Wristwatch · Monopoussoir chronograph

Fama Ancre Monopoussoir Stainless Steel Wristwatch

Partially verified

This stainless steel tonneau-shaped wristwatch was produced by Fama Ancre, Switzerland, circa 1930. The watch features a single-button chronograph mechanism, with operation controlled by a coaxial button integrated into the crown and a secondary resetting knob located at the two o'clock position. The case measures 21 x 33 mm with a 10 mm thickness and is finished with polished and brushed surfaces, featuring a stepped bezel. The movement is rhodium-plated, containing 15 jewels and a straight-line lever escapement with a monometallic balance and a self-compensating flat balance spring. The two-tone silver dial displays painted Arabic numerals, an inner seconds track, and blued steel eventail hands. The chronograph mechanism is exposed within the movement. The watch is documented as requiring repair, with signs of wear reported on the dial, case, and movement components by the auction description.

Front view of the Fama Ancre monopoussoir chronograph wristwatch. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category: Wristwatch · Monopoussoir chronograph
Maker / attribution: Fama Ancre
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 148
Source-reported date: circa 1930
Source-reported place: Switzerland

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 tonneau-shaped stainless steel case measuring 21 x 33 mm with a thickness of 10 mm. The exterior finish consists of both polished and brushed surfaces, complemented by a stepped bezel. The case construction is described as two-body. A reeded crown acts as the primary interface for the chronograph, housing the coaxial button.

The dial is finished in a two-tone silver color scheme featuring painted Arabic numerals and an inner track for seconds. The time and chronograph indications are provided by blued steel eventail hands. The auction description notes that the dial exhibits signs of wear and has been refreshed.

Evidence for this section

“tonneau-shaped stainless steel wristwatch”
“Two-body, polished and brushed, stepped bezel, reeded crown with chronograph button”
“Two-tone silver with painted Arabic numerals, inner seconds divisions. Blued steel eventail hands.”
“Dial: 3-8-12-50-01 Good Slightly scratched Worn Refreshed”

Movement and Chronograph Mechanism

The movement is rhodium-plated and contains 15 jewels. The mechanical architecture incorporates a straight-line lever escapement, a monometallic balance, and a self-compensating flat balance spring. The chronograph work is visible within the movement. The caliber measures 20 mm in diameter.

The chronograph system is a single-button type. The function of starting and stopping the timer is achieved by depressing the coaxial button located in the crown. The reset function is managed via a separate knob positioned on the case at the 2 o'clock location. The auction description reports that the movement is scratched and requires repair.

Evidence for this section

“20 mm, the chronograph starts and stops via depressing the coaxial button, reset via screwing in knob at 2 o'clock, rhodium-plated, 15 jewels, straight-line lever escapement”
“the chronograph work exposed.”
“Movement: 3-9** Good Scratched Repair required, at buyer's expense”

Condition and Authenticity

The auction description provides a detailed condition assessment of the object. The case is noted as having scratches. The movement is also described as scratched and requires professional intervention. The dial is reported as being slightly scratched and worn, with the auction notes indicating it has been refreshed. The hands are noted as original to the watch.

Authenticity is addressed through the provided cataloging of the manufacturer and general specifications. The grading system used by the auctioneer assigns a status of 'Good' to various components while acknowledging the need for maintenance and noting the refreshed nature of the dial.

Evidence for this section

“Case: 3-9 Good Scratched”
“Movement: 3-9** Good Scratched Repair required, at buyer's expense”
“Dial: 3-8-12-50-01 Good Slightly scratched Worn Refreshed”
“HANDS Original”

Open research questions

What is the specific manufacturer or caliber identification for the 20 mm movement used in this watch?
To what degree has the dial been refreshed from its original 1930s state?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Fama Ancre Monopoussoir Stainless Steel Wristwatch
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker	Fama Ancre	“Fama Ancre, Swiss.”
Production Date	circa 1930	“Made circa 1930.”
Case Shape	Tonneau	“tonneau-shaped”
Case Material	Stainless steel	“stainless steel wristwatch”
Dimensions	21 x 33 mm	“Dim. 21 x 33 mm.”
Movement Jewels	15 jewels	“15 jewels”
Chronograph function	Coaxial single button	“coaxial single button chronograph”
Dial detail	Two-tone silver	“Two-tone silver”
Hands	Blued steel eventail	“Blued steel eventail hands.”

Visible details

Case features a reeded crown with a coaxial chronograph button
The watch is fitted with a brown leather strap
Dial features an inner seconds track and painted Arabic numerals
A reset knob for the chronograph is located at the 2 o'clock position on the case flank

Research qualifications

The movement is reported to require repair
The dial is described as having been refreshed

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

Consulted source

FAMA ANCRE MONOPOUSSOIR STEEL Fama Ancre, Swiss. Made circa 1930. Very rare, tonneau-shaped stainless steel wristwatch with coaxial single button chronograph.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record c33c460e83

Terms in this record

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