: “Now this is why we got into collecting watches in the first place.” And while your phone can be relied upon to accurately tell you the time, the date, the month, the year — all the information that one could ever need, at a glance — there’s something to be said for the charm of an instrument that displays this information mechanically. Imagine the complexity of the mechanism that does so — gears, jewels, pinions, buttons, and more — all of which needs to work in perfect synchronicity. Such is the case of this handsome full calendar-chronograph from Tourneau, America’s most storied watch retailer, which was recently purchased by Bucherer. Dating to the 1950s and in stunning condition, this is one of those rare examples of a type of micro-engineering that, while once fairly commonplace, is now relegated to the realm of high watchmaking. Housed in an oversized 38.5mm stainless steel case with an acrylic crystal, an unsigned crown, calendar correctors at 8 and 10 o’clock, dual barrel pushers, and a polished, beveled bezel, it features a satin silver dial with applied rose gold-tone ‘Breguet’ and 'arrowhead' indices, a matching ‘Lance’ handset, day and month apertures, a triple-register chronograph, and a moonphase aperture. Ringing the dial is a blue date scale paired to a red date pointer hand. Powered by a Calibre 886 manual winding movement — a modified Valjoux 72C — this stunning calendar watch is protected by a screw-down case back and paired to one of our Analog:Shift vintage-style 'Logan brown' leather straps with a stainless steel pin buckle. Complicated, sophisticated, beautiful, utilitarian — all manner of words could describe this distinctly midcentury timepiece. If you’re the type of person who appreciates the artistry and skill that was inherent in 20th-century horology, then this is, quite simply, the perfect watch for you.