Up for sale is a very attractive vintage LeJour two register chronograph with a lot of charm and strong period character. This is one of the more interesting LeJour pieces from the era, made by Marcel Watch Co., the same maker closely associated with YEMA. Collectors who know these watches will know the connection. Inside, the movement is stamped Marcel Watch Co.

This is a proper manual wind column wheel chronograph, not a lower grade cam actuated movement. The pushers have the crisp feel you would expect from a column wheel chrono, and it is a genuinely appealing watch both mechanically and visually.

The dial is a lovely cream to light champagne tone with applied gold arrow markers and Arabic numerals at 12 and 6. It has a classic two register layout, with running seconds at 9 and chronograph minutes at 3, along with an outer telemeter scale. The dial shows honest age and light, even patina that suits the watch well and gives it a very good vintage look.

The gold plated case shows normal wear for its age, exactly what you would expect on a watch of this vintage, but nothing excessive or ugly. The stainless steel snap back is marked Dustproof, Stainless Steel Back, Antimagnetic. The case remains very presentable overall, with no major dents or deep gouges, and the lug holes are still clean.

The acrylic crystal is in good shape with no major chips or serious scratches.

The watch is fitted to an olive canvas strap that works very well with it. Lug width is 18mm.

Mechanically, the watch is running and keeping reasonable time. It winds smoothly, the crown sets correctly, and the chronograph starts and stops properly.

The one issue, which I want to describe clearly, is with the reset. The chronograph seconds hand does not return cleanly and consistently to 12. Instead, the reset position “walks,” meaning that with repeated resets the hand shifts slightly rather than returning to the same exact point each time. So it is not simply resetting to one fixed wrong position. This is clearly a service issue, but it should be a manageable one for a competent watchmaker. It does not stop the chronograph from running, but the reset is not correct.

Overall, this is a very appealing and honest vintage LeJour column wheel chronograph with real Marcel Watch Co. and YEMA interest, and it is priced with the reset issue in mind. A great looking, mechanically interesting watch that would make a strong addition to any vintage chronograph collection.

Sold as is. No returns. Please review all photos carefully, as they form part of the description. Happy to answer any questions.

Ships securely and well packed. International buyers are welcome, but please contact me first for a shipping quote.