Richard – Vintage Waterproof-Style Original Steel Chronograph – Cal. Valjoux R23

Richard SA was a watchmaker based in Morges, on the shore of Lake Geneva in the canton of Vaud. It appears in Swiss trade records from 1949 as a maker of automatic watches and chronographs, and remained independent until 1978, when the firm was absorbed by Longines — a detail that says something about the quality it was producing under a now little-known name. This is one of its better known waterproof-case chronographs.

The case is stainless steel and measuring 36mm excluding the original unsigned crown, it has round chronograph pushers and a screw-down back — the construction behind the Waterproof designation, and a specification that placed this chronograph a step above the snap-back cases that most contemporaries used. It is in very good, untouched condition, with no evidence of polishing and only light traces of use.

The movement is the Valjoux 23, one of the most respected column-wheel chronograph calibres of the twentieth century, fitted here with Incabloc shock protection. The Valjoux 23 is the two-register chronograph on which much of the maker’s reputation rests, and the same architecture that would later underpin the Valjoux 72. It has been serviced by our in-house watchmaker and all functions work correctly.

The silvered dial is original and in very good condition, with its original luminous material intact and only a light, even patina. Two subdials — running seconds at 9, 30-minute counter at 3 — with an outer tachymetre scale.

The plexiglass is in perfect condition. This watch is also fitted with a new leather strap.

It will be delivered with our six-month guarantee and certificate of originality.
Worldwide shipping is available and inquiries are welcome.