Anonymous Pulsation Dial Chronograph – NOS 1940s Medical Marvel
A remarkable survivor from the 1940s, this Anonymous Pulsation Chronograph stands as both a technical tool and an object of rare vintage beauty. Powered by the legendary Valjoux 22 movement, this chronograph was purpose-built for physicians—its pulsation scale calibrated for 30 heartbeats, allowing doctors to measure pulse with precision and speed.
Still preserved in New Old Stock (NOS) condition more than 80 years after its creation, this timepiece captures the essence of utilitarian elegance and artisanal assembly. Most likely crafted by a jeweler at a client’s request and fitted with a VETO-signed Valjoux 22, this watch is a time capsule from the golden age of chronometry.
Medical Precision – Pulsations over Complications
Designed for the wrist of a mid-century physician, this chronograph replaces tachymeters and telemeters with a bold blue pulsation scale around the outer ring of the dial. Instead of racing cars or field artillery, its purpose was the human heartbeat—measuring 30 beats with a single sweep of the chronograph hand.
The silver dial features a refined two-tone finish, subtly contrasting the central section with the surrounding ring to add depth and clarity. The deep blue scale harmonizes perfectly with the heat-blued steel hands, resulting in an aesthetic that is both functional and striking. The minute and hour counters are crisply printed, and the sub-registers remain sharp and well-proportioned.
NOS Case – Chrome-Plated and Crisp
The 36.5mm chromé case is in near-immaculate New Old Stock condition—a rarity in vintage watches of this era. Surfaces remain sharp and unpolished, with razor-like lugs, crisp brushing, and a highly reflective polished finish. The case appears virtually unworn, with no visible loss to the chrome layer and factory lines fully intact.
This is one of those rare watches that has seemingly bypassed the passage of time—a pristine example that delivers the same tactile and visual sensation it would have in a 1940s display case.
Legendary Movement – Valjoux 22 Signed by VETO
At the heart of this chronograph is the Valjoux 22, one of the most storied column-wheel chronograph calibers of the 20th century. A hand-wound, two-register movement with a horizontal clutch and classic architecture, it was the engine of choice for countless mid-century tool watches.
This example is signed by VETO, the likely supplier or assembler for the jeweler who originally delivered this timepiece to a private client. Freshly serviced, the movement runs smoothly, delivering crisp pusher feel and strong amplitude—testament to both its build quality and careful preservation.
Why This Watch?
Anonymous yet extraordinary, this Pulsation Chronograph offers a rare glimpse into the tailored, utilitarian watchmaking of the 1940s. Built not for fashion but for purpose—and preserved without compromise—it is a timepiece that resonates with collectors who appreciate originality, condition, and context.
Whether you're drawn by its doctor’s heritage, NOS preservation, or the legacy of the Valjoux 22, this piece stands as a unique opportunity: a functional relic with soul, ready to tell time—and stories—for decades to come.
Key Details:
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Model: Anonymous Doctor’s Chronograph
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Production: Circa 1940s
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Movement: Valjoux 22, Manual-Wind, Column-Wheel Chronograph, Signed VETO
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Case: 36.5mm Chrome-Plated, NOS Condition
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Dial: Silver Two-Tone with Blue Pulsation Scale (30 Beats)
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Hands: Heat-Blued Steel
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Crystal: Plexiglass
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Functions: Two-Register Chronograph with Pulsometer
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Condition: New Old Stock; Sharp Case, Original Finish, Recently Serviced
