Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

1940s Kelbert Chronograph (Ref. 1313)

Partially verified

The Kelbert chronograph is a vintage timepiece dating to the 1940s, featuring a 34mm chrome-plated case with a steel case back. The watch is powered by a Venus caliber 170 movement. It is characterized by a salmon-colored dial, which is signed "Kelbert" twice—within the 12 o'clock sub-dial and above the center hand stack. The dial features applied numerals, a tachymeter scale, and an "ANTICHOC" marking. The watch retains its original flat chronograph pushers, while the crown is an unsigned replacement. The primary time-indicating hands are smoked leaf-style, while the chronograph and sub-dial hands are blued steel and considered replacements. The watch is presented on a handmade leather strap. The movement's service history is not documented, although the watch is reportedly functional.

Front view of the Kelbert chronograph showing the salmon dial, applied numerals, and chronograph sub-dials.
Front view of the Kelbert chronograph showing the salmon dial, applied numerals, and chronograph sub-dials. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Kelbert
Reference
1313
Catalogue / lot identifier
KELCHRN1313
Source-reported date
1940s
Source-reported place
Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch is housed in a 34mm chrome-plated case characterized by clean lines and edges. The case back is constructed of steel and remains engraved with factory-applied markings. The timepiece is fitted with a pair of original, flat-profile chronograph pushers. The crown is unsigned and is identified as a potential early replacement component.

The dial is finished in a salmon hue and displays specific branding signatures both above the hand stack and within the upper sub-dial. The layout includes a tachymeter scale, applied Arabic numerals, and the designation "ANTICHOC" located near the bottom of the dial. While the dial shows signs of age and minor marks, it remains in preserved condition for a non-waterproof casing.

Evidence for this section
  • “The excellent chrome-plated case retains crisp edges and lines throughout”
  • “The flat pushers are original to the watch, and the unsigned crown is possibly an early replacement.”
  • “The original salmon dial is uniquely double signed "Kelbert”
  • “The dial is in well-preserved vintage condition considering its age”

Movement and Hands

The Kelbert chronograph is equipped with a Venus 170 movement. The time-telling functions are indicated by a set of original smoked leaf-style hands. In contrast, the chronograph tracking elements, including the central chronograph hand and the sub-dial pointers, consist of blued steel. These blued components are understood to be early replacements, though limited archival documentation exists for this specific model configuration.

The watch is currently functional and maintains time, although the specific service history is not known. The vendor notes that maintenance for the movement is available upon request.

Evidence for this section
  • “Kelbert Chronograph (Ref. 1313) 'Venus Cal. 170'”
  • “The blued chronograph hands and sub-dials hands are believed to be early replacements”
  • “The smoked leaf hands are original.”
  • “The watch is keeping time, though the service history is unknown.”

Provenance and Documentation

The Kelbert brand was established in 1938 with corporate headquarters located on 5th Avenue in New York City. Despite this location, limited historical information is available regarding the brand's production history or specific manufacturing origins. The watch is being sold as a standalone timepiece without original packaging, papers, or supplementary provenance documentation.

The watch is presented on a modern handmade leather strap. Its stock identification is catalogued as KELCHRN1313.

Evidence for this section
  • “Kelbert is one of those brands – founded in 1938 with its headquarters addressed to 5th Avenue in New York City, there's not a whole lot more we could find about the brand.”
  • “Stock # KELCHRN1313”

Open research questions

  • What is the definitive production range for Kelbert watches using the Venus 170 movement?
  • To what extent can the factory engravings on the steel case back assist in dating this specific unit?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 1940s Kelbert Chronograph (Ref. 1313)
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MovementVenus 170“Chronograph 'Venus 170'”
CrownUnsigned“the unsigned crown is possibly an early replacement.”
HandsSmoked leaf“The smoked leaf hands are original.”

Visible details

  • Salmon-colored dial with twin 'Kelbert' signatures
  • Flat chronograph pushers
  • Smoked leaf hour and minute hands
  • Applied Arabic numerals on dial

Research qualifications

  • Unsigned crown is possibly an early replacement
  • Blued chronograph and sub-dial hands are believed to be early replacements

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی کرنوگراف Kelbert رفرنس 1313 با کالیبر Venus 170

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record cd2cf6c8ae

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other chronograph records