This is a fantastic example of a vintage Flica Yachting Chronograph, combining the unmistakable styling of a 1970s sports chronograph with a specialized regatta-style countdown display. Flica was one of the many Swiss brands that could draw from the country's extensive network of specialist case, dial and movement manufacturers, allowing smaller names to produce sophisticated mechanical watches.
At 35.4mm across, 43.6mm lug-to-lug and 12.4mm thick including the domed crystal, it has excellent vintage proportions. The compact case wears comfortably while still providing plenty of presence, and the crisp condition of the case and dial makes this an especially attractive example.
The beautifully preserved dial features applied gold-tone hour markers, contrasting blue sub-registers and a clean outer tachymeter scale. The distinctive reverse-panda layout gives the watch a wonderfully sporty appearance, while the specialized 15-minute countdown register at 3 o'clock is the defining feature of the yachting design. Divided into five-minute segments, this type of timer was intended for the countdown sequence before the start of a sailing race.
The dial also carries the Incabloc marking, referring to the shock-absorption system protecting the balance staff. Beneath the dial is the particularly desirable Valjoux Calibre 7733, a 17-jewel manual-winding chronograph movement. The 7733 is a cam-switched design known for its straightforward construction, durability and serviceability, and became one of the defining chronograph movements of the late 1960s and 1970s.
The combination of the Valjoux 7733, regatta countdown function and reverse-panda styling makes this considerably more interesting than a standard two-register chronograph. Yachting watches occupy a fascinating niche within vintage chronograph design, where the stopwatch was adapted for the very specific requirements of competitive sailing.
With its crisp 1970s dial, blue reverse-panda registers, gold detailing, Valjoux 7733 movement and genuine yachting countdown display, this Flica is a fantastic example of the inventive and highly specialized chronographs produced during the golden age of mechanical sports watches.
This is a fantastic example of a vintage Flica Yachting Chronograph, combining the unmistakable styling of a 1970s sports chronograph with a specialized regatta-style countdown display. Flica was one of the many Swiss brands that could draw from the country's extensive network of specialist case, dial and movement manufacturers, allowing smaller names to produce sophisticated mechanical watches.
At 35.4mm across, 43.6mm lug-to-lug and 12.4mm thick including the domed crystal, it has excellent vintage proportions. The compact case wears comfortably while still providing plenty of presence, and the crisp condition of the case and dial makes this an especially attractive example.
The beautifully preserved dial features applied gold-tone hour markers, contrasting blue sub-registers and a clean outer tachymeter scale. The distinctive reverse-panda layout gives the watch a wonderfully sporty appearance, while the specialized 15-minute countdown register at 3 o'clock is the defining feature of the yachting design. Divided into five-minute segments, this type of timer was intended for the countdown sequence before the start of a sailing race.
The dial also carries the Incabloc marking, referring to the shock-absorption system protecting the balance staff. Beneath the dial is the particularly desirable Valjoux Calibre 7733, a 17-jewel manual-winding chronograph movement. The 7733 is a cam-switched design known for its straightforward construction, durability and serviceability, and became one of the defining chronograph movements of the late 1960s and 1970s.
The combination of the Valjoux 7733, regatta countdown function and reverse-panda styling makes this considerably more interesting than a standard two-register chronograph. Yachting watches occupy a fascinating niche within vintage chronograph design, where the stopwatch was adapted for the very specific requirements of competitive sailing.
With its crisp 1970s dial, blue reverse-panda registers, gold detailing, Valjoux 7733 movement and genuine yachting countdown display, this Flica is a fantastic example of the inventive and highly specialized chronographs produced during the golden age of mechanical sports watches.