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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Monopusher chronograph

Imperios Monopusher Chronograph

Partially verified

This circa 1930s manual-wind monopusher chronograph wristwatch by Imperios features a 38 mm case composed of chrome- and gold-plated metal with a steel caseback. Fitted with hinged wire-style lugs on a black leather strap, the watch presents a white opaline sector dial signed 'CHRONOMETRE' and 'IMPERIOS'. The dial features foil applique numerals, a blue-printed outer tachymeter scale, and two chronograph subregisters at 3 and 9 o'clock. The auction house reports the movement to be a manual-wind Hahn Landeron column-wheel caliber offering time and chronograph functions.

Dial and case view of the Imperios monopusher chronograph with hinged lugs on black leather strap
Dial and case view of the Imperios monopusher chronograph with hinged lugs on black leather strap — FORTUNA®. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Wristwatch · Monopusher chronograph
Maker / attribution
Imperios
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
46
Source-reported date
circa 1930s
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
176114

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 Architecture and Visible Condition

The watch features a 38 mm metal case recorded as case number 176114, combining chrome- and gold-plated metal with a steel caseback. A single chronograph operating pusher is positioned above the winding crown at approximately 2 o'clock, reflecting its monopusher configuration.

Articulated wire-style lugs are hinged onto wide fixed end-pieces that extend from the rounded case body. Visual inspection demonstrates noticeable surface wear, including plating loss across the bezel, while the watch is mounted on a black leather strap.

Evidence for this section
  • “CASE NUMBER: 176114”
  • “CASE MATERIAL: Chrome- and gold-plated with steel caseback”
  • “CASE DIMENSIONS: 38 mm in diameter”
  • “Single chronograph pusher positioned above the winding crown at approximately 2 o'clock”
  • “Hinged wire-style lugs attached to wide fixed end-pieces”
  • “Two-tone metal casing displaying surface wear and plating loss along the bezel”
  • “BRACELET MATERIAL: Black leather strap”

Dial Design and Display

The timepiece carries a white opaline sector dial featuring foil applique numerals and blued steel leaf-style hands, supplemented by a central chronograph seconds hand. The dial is printed with an outer tachymeter scale executed in blue.

Two small chronograph subregisters are positioned at the 3 and 9 o'clock markers to support chronograph and running indications. Centrally, the dial display bears the printed signatures 'CHRONOMETRE' and 'IMPERIOS'.

Evidence for this section
  • “DIAL: White opaline sector dial with foil applique, two small chronograph subregisters at the "3" and "9" hour markers, tachymeter printed in blue”
  • “White opaline sector dial featuring blued steel leaf-style hands and a central chronograph seconds hand”
  • “Chronograph subregisters situated at 3 and 9 o'clock with blue outer tachymeter scale”

Reported Movement and Catalog Limits

The catalog description lists a manual-wind 'Hahn Landeron' column-wheel movement providing time and chronograph functions. However, internal movement and inner caseback views are not included in the auction imagery, leaving the specific caliber stamping and mechanical integrity unverified by direct observation.

The approximate dating to 'CIRCA: 1930s' and the attribution of the brand to La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, derive entirely from catalog statements. Additionally, the auction house terms explicitly state that timepieces are sold without warranty of working condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “MOVEMENT: Manual wind”
  • “FUNCTIONS: Time and chronograph”
  • “CALIBER: Hahn Landeron”
  • “The Hahn/Landeron is a high quality column-wheel chronograph movement.”
  • “CIRCA: 1930s”
  • “Imperios was a watch brand based in La Chaux de Fonds, Switzerland.”
  • “Fortuna does not guarantee the working condition of any timepiece. All timepieces are sold without warranty.”

Open research questions

  • What specific caliber number is stamped on the Hahn Landeron movement beneath the caseback?
  • Does the interior of the steel caseback bear Imperios maker marks, patent numbers, or matching serial punch marks?
  • What base metal alloy was utilized beneath the worn chrome- and gold-plated surfaces of the case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Imperios Monopusher Chronograph
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Number176114“CASE NUMBER: 176114”
Case MaterialChrome- and gold-plated with steel caseback“CASE MATERIAL: Chrome- and gold-plated with steel caseback”
Case Dimensions38 mm in diameter“CASE DIMENSIONS: 38 mm in diameter”
DialWhite opaline sector dial with foil applique“DIAL: White opaline sector dial with foil applique”
CaliberHahn Landeron“CALIBER: Hahn Landeron”
OriginLa Chaux de Fonds, Switzerland“Imperios was a watch brand based in La Chaux de Fonds, Switzerland.”
Strap Dimensions6-3/4 to 8-3/8 inches“BRACELET SIZE: 6-3/4 to 8-3/8 inches”
Strap MaterialBlack leather strap“BRACELET MATERIAL: Black leather strap”
Reported FunctionsTime and chronograph“FUNCTIONS: Time and chronograph”

Visible details

  • Hinged wire-style lugs attached to wide fixed end-pieces
  • Single chronograph pusher positioned above the winding crown at approximately 2 o'clock
  • Two-tone metal casing displaying surface wear and plating loss along the bezel
  • White opaline sector dial featuring blued steel leaf-style hands and a central chronograph seconds hand
  • Chronograph subregisters situated at 3 and 9 o'clock with blue outer tachymeter scale

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement and inner caseback are not shown in the auction photographs
  • Movement caliber attribution to Hahn Landeron is source-reported and not independently visible
  • Auction house terms specify timepieces are sold 'as is' without warranty of working condition

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Imperios, Imperios Monopusher Chronograph in Steel and Chrome/Gold Plate

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 0b04ea5e03

Terms in this record

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

Other monopusher chronograph records