Heuer
1950s Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chronograph (Ref. 2444) "Valjoux 72"
While the name remains the same, Abercrombie & Fitch Co. as it exists today is an entirely different brand than when it was formed in 1892. Originally a sporting goods store based out of New York with products ranging from camping gear and tennis shoes, all the way to hunting rifles. Though the brand continued to expand through the early 1900s, the brand's focus was to provide high-quality garments and gear, including watches, and this proved successful as this was also an era of growth for the exploration and adventuring communities. It wasn't until the 1970s when the A&F Co. brand started expanding into suburban areas that the overall ethos of the brand changed, opting for less practical and more fashionable garments at lower price points.
The Abercrombie & Fitch Co. watches have always been celebrated within the vintage watch community, and not for the quirkiness of the brand's image today, but for the truly beautiful and functional timepieces that were produced for them by Heuer in the 1950s. When Heuer was still owned by Heuer and Abercrombie & Fitch was committed to high-quality equipment. This stunning chronograph, manufactured by Heuer and powered by a Valjoux Cal. 72, is simply gorgeous watchmaking.
| Stock # | ABRFT2444-2 | |
| Brand | Abercrombie & Fitch Co. | |
| Style | Chronograph | |
| Model | 2444 | |
| Serial | 12XXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Silver W/ Gold Markers | |
| Millimeters | 35.5 | |
| Strap | 2pc Handmade Leather Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The strong case is in very well-preserved and minimally polished condition, retaining all of the subtle angles and curves that were born with the watch while exhibiting light and honest signs of previous use. The thin steel bezel matches the case condition with only subtle signs of previous use present. The case retains its original petite pushers and unsigned crown. the case back retains all of its factory finishing as well with only gentle signs of use. The watch will come supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The original satin silver dial is oozing with vintage charm, and though some small elements of age are present, the dial is in excellent condition overall. The applied gold markers all remain in excellent condition and bring a subtle yet lively color to the dial. The darkly aged radium-lumed triangle plots remain intact however degradation is present throughout. The original gold dauphine hands display light oxidation but have a lovely appearance, the radium lume in the hands matched the dial and features no degradation. The blued-steel center chronograph hand and sub-dial hands are also original to the watch and coordinate beautifully with the other dial details.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.