Vintage 1960's Pierre Doré French Chronograph withVenus 188 Mvmt FOR PARTS/REPAIR
FOR PARTS/REPAIR ONLY - T. He Venus 188 manual wind movement runs for several minutes to several hours at a time when the chronograph functions are not engaged, keeping relatively accurate time. When the chronograph functions are engaged the movement tends to run for only several seconds to several minutes at a time before stopping. While the minute register resets to 0 the sweep seconds hand, which has a bend to it, resets to approximately the 56 minute mark. And the crown, which is a replacement, can be turned clockwise without issue but unscrews when being turned counterclockwise. At a minimum a complete overhaul is required. This seldom seen vintage 1960's Pierre Doré two-register chronograph has a white "FRANCE" signed dial that is in lovely but not perfect condition as it shows wear.
Only the lume on the hour hand, which shows cracking, emits a short-lived glow after being exposed to bright light. The chrome-plated case shows honest wear and brassing.
The outside of the case back is stamped "STAINLESS STEEL BACK - WATER PROTECTED - ANTIMAGNETIC - INCABLOC" while the inside of the case back is stamped "TRANSWORLD" followed by "TRADING Co" and FRANCE. The 17 jewels unadjusted France "TRANSWORLD TRADING Co" stamped Venus 188 manual wind movement runs for several minutes to several hours at a time when the chronograph functions are not engaged, keeping relatively accurate time. When the chronograph functions are engaged the movement tends to run for several seconds to several minutes at a time before stopping. The pushers have a pleasant catch and release feel with no signs of gumminess.
The crown, which is a replacement, can be turned clockwise without issue but unscrews when being turned counterclockwise. When being wound it winds with an appropriate amount of tension. This watch measures approximately 36 mm excluding the crown, approximately 38.5 mm including the crown/tube and approximately 18 mm between the lugs. Case thickness, measured from the bottom of the case back to the top of the fixed bezel, is approximately 9 mm.
Including the crystal thickness measures approximately 12 mm. As such there are no warranties, express or implied, attached with the sale of this watch. Vintage means old and while my personal belief is that old-school means better quality and workmanship, things can and do go wrong from time to time. For this watch that time is now.
Any servicing costs going forward are your responsibility. And please study the 24 high magnification pictures carefully, which were taken in natural light and from various angles, as they are part of the description and serve as an accurate representation of the condition of this watch.