Produced during the 1960s, the Meylan ref. 816A represents the understated elegance and mechanical quality that defined some of the greatest chronographs of the era. While lesser known today than some of its larger contemporaries, Meylan produced finely executed chronographs that often housed respected movement calibres from the great Swiss ébauche manufacturers. The example offered here is powered by the Lemania cal. 1873, a robust and highly regarded manual-wind chronograph movement celebrated for its reliability and refined architecture. Combined with its balanced dial layout and classic stainless steel construction, the ref. 816A embodies the restrained sporting aesthetic that has made mid-century chronographs increasingly appealing to collectors.

Watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case shows light surface scratches, while the case back displays some deeper scratches. The bezel remains well defined, and the insert shows surface marks along with a couple of areas of delamination. The dial shows surface marks, spotting within the sub-dials, and damage to some lume plots, but remains excellent overall. The hands remain clean. It is fitted with a leather strap and a steel pin buckle.

Not much is known about these handsome chronographs from the New York City-based stopwatch manufacturer Meylan. They are powered by the venerable Lemania Calibre 1873, and have a clear and distinctive look, not unlike their cousin, Omega’s Speedmaster.