I added this Paul Maillardet to my collection because it manages to be a chronograph without looking busy. What grabs me every time is how clean and elegant the dial is: two balanced registers, nicely shaped applied numerals and markers, and just enough scale printing to remind you that it is a real instrument without turning it into clutter. It has the sort of visual restraint that a lot of vintage chronographs never quite achieve.

This Helbros chronograph is a fantastic slice of mid-century timing hardware, built around the legendary Venus 170 column-wheel movement. Here, it is the star of the show. Fully serviced, regulated and running strongly, it is in exceptional condition for vintage chronograph movement from this era and helps make this piece a great value.

If you’ve been looking for an attractive, affordable vintage chrono with real 1950s charm – and freshly serviced for regular wear – this Olma is ready to get back on a wrist instead of living in a drawer.

As complications go, the chronograph is both prized and something of a Mt. Everest for amateur watchmakers. In this article, I’m going to walk through re-assembly of a “typical” (if there is such a thing) cam-driven vintage chronograph movement, the Venus 188, to show that - if you’re systematic - there’s nothing to be afraid of. I’ll also talk about adjustment and tuning of the chronograph functions.