A special early Alpina Valjoux 13 “Leftie” s/n 1355
A rare chronograph by Alpina that was known with it’s case and dial design but never seen with a crown on the left handed side of the case.
Alpina Valjoux 13
There are only five Alpina’s known with the Valjoux 13 movement. One later serial in gold and four steel ones.
With the introduction of chronological serial numbers on Alpina wristwatches we can guess a more accurate date and determine rarity.
This being a range with serial numbers 1355, 1382, 1391 and 1392. It might conclude there are at least 40 more chronographs made with an Valjoux 13.
The serial number 13xx seen in these chronographs, and confirming that the serial number 196xxx was produced in 1946, shows how early these watches were made.
With production being increased up in later years it’s expected that these watches date to the early 1930’s. An ad from 1932 introduces the new case shape for Alpina which might also be related to the case for chronographs.
1932 advertisement by Alpina
Rolex ref. 1226 Valjoux 13
The case and movement combination is also seen with the wrist chronograph by Rolex, known as the Rolex ref. 1226. Not many examples of this watch are known.
Alpina “Leftie”
Why this watch was made can only be guesswork but operating the chronograph button with your thumb can be a more logical reason?
I got the watch from the original owners who had a long lineage as doctors so this could relate to the preferences of it’s previous owners.
At the time this watch got made it was the absolute best money could buy.
As a collector of Alpina chronographs it’s always a pleasure to buy the watch directly from the original owners.
This helps with the provenance and finding watches in the most “unmolested” condition.
The first picture I got of the Alpina chronograph; A moment where I had to blink twice.
Case, dial and movement
Media
The article about the Alpina Valjoux 13 “Leftie” on Fratello by the great watch collector TOMAS ROSPUTINSKY.
Do you own an early watch made by Alpina and would like to learn more about that timepiece? Feel free to contact me!