Dior Chronographe Incabloc 17 Jewels (Vintage Valjoux 7734)
Chronograph / Tool Watch · Dior (Note: This is likely a 'private label' or lesser-known assembly brand from the mid-century, not necessarily the Christian Dior fashion house, which entered horology later with distinct branding).
Period: Vintage (Late 1960s - Early 1970s). The design features a sporty tachymeter scale, 'panda' style sub-dial coloring, and a date window at 6 o'clock, which are hallmarks of the post-racing era chronographs.
Type
Chronograph / Tool Watch
Brand
Dior (Note: This is likely a 'private label' or lesser-known assembly brand from the mid-century, not necessarily the Christian Dior fashion house, which entered horology later with distinct branding).
Movement
Manual-wind mechanical chronograph, likely the Valjoux 7734 caliber. It features 17 jewels, an Incabloc shock protection system, a cam-lever switching mechanism, and a frequency of 18,000 bph with a approximately 45-hour power reserve.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 36-38mm (excluding crown); Thickness: 13mm; Lug-to-lug: 44-46mm; Lug width: 18mm or 19mm.
Description
A classic example of the 1970s chronograph boom. This Dior-branded timepiece utilizes the workhorse Valjoux 7734 movement, beloved for its reliability and easy servicing. The silver dial with red accents provides a 'Pop' of racing-inspired aesthetic, while the 6 o'clock date provides daily practicality. Its gold-plated case gives it a dressier appearance than its steel contemporaries, though the wear on the plating tells a story of frequent use.
Key Features
Red central chronograph hand, 6 o'clock date position (classic Valjoux 7734 signature), internal tachymeter scale, and 'Incabloc 17 Jewels' dial text.
Dial Description
Silver sunburst or matte white dial with a dual-register layout. It features a 30-minute counter at 3 and running seconds at 9. Applied blocky gold-tone indices with aged lume plots. Red chronograph seconds hand and sub-dial hands for high visibility. Date aperture at 6 o'clock.
Case Material
Gold-plated (likely 10 or 20 microns) over a base metal (brass/steel) with a polished finish. The case shows significant wear on the lugs, revealing the base metal beneath the plating.
Crystal Type
Domed acrylic (Plexiglass). Visible scratches and minor crazing consistent with age.
Bezel Details
Fixed, integrated gold-plated bezel. Internal tachymeter scale printed on the outer ring of the dial for calculating speed over a fixed distance.
Crown & Pushers
Gold-tone push-pull crown (not screw-down); two simple 'pump-style' cylindrical chronograph pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock for Start/Stop and Reset functions.
Bracelet or Strap
Aftermarket black leather strap with a textured grain and simple pin buckle. Not original to the watch.
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel screw-down caseback. Likely features standard engravings such as 'Stainless Steel Back', 'Antimagnetic', and 'Water Resistant', though these ratings are no longer reliable.
Movement Type
Manual-wind mechanical chronograph, likely the Valjoux 7734 caliber. It features 17 jewels, an Incabloc shock protection system, a cam-lever switching mechanism, and a frequency of 18,000 bph with a approximately 45-hour power reserve.
Water Resistance
Non-existent. Originally rated for perhaps 30m, but it should currently be considered purely 'moisture-sensitive' and kept dry.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Utilizing a high-quality outsourced Swiss movement (Valjoux) in a generic or small-brand Swiss case.
Age Estimate
Circa 1969–1975 based on the use of the Valjoux 7734 movement and the specific dial typography.
Cultural Significance
Represents the era of the 'Economic Chronograph' where Swiss mechanical expertise was made accessible to the masses before the Quartz Crisis fully decimated the industry.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The case plating is significantly worn on the lug edges. The dial is in good preserved condition with minimal spotting. The movement likely requires a service if the history is unknown. Lume is likely dead (tritium based).
Value Estimate
$400 - $750 USD, depending on the functional state of the movement and the extent of the plating wear.
Care & Maintenance
Mechanical service every 5-7 years. Avoid all water contact as vintage gaskets are likely perished. Keep away from strong magnets (speakers, tablets) which can magnetize the hairspring.
Similar Watches
Vintage Heuer Carrera 7753, Breitling Top Time, Tissot Seastar Chronograph, or various 'Skin Divers' of the same era using the same movement.
Interesting Facts
The Valjoux 7734 movement inside this watch was the precursor to the automatic 7750, which became the most famous chronograph movement in history. Many brands used this exact layout during the 70s, including Breitling, Heuer, and Tudor.