1970s Roamer Stingray Chronograph (Ref. 023-912.900) "Valjoux 23"

For a brand you've probably never heard of, Roamer has a long and fairly distinguished history in the world of watches. Founded in 1888 by Fritz Meyer in Solothurn, Switzerland, the brand initially specialized in making movements, with a specialization in cylinder escapements. In 1907, the brand unveiled a watch called the Soleure, which made Roamer more well-known for complete watches than just the movements inside.

This Stingray from the '70s was part of the brand's foray into the increasingly popular world of diving, and it possesses all of the hallmarks of the quintessential dive watch – chunky case, highly legible dial, rotating bezel, oversized handset, etc. It's also a chronograph, which was less common in the dive world, and adds a bit of specialness to this piece. Plus, ticking away on the inside is the fantastic Valjoux 23, a highly respected movement.

It's a fun piece with a historically significant movement, and one with a great backstory.

SPECS

Stock #		RSTING023912900
Brand		Roamer
Style		Stingray Chronograph
Model		023-912.900
Serial		N/A
Size		Men's
Material		Stainless Steel
Dial		Matte Black
Millimeters		43
Bracelet		Roamer "Gay Freres" Stainless Steel Bracelet

CASE & BRACELET

The chunky, asymmetrical tonneau-style case exhibits no obvious evidence of previously polished and shows honest signs of use. The original bi-directional bezel remains deep black in coloration with almost no signs of age. The watch retains its original Roamer-signed screw-down crown and unsigned pump pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock. The case back shows appropriate signs of use for its age while all the factory markings are still legible and intact. The watch is supplied on its original Roamer-signed Gay Freres stainless steel bracelet, which retains 20 links that show minimal stretch and will fit up to an 8 1/2-inch wrist.

DIAL & HANDS

The original matte black dial is in virtually flawless condition, with no visible signs of wear or age. The tritium lume plots have aged to a nice pumpkin coloration and show no degradation under UV light inspection. The oversized white baton-style hands have inlaid lume that has aged to a slightly lighter color than the dial, under UV light inspection the lume in the minute hand features a subtle crack at the tip and remains stable. The chronograph hand is a nice bright red that pops off the dial, and complements the red in the inner and outer bezels nicely.