Richard - 18K Solid Gold Chronograph - Valjoux 23 - Men - 1900-1949
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Current bid
€ 550
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Alfonso Minondo
Over six years of professional experience in watches with extensive collector network.
Estimate € 2,000 - € 2,200
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 | €550 | |
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Richard Genève 18K solid gold chronograph with Valjoux 23 manual-wind movement, 34 mm case, long leather strap, dating to 1900–1949, in very good vintage condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Offered here is an exceptional vintage chronograph by Richard Genève, powered by the legendary Valjoux 23 movement and housed in a fully solid 18-karat gold case.
Shipping from EU / EU Buyers will not buy import tax.
Why Valjoux 23 Matters
The Valjoux 23 is regarded as one of the most important hand-wound chronograph calibers of the mid-20th century. Celebrated for its robust architecture, smooth chronograph engagement, and long-term serviceability, it served as the architectural foundation for several high-end chronographs produced by leading Swiss manufactures, including Rolex. Original Valjoux 23 chronographs—particularly when housed in solid gold cases—are increasingly sought after by collectors who value movement pedigree, mechanical integrity, and historical relevance over brand recognition alone.
This timepiece belongs to a category that is becoming increasingly difficult to source: a mid-20th-century Swiss chronograph in solid gold, preserved in original configuration and professionally serviced. Unlike gold-plated or gold-capped examples, the entire case—including the caseback—is crafted in solid 18K gold, clearly hallmarked and confirmed by documented weight.
The watch has recently undergone a full professional service and is fitted with a new high-quality leather strap, making it ready for immediate wear while fully respecting its vintage character.
Solid-gold chronographs powered by Valjoux 23 were never mass-produced and were intended for a discreet, high-end clientele. With a 34 mm case diameter, this watch is perfectly proportioned for its era, while the substantial gold weight (35.07 g including movement) underscores the seriousness of its construction. Today, surviving examples that combine Valjoux 23 + solid 18K gold + original configuration are increasingly scarce, placing this piece firmly in the collector-grade chronograph segment, rather than the general vintage market.
Technical Details
Brand: Richard Genève
Movement: Valjoux 23, manual wind, Swiss Made
Functions: Chronograph, hours, minutes, small seconds
Jewels: 21
Case material: Solid 18K gold
Case diameter: 34 mm (excluding crown)
Caseback: Solid 18K gold, hallmarked
Crystal: Acrylic
Strap: New leather strap (installed)
Condition: Vintage, original configuration, professionally serviced
Gold & Weight Transparency
Total weight (case + movement): 35.07 grams
Caseback weight: 5.32 grams, stamped 18K
These details are provided for transparency and clearly distinguish this watch from plated or capped alternatives.
Condition
Very good vintage condition with honest signs of age.
Dial, hands, case, and movement are original and well preserved.
The watch has been serviced and is running and functioning correctly.
Please review all high-resolution photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description.
Why This Watch Matters
Genuine Valjoux 23 chronograph movement
Fully solid 18K gold case (not plated, not capped)
Recently serviced and wearable
Increasingly rare configuration
Collector-grade mid-century Swiss chronograph
This is not an entry-level vintage chronograph, but a serious acquisition for collectors who understand movement lineage, material value, and long-term desirability.
Shipping
The watch is located in (EU).
Worldwide shipping available, fully insured and professionally packed.
Offered here is an exceptional vintage chronograph by Richard Genève, powered by the legendary Valjoux 23 movement and housed in a fully solid 18-karat gold case.
Shipping from EU / EU Buyers will not buy import tax.
Why Valjoux 23 Matters
The Valjoux 23 is regarded as one of the most important hand-wound chronograph calibers of the mid-20th century. Celebrated for its robust architecture, smooth chronograph engagement, and long-term serviceability, it served as the architectural foundation for several high-end chronographs produced by leading Swiss manufactures, including Rolex. Original Valjoux 23 chronographs—particularly when housed in solid gold cases—are increasingly sought after by collectors who value movement pedigree, mechanical integrity, and historical relevance over brand recognition alone.
This timepiece belongs to a category that is becoming increasingly difficult to source: a mid-20th-century Swiss chronograph in solid gold, preserved in original configuration and professionally serviced. Unlike gold-plated or gold-capped examples, the entire case—including the caseback—is crafted in solid 18K gold, clearly hallmarked and confirmed by documented weight.
The watch has recently undergone a full professional service and is fitted with a new high-quality leather strap, making it ready for immediate wear while fully respecting its vintage character.
Solid-gold chronographs powered by Valjoux 23 were never mass-produced and were intended for a discreet, high-end clientele. With a 34 mm case diameter, this watch is perfectly proportioned for its era, while the substantial gold weight (35.07 g including movement) underscores the seriousness of its construction. Today, surviving examples that combine Valjoux 23 + solid 18K gold + original configuration are increasingly scarce, placing this piece firmly in the collector-grade chronograph segment, rather than the general vintage market.
Technical Details
Brand: Richard Genève
Movement: Valjoux 23, manual wind, Swiss Made
Functions: Chronograph, hours, minutes, small seconds
Jewels: 21
Case material: Solid 18K gold
Case diameter: 34 mm (excluding crown)
Caseback: Solid 18K gold, hallmarked
Crystal: Acrylic
Strap: New leather strap (installed)
Condition: Vintage, original configuration, professionally serviced
Gold & Weight Transparency
Total weight (case + movement): 35.07 grams
Caseback weight: 5.32 grams, stamped 18K
These details are provided for transparency and clearly distinguish this watch from plated or capped alternatives.
Condition
Very good vintage condition with honest signs of age.
Dial, hands, case, and movement are original and well preserved.
The watch has been serviced and is running and functioning correctly.
Please review all high-resolution photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description.
Why This Watch Matters
Genuine Valjoux 23 chronograph movement
Fully solid 18K gold case (not plated, not capped)
Recently serviced and wearable
Increasingly rare configuration
Collector-grade mid-century Swiss chronograph
This is not an entry-level vintage chronograph, but a serious acquisition for collectors who understand movement lineage, material value, and long-term desirability.
Shipping
The watch is located in (EU).
Worldwide shipping available, fully insured and professionally packed.
Details
Brand
Richard
Gender
Men
Model
18K Solid Gold Chronograph
Reference number
Valjoux 23
Band material
Leather
Shipped insured
Yes
Band length
Long (over 200 mm)
Period
1900-1949
Repainted dial
No
Movement
Manual winding
Case material
Yellow gold
Original box included
No
Original papers included
No
Case diameter
34 mm
Original warranty included
No
Condition
Good - visible signs of wear
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