BWC Two-Register Chronograph

We love the obscure here at Analog/Shift. In the realm of vintage chronographs, our catalog is filled with names like Gallet and Universal Genève, long-dead manufactures whose products are suddenly enjoying a renaissance in today's market. But every so often we like to go for something truly unique and unknown, like this chronograph from BWC.

BWC or Buttes Watch Company was founded in 1924 in Neuchâtel by Alfred Charlet. Charlet focused primarily on producing pocket watches. Distribution was limited to Germany, England, Poland, and Spain, before expanding overseas to the US and Canada.

In the 1950s through the 1970s--under the leadership of Charlet's son-in-law Edwin Volkart--BWC enjoyed a period of great success. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s BWC concentrated on producing high-grade mechanical watches. They used movements from Lemania, as well as Landeron and Valjoux, housing them in thick stainless steel cases. 

Unlike many brands (like Gallet and Universal Genève) BWC was able to weather the Quartz Crisis of the 1970s, when the watch market was flooded by the inexpensive and reliable battery-powered watches from Japan. Part of the brand's survival stemmed from its embrace of the new technologies. In 1957 BWC produced its first watch with electronic components, and by 1975 had produced its first quartz watch, in a decade when the Swiss (despite being early pioneers in developing electronic watches) were largely resistant to the new technology. 

BWC also embraced changes in styles, producing watches like the one watch from the 1970s that we offer here, which houses a Landeron 248 in a chunky square case. It's the case that puts the watch in a family with the Heuer Camaro. There's a definite heft to the thick, square case, but it has soft edges, making it easy to wear on the wrist. 

But the dial is perhaps the real draw here--a "panda" with the subsidiary registers faded to a beautiful gray. It's somewhat softer than the typical black and white that's most usually seen. Sporty and square, it exudes 1970s funkiness, perfect for the collector who wants a watch that's just a little offbeat.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.