Lot Essay
A very attractive and unusual model, the present piece is an early example of “Regatta Countdown” chronograph: a chronograph designed for sailing competition. The 15 minute register at 3 o’ clock is divided into three five minutes sectors. This mirrors the start of a regatta, when four shots are fired at fifteen minutes intervals. The first three shots are warnings, representing respectively 15, 10 and 5 minutes to the start, the final one indicates the beginning of the race. When the chronograph is activated at the first shot, this subsidiary dial allows for the crew of the vessel to know exactly how much time is left before the beginning of the race. Interestingly, the hand advances with 30 seconds increments, for a more accurate reading. The present watch is offered in New Old Stock condition.