The technical heritage of the manufacture
In 1972, designer Gérald Genta drew a watchmaking icon in one single night, taking inspiration from a traditional diver’s helmet. This audacity gave birth to the first luxury sports watch in steel. To celebrate the model’s 50th anniversary in 2022, the manufacture unveiled a major technical evolution. This second-hand chronograph reference 26240ST in stainless steel features a case with a diameter of 41 and a thickness of 12.4. The dial displays the famous Bleu Nuit Nuage 50 shade on a Grande Tapisserie motif. Applied white gold indexes complete this structured face.
Architecture and jewellery savoir-faire
The construction of the case requires rigorous manual finishing. The octagonal bezel is held by 8 through screws in white gold. The steel bracelet integrates with the case through an alternation of brushed surfaces and polished bevels. The sapphire caseback reveals the manufacture calibre 4401. This self-winding flyback chronograph movement comprises 381 components and 40 jewels. It stands out through its openworked 22-carat gold oscillating weight, stamped with the 50th anniversary logo. This specific piece remains exclusive to the production of the anniversary year.
Why this second-hand chronograph
Acquiring this commemorative edition on the pre-owned market represents a rare opportunity. The specific rotor only equipped watches during 1 single calendar year. The level of movement finishing and the integration of the flyback function mark a technical break from previous generations. Collectors seek this precise configuration because it combines a historic aesthetic with an accomplished contemporary mechanism, without enduring the waiting times of the primary market.
Delivered contents and condition
This timepiece is delivered complete. The set includes the original green box, the anniversary certificate dated June 2022, the booklets and additional links. The watch is superbly preserved, with the case and bracelet showing only tiny micro-scratches on the polished areas. Our watchmakers have checked the 70-hour power reserve and the 4 hertz frequency to validate the mechanical performance of the whole. Water resistance to 50 metres is guaranteed by the screw-down crown.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this piece with a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days according to our conditions. Leader in pre-owned luxury in Switzerland and backed by the largest network of boutiques, we offer online reservation for an in-store fitting and collection or fully secure international shipping.
* Very good condition: the watch presents an excellent aesthetic appearance, with only a few tiny superficial micro-scratches on the polished parts.
