Chronos G austriaco - Pocket lighter - Steel

This object is not a simple lighter, but an exceptionally rare and sought-after collectible: it is a petrol lighter, the "Chronos G" in the shape of a pocket watch, manufactured in Austria and originally patented in 1913 by designer Paul Grünwald (from whom the brand’s “G” comes).

This incredible piece of early-to-mid 20th-century engineering was camouflaged as a classic pocket watch. By levering the side button and opening the hinged case, the watch “splits” in half to reveal the entire inner ignition mechanism, complete with a ratchet wheel, a flint housing, and the wick for the fuel.

The Case: Made of nickel-plated metal or alpacca, it bears the official and contemporaneous inscription "CHRONOS G" along the profile. The surface shows the usual micro-scratches and a dull patina from a century of history, but there are no obstructive dings.

The Internal Mechanism: The case opens correctly in a shell-like fashion. The inner gears, the flint plunger, and the wick tube appear complete, though they show the typical dark oxidation from combustion residues and evaporated gasoline over the years.

In the world of antique pocket watch lighters collecting (specifically within the Pocket Watch Lighters category), the Austrian Chronos G is regarded as a genuine rarity.

With a little maintenance and cleaning, the item can be fully functional.