I never thought I’d see another Kelek chronograph with exactly the same dial – never say never!
Raub from Connecticut sent this one in for a service. It’s quite dirty, and needs a new crystal as well.
The case back gasket has completely dissolved and is liquid.
There is a number roughly engraved into the case back, and that makes me wonder if this watch was worn by a soldier…
The amplitude is a bit weak, and the movement is too fast.
The case and bracelet go into the ultrasonic cleaner.
And here is the gorgeous Buren 11 movement.
In my opinion, the most elegant chronograph movement, and that’s because of the microrotor auto winder.
The movement is in very good condition.
I slowly take apart the chronograph layer.
And here is the base movement in all its glory. I especially like the microrotor and the reverser wheel that is mounted between two large ruby discs.
A closer view of the auto winder gears.
It’s important to take photos of every part with its screws, and here I mark in the photo that one of the screws has a left hand thread.
The mainspring is still good, and I will reuse it, especially as I can’t find a new one for this movement.
No lack of parts!
The bezel ring gets a good clean.
Epilame treatment.
And all is ready for reassembly.
I start off by applying braking grease to the barrel.
Then the cleaned mainspring goes in.
And the balance jewels are put in with a tiny drop of 9010 on the cap jewel.
Reassembly starts with the bottom plate winding gear.
Then the base movement goes in.
And I have a ticking movement that’s looking good.
Now the auto winder is mounted.
And the base movement is complete.
Time to reassemble the chronograph.
Almost there!
Just one more bridge to go …
This is the funkiest chronograph dial ever. Ever!
Back into the case.
A new gasket for the case back.
And we are back in business.
Just great looking!
Cirrus found this original ad:
I have this watch. I am on the lookout for a replacement bezel if there is one available. My favourite watch!
I have one of these! It is in desperate need of a full service. I also have 2 Favre Leuba watches.
There is a kelek watch manual working and in good condition. ..haw much I suppose to pay for it. ..
thanks
Not quite sure what you expect me to do here… value a watch without having even the slightest idea what it is and what condition it’s in?????
I have one of these. Sitting in a draw in need of a good service and a couple of bits. I also have a 2 Favre Leuba watches. All of which at some point I will have fully serviced.
Just wondering if you place the crystal along with the case into the ultrasonic cleaner, and I wonder what was your old Pearl parts cleaner like in terms of quality, ease of use etc.?
Min Kai
wow that watch is absolutely stunning, love at first sight on that movement and dial
Wow – wouldn’t have thought there were many of those around at all, and certainly wouldn’t expect you to get two of them!
Something about that and the last one just screams “Space Race” to me 😉
Mmm, wonder where Swatch pinched their ideas from….
The Tritium dots on the face, and inlay to the hands will no doubt have lost its luminosity, as the watch must be well over 25 years old. Early 70’s vintage?
Yes, I would also guess 70s…
Luminosity of hands and dial dots has never bothered me greatly, and I prefer to leave things as they are and not to re-lume, in order to leave the watch as original a possible.
This one ticks all my boxes – automatic, date, great movement, super design. Such a shame I have to send it back to the US 😉
It’s not a model that would come up on eBay that often I’m sure. It would likely be a small production run, so this particular watch could be very rare.
There is one similar on eBay at the moment with a Valjoux 7734 movement, but ones the same as this rarely show up.
Also, this;
http://www.5280.org.uk/KelekChrono.JPG
Thanks Cirrus. Like the advert. Come to think of it this Kelek has a very ‘lip’ ish look to it. 😉
Great ad, thanks for finding it!
Not quite the same dial, and probably not the same movement looking at the positioning of the sub-hands? but just as cool 😉