1960s Ticin Tropical Chronograph Landeron 248
Ref: 791
Specification
Lugs : 19mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : None
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
Points of Mention
This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original Ticin box or paperwork. The watch comes paired on a 19mm Forstner stainless steel bracelet with a signed folding clasp. The watch is from Circa. 1960s and is sold in worn, vintage condition, but remains in all original and very fair condition for its age. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.
The Watch
Ticino in Switzerland is in the southernmost part of Switzerland and borders Italy, mostly Italian-speaking they have a history of watchmaking as part of its heritage. It is therefore likely that the watch brand, Ticin, derives its name from Ticino. Ticin were closely associated with Rado at one point with Ticin appearing on Rado designs and were possibly Rado distributors in Italy. It can be seen on some Rado Captain Cook watches signed “Rado Ticino” on the dial. Having the joint names made perfect sense in import tax terms.
Here we have a 1960s Ticin Tropical Chronograph with a 37mm stainless steel case. The case gently curves over your wrist ending with straight-ended lugs. A lug to lug length of 47mm and a case thickness of 14mm ensures a comfortable fit on your wrist. On the right side, we find the chronograph pushers a large screw-down crown in the center. A friction fit bezel has a black insert with silver 60-minute numerals and markers. A domed crystal protects the rich chocolate brown tropical dial. An outer Tachymeter scale and k/m numerals underneath are printed in white. Applied bevel-edged batons indexes mark the hours. At 3 o’clock a 45-minute register and at 9 o’clock the small seconds register both in white. The bi-compax is perfectly balanced. Long sword hands complemented by a tapered second hand complete the dial. At 12 o’clock the Ticin logo is printed in white which is a nice contrast against the brown of the dial. On the reverse a screw-down case back. Inside a Manually Wound Landeron 248, 17 jewels, 18,000 beats per hour. The watch comes fitted on a 19mm Forstner stainless steel stretch link bracelet with a signed folding clasp. Forstner Chain Corporation was founded in about 1920 by William Forstner in New Jersey, USA. Famously made the "Komfit." bracelet in 1939 which allowed the buckle and clasp to move along the length of the bracelet for a perfect fit. This functionality was adopted by NASA and fitted to the Omega Speedmaster which the first Komfit in space was worn with the first Omega in Space, the CK2998, on October 3, 1962, during the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission.
Personal Note
What a fantastic dial that adds a whole lot of charm and character to an already charming watch! This certainly won't be for everyone and I really do see both sides, those who want their watch to look immaculate and those who really embrace and chase the patina! I personally think it only adds to the story of a watch, this one looks truly incredible.