Circa 1970s Croton Chronograph – Ref. 109B with Blue & White Dial

Serviced vintage chronograph with original Croton box

Croton, established in 1878, has a long history of crafting high-quality and affordable Swiss timepieces. By the 1970s, Croton became known for robust chronographs equipped with reliable Swiss movements such as the Valjoux 7733. Collectors today value these pieces for their vintage charm, dependable mechanics, and distinctive dial layouts that rival more expensive chronographs of the same era.

This example, reference 109B, features a striking blue and white dial powered by the manual-wind Valjoux 7733. Its 38mm case (43mm lug-to-lug) gives it excellent wrist presence, and the serviced movement ensures reliable performance. With its original box and vintage styling, this watch represents a perfect entry point into collectible 1970s chronographs.

Key Features

✔ 38mm stainless steel case – excellent proportions for vintage wear
✔ Valjoux 7733 manual-wind movement – reliable and collector-favorite caliber
✔ Dial – Blue with white outer ring, tachymeter scale, silver print, showing light patina
✔ Chronograph function – 30-minute counter at 3, running seconds at 9
✔ Original Croton box included
✔ Recently serviced – running strong and ready to wear

Please review photos carefully as they form part of the description. This timepiece is tested, fully operational, and offered in excellent condition.

Specifications

Collector’s Insight

Vintage Croton chronographs like the Ref. 109B offer incredible value compared to more hyped brands of the era. With its classic blue and white dial, robust Valjoux 7733 movement, and rare inclusion of the original box, this piece stands as a compelling option for collectors seeking a serviced and ready-to-wear 1970s chronograph without breaking into the price tiers of Heuer or Omega.

Few complications capture the imagination of collectors like the chronograph. The Valjoux 7733, found in this Croton 109B, is part of a lineage of legendary chronograph calibers — from the Omega 321 worn on the Moon, to the Zenith El Primero, and the iconic Valjoux 72, famously powering the vintage Rolex Pre-Daytona.

Two-register chronographs like this one deliver balanced dial simplicity while still offering stopwatch functionality. Collectors prize these for their purity of design and historical connection to tool watches of the 1960s and 70s.

The term “Chronograph” comes from the Greek Chronos (time) and graph (to write). The first modern chronograph was created in 1816 by Louis Moinet, capable of recording time to 1/60th of a second — a groundbreaking feat at the time.