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1950s Serviced Vintage DOXA Valjoux 72C Triple Date Calendar Chronograph Watch

Sale price $3,299.99

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Only 1 in stock


Watch Facts

Watches from this era represent a true high point in case construction, dial design, and overall craftsmanship. Steel formulations were still evolving, but cases were shaped using hand‑guided machines—a world apart from modern automated production.

This example features an exceptional case with triple‑faceted lugs, a crisp bevel, and what appears to be its original finish. The dial has aged into a warm copper‑tan tone with matching radium markers and Arabic numerals. The patina is likely the result of radium interacting with the lacquer over decades, creating a unique and beautiful character.

It includes English day and date windows, and while the outer date track shows minor print loss, it remains easy to read by referencing adjacent numerals. Overall, this is a special and highly collectible piece with a bright future.

For full breakdown and information about the watch, please review the specification table below.

Movement Facts

This watch is powered by the Valjoux 72C, one of the most respected and sought‑after chronograph movements ever produced. The Valjoux 72 family (72, 72C, 88) has become legendary—especially after the million‑dollar Paul Newman Daytona sales, which brought renewed attention to the movement series that powers them.

The 72C is a more complex cousin of the Valjoux 72, combining its robust chronograph architecture with a full triple‑calendar mechanism. This explains why it was used by respected brands such as Mathey‑Tissot, Doxa, and Baume & Mercier.

Full‑calendar watches of this type are also known as Datora, Cato, Compax, or Triple Date. The layout of its complications is elegant and balanced, echoing the visual harmony seen in high‑end pieces from Patek Philippe and Rolex.

For collectors who appreciate movement pedigree, the Valjoux 72C remains one of the most desirable calibers of its era.

Condition & CPO Notes

The watch is working and serviced
Part of our Certified Pre‑Owned (CPO) Program
Very few examples remain with this rare movement
These pieces continue to appreciate over time
Condition is exactly as shown in the photos

Please review all photos, as they are part of the description. Contact me with any questions before purchase.

Valjoux 72C Setting Instructions

Avoid using the pushers to adjust the day, month, or date indicators between 8 PM and 2 AM, and avoid adjusting the date between 10 AM and 2 PM, as the automatic calendar change is engaged during these times.

SPECIFICATION

Case

Stainless Steel Case and Case Back, with faceted and beveled lugs. Showing some pitting, Scratches, and characters.

Case Size

  35,00 mm without the crown. 41,50 mm lug to lug

Case Back

Stainless steel cover signed inside.  Snap on.     Please note case back in most cases is not fully tighten.

Crown

UnSigned, Looks to be original crown and pushers.

Crystal

Domed Acrylic 

Bezel:

None. 

Dial:

The dial has aged to a gorgeous with its almost copper tan color with matched radium markers with lots of patina and Arabic numeral markers (likely it was the radium that aged the lacquer on the dial causing this unique and beautiful patina). English day and date windows. Outer date chapter has some print loss but it’s still easy enough to figure out what day of the month it is by looking at adjacent numbers.  Swiss made Mark, Triple date chronograph. Please see picture for more detail.

Complication

Seconds, Date, Chronograph, Day, Month

Movement

Manual-winding Valjoux 72C

Movement Notes

The pushers on the side, top left press changes month, to change the day use the crown, bottom pusher on the left changed date.  Just inspected and in great shape. Fully Serviced and Overhauled. Come with a Service Warranty!  Please see pictures and as some old movements don't have a very clear marking. Movement is running. Keeps great time see below time testing.

Strap

Genuine Leather. Bracelet, Lug Size: 18 mm      Please see picture.

Box

Come with Beautiful Vintage Style Box. Or Experts Watches Pouch

Reference #

NA

Made in

Switzerland

Water Resistance

No. Please pressure test before water use.

Service Level

1      (Please see Tab below for details)

Timing Test **

1 s/day  In-House Time Test Results (See Service Level Tab)**

Certified Pre-Owned

Passed 25-point inspection. Please see tab below for details.

Warranty

3-Month Service Warranty (Please see Tab below for details)

Notes:

All watch functions tested and operable. Circa 1950’s. Looks like all the lum is gone. 

 



About Chronograph Watches

Chronograph watches have always been a favorite among collectors for their blend of functionality, history, and mechanical artistry. Some of the most iconic and sought‑after chronograph movements include:
Omega Caliber 321 and Caliber 861, both based on the legendary Lemania CH27 architecture and evolved from this movement; the 321 was used during the moon‑landing era
Zenith El Primero, one of the first high‑beat automatic chronographs
Valjoux 72 and Valjoux 88, used in Rolex Pre‑Daytonas and Patek Philippe Ref. 2499
Venus and Landeron calibers, widely used in vintage Swiss chronographs
Heuer Caliber 11, the first micro‑rotor automatic chronograph with date
A chronograph combines traditional timekeeping with a stopwatch function, typically operated through pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock (or a single monopusher on certain models). The term comes from the Greek chronos (time) and graph (to write), with the first modern chronograph created in 1816 by Louis Moinet for astronomical timing.
Collectors also appreciate the so‑called “Poor Man’s Heuer” models—true Heuer‑manufactured chronographs sold under brands like Zodiac and Clebar. These offer authentic Heuer quality at more accessible prices, though many watches incorrectly labeled as such online were not made by Heuer.

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