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On Sep 21, 4:10 PM UTC
Lot #5236
Wakmann Triple Date Chronograph 1315
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Introduction
Wakmann occupies an interesting position in post-war American watchmaking. Founded in New York and best known as Breitling's US importer, the company also marketed watches under its own name, drawing on established Swiss manufacturers for cases and movements. This Triple Date Chronograph is such an example, combining a chronograph with day, date and month indications in a substantial 37mm chromed base metal case, with stainless steel case back, manufactured by Charles Gigandet. Interestingly, the watch is fitted with a Breitling signed crown.
More significant still is the movement. Rather than the more frequently encountered members of the Valjoux 72 family, this example uses the manually wound Valjoux 730, the higher-frequency evolution of the movement. Running at 21,600 vibrations per hour rather than 18,000, it retains traditional column-wheel chronograph construction while combining it with a complete calendar displaying the day and month through apertures and the date via a central pointer.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$1,000 – $2,000
The Details
Brand
Wakmann
Dimensions
37mm
Model
Triple Date Chronograph
Movement
Manual-wind Valjoux calibre 730
Reference
1315
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1970s
Condition
Very good
Material
Chromed base metal
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
White
THE DIAL
The original white dial balances an impressive amount of information within a traditional three-register layout. Day and month appear through twin apertures at 12 o'clock, while the date is indicated on a silver peripheral scale by a dedicated central hand. Applied baton markers and contrasting silver registers retain the restrained aesthetic of a classic chronograph despite the considerable functionality.
THE CONSTRUCTION
The 37mm chromed base metal case was manufactured by Charles Gigandet, as confirmed by the markings inside the stainless steel case back. Its exterior carries Wakmann's distinctive sailing-ship engraving together with period specifications including antimagnetic construction and Incabloc. The watch is fitted with a Breitling signed crown.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall very good condition. The chrome-plated case shows scratches and nicks, with some spotting across the surface. The base metal is visible in places, particularly on the pushers and correctors. The stainless steel case back shows scratches and retains well-defined engravings. The white and silver dial is in excellent condition overall, with some surface marks and scratches, along with light marks to the silver date track and sub-dials. The hands show some scratches and surface marks. It is fitted with a black leather strap and steel pin buckle.
Our Perspective
The attraction here is ultimately the calibre 730. The Valjoux 72 architecture has become inseparable from some of the most collectible chronographs ever produced, but its faster-beating successor is encountered considerably less often. Add the triple-calendar complication, and this Wakmann becomes an interesting alternative to the increasingly expensive watches from better-known names that share the same broader Valjoux lineage.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
