Grana - START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs Geneva Friday, May 13, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Grana
    Year: 1938
    Reference No: 11498
    Case No: 864’356, 23
    Model Name: Antimagnetique
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. Venus 175, 19 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel
    Dimensions: 38mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Grana may not be a well-known name to collectors of contemporary watches, but for vintage watch enthusiasts, the brand is known for its rich history linked to Certina – a major watchmaking company now part of the Swatch Group. Founded in 1888, Certina began using the name “Grana” in 1906, which is an abbreviation of “Granatus” – the Latin name for Grenchen where the company was founded.

    Only few Grana timepieces have appeared in the past few years, but this example can be described as probably the most unusual, and complicated, and also the best preserved. Fitted with a prestigious split-seconds function, the large 38 mm case still retains extraordinarily crisp facets to the lugs. Fitted with a stunning black lacquer dial, the watch must be considered one of the finest that ever left the Certina factories.

    Grana chronographs with black dials are known to have been issued to several European Air Forces, notably, watches with Hungarian inscriptions have surfaced. This piece has no military markings and one can only speculate that given its mint condition it was never issued, and likely hardly ever worn. Its pristine condition, superb aesthetics, and desirable complication make it an extraordinary value for the discerning collector.

25

Ref. 11498
An extremely rare, attractive and large stainless steel split-seconds pilot’s chronograph with black lacquer dial and outer tachometer scale.

1938
38mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 40,000 

Sold for CHF86,250

Contact Specialist
Livia Russo
+41 22 317 81 86

START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs

Geneva Auction 14 May 2016