This very special Mathey-Tissot stainless steel chronograph – circa 1970 – is in excellent physical and mechanical condition. The case is almost definitely unpolished and shows only hairline scratches from normal wear. The dial and hands are original and well preserved, showing no oxidation. The bi-directional bezel (with the pearly dot intact) has faded to an appealing ghost-gray color with age. The original domed acrylic crystal is nearly perfect with a small and barely visible blemish at 1 o’clock – it should certainly not be touched, as it adds authenticity to the whole package.
This rare watch shares the DNA of the Paul Newman Rolex Daytona and offers incredible value at a fraction of the price: the dial was manufactured by Singer, the same company that made the legendary Paul Newman dials for Rolex. The manual wind Caliber 726 movement of this watch is based on the 17-Jewels Valjoux 72, also the same as the early Rolex Daytona (see link). The similarity to the Daytona Ref 6239 in the sound of the gears clicking as you wind is uncanny. If you’re kicked yourself as you watched the Rolex Daytona zoom to record prices, here’s your chance at redemption.
I have never seen one of these chronos in such condition in all my years of collecting watches. Circa 1970, Diameter 40 mm.
About Mathey-Tissot
Founded 1886 in Les Ponts-de-Martel by Edmond Mathey-Tissot, the firm began by specializing in complications, especially repeater pocket watches. They soon proceeded to make chronographs and won a number of prizes for excellence.
In the 1950s, along with Breguet and Girard Perregaux, Mathey-Tissot made a "Type 20" chronograph fitted with a fly-back complication.
The brand is not be confused with Tissot, a completely separate Swiss watchmaking firm established by Charles-Felicien Tissot.
