1950s Kelbert Chronograph 14K YG 'Valjoux 72'

The '60s and '70s were a boom time for watches, which resulted in all kinds of brands coming out of the woodwork take a piece of the action and offer something uniquely cool. Many of these brands no longer exist, which leaves us with a glut of very cool pieces that we know little about.

Kelbert is one of those brands – founded in 1938 with its headquarters addressed to 5th Avenue in New York City, there's not a whole lot more we could find about the brand. But what it lacks in backstory, it more than makes up for in style with its 18k gold case, triple-register chronograph setup and fantastic Valjoux 72 movement. It's easy on the eyes and it'll give you something to nerd out about as you dig through the depths of the internet looking for all the info you can find.

SPECS

Stock #		KELCHRN18K72
Brand		Kelbert
Style		Chronograph 'Valjoux 72'
Model		N/A
Serial		67XXXX
Size		Men's
Material		14K Yellow Gold
Dial		Silver
Millimeters		36
Strap		2pc Handmade Leather Strap

CASE & BRACELET

The excellent 14K gold case appears to have very minimally polished in the past with long lugs that show light signs of wear and feature charming oxidation at high touch points. The case retains its original unsigned crown and dual pump pushers. The original case back shows signs of use appropriate for its age with its serial number still deeply engraved and legible. The watch comes supplied on a two-piece leather strap.

DIAL & HANDS

The beautiful silver dial is in wonderful overall condition showing almost no signs of age with the tachymeter and telemeter scales, and seconds track all in exceptional shape. The hour markers feature raised knobs at 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10 and 11 o'clock, all in beautiful condition with no signs of wear. All three sub-dials feature bronze hands, which adds a nice dimension to the overall package, with the black primary handset bringing a ton of legibility.