Why This Watch Matters

While Sabina is still an under-the-radar brand, this chronograph checks all the boxes of what we love about a vintage chronograph from this era.

The Full Story

There is not much record to be gathered about Sabina Suisse, but the company was producing solid timepieces matching the style of the time, like this chronograph. This example is housed in a large – nearly 40mm – case with strong lugs, making for a presence vintage collectors are sure to notice. The dial has a nice matte black color with exaggerated luminous indexes that certainly contrast nicely. The piece has a very cool red/green color combination on the sub-dial in the first two 5-minute intervals. The color has faded over time; the same color combination is repeated on the bi-directional bezel as well. It has a Valjoux 7733 chronograph movement, which was used by several companies including Heuer and Breitling.

The Fine Print

Maker: Sabina
Model: N/A
Reference: N/A
Year: Circa 1960s
Case No: 4136
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 39.5mm diameter; 13.5mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Valjoux manual-winding caliber 7733
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Hunter Green Calfskin Strap
Lug Width: 19mm
Box/Papers: N/A

What we Love and What You Should Know

The case appears to be untouched and shows some honest aging from regular wear over the years. The bezel shows some loss of color and print in some sections. The crown and pushers show aging. The black matte dial is overall in clean condition with a nice patina in a soft black finish which brings out the large luminous indexes and the red/green colors on the register at 3. The handset appears to be original with the paint on the chronograph hand, which may have been retouched at some point in time.

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