As most of you know by now, my specific interest in the horological world lies with different chronograph movements.  I have collected some interesting ones over the years, but this one must rate right up there.  It is an early seventies Sorna.  "Oversize" in 70's terminology with a 42mm case.  It is octogonal and rated "water and dustproof" (!).  I quite like the pepsi bezel, so couldn't resist taking the shot below.  The one subdial is an obvious dummy with only the date window showing.

The movement is an E. Bettlach, also referred to as "EB".  Very little is known about these movements, other than the fact that they were not in the same league as the Valjoux and Landeron movements of the same era.  Apparently quite hard to work on, and spares were always problematic to source.  Imagine trying to find spares today!  Anyway, if you find movements interesting, you will immediately notice the unique layout of this piece - unlike anything else I have seen.  It is a pin lever, 18000 bpm engine.  Also unique is the fact that the bottom pusher starts and stops the chrono, while the top one resets it.

This was obviously a lower end of the market offering, but the manufacturer wanted to emphasise the Swiss origin clearly: "manufactured in Switzerland" is printed in full on the dial!  I have never seen that on another watch.

This one runs very well, but I really battled to regulate it.  Currently running at +20 per day on the winder, I'm happy.  (It is a hand cranker, but I simulate a 25 hour wear cycle by leaving it on a winder.)

Excuse the borrowed movement pic!

Hope you find this interesting.  Now for that designated chrono forum.........woohoo.gif

Attachment: Sorna chrono 17j.jpg (Downloaded 87 times)

Last edited on Thu Jul 30th, 2009 03:46 am by Graham