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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Single-button chronograph wristwatch

Invicta Chrono-Sport Wristwatch

Partially verified

This Invicta Chrono-Sport is a rectangular wristwatch produced during the 1930s. The watch features a nickel-chromium case measuring 23 x 44 mm, equipped with a sliding button on the band that operates all chronograph functions. The dial is mat silver, displaying painted indexes, an auxiliary 30-minute register at 6 o'clock, and a 10-second chronograph dial at 12 o'clock, which includes an aperture for a 60-second register ring dial. The watch is powered by a 9-ligne tonneau-shaped, rhodiumed movement containing 15 jewels, a lever escapement, a monometallic balance, and a self-compensating flat balance-spring. The dial is signed, and the watch is fitted with "Moderne" style blued steel hands. According to the auction description, this model was produced in an initial run of 50 examples, with only approximately 6 original pieces reported to remain in existence.

Front view of the rectangular Invicta Chrono-Sport with single-button chronograph function.
Front view of the rectangular Invicta Chrono-Sport with single-button chronograph function. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Single-button chronograph wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Invicta
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
100
Source-reported date
1930s
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 Design

The watch features a rectangular case constructed of nickel-chromium. The design integrates a functional sliding button situated on the case band, which is utilized for the operation of the chronograph mechanism. Measuring 23 x 44 mm, the case holds a mat silver dial.

The dial layout includes painted index markers and features two primary complications. An auxiliary dial positioned at 6 o'clock serves as a 30-minute register, while the upper section at 12 o'clock hosts a 10-second chronograph dial graduated in fifths of a second, accompanied by an aperture displaying a 60-second register ring. The time is indicated by blued steel hands in the "Moderne" style.

Evidence for this section
  • “rectangular, nickelchromium gentleman's wristwatch”
  • “sliding button on the band for all chronograph functions”
  • “mat silver with painted indexes + auxiliary dial for the 30 minutes register at 6 o'clock”
  • “Moderne" blued steel hands”

Movement and Chronograph Mechanism

The watch is driven by a 9-ligne tonneau-shaped movement that has been rhodium-plated. It contains 15 jewels and utilizes a lever escapement for timekeeping accuracy. The oscillation is governed by a monometallic balance paired with a self-compensating flat balance-spring.

The chronograph function is characterized as a decimal single-button system capable of measuring to the fifth of a second. The auction description notes that in the 1980s, approximately 10 of these movements remained unused and were subsequently housed in 18-karat gold cases.

Evidence for this section
  • “9"' tonneau, rhodiumed, 15 jewels, lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating flat balance-spring”
  • “decimal single button fifth of second chronograph and register”
  • “In the 1980's, circa 10 movements were left and were cased in 18 ct. gold cases.”

Production and Provenance

The Invicta Chrono-Sport was produced during the 1930s, with a reported total manufacturing run of 50 examples. The current rarity of the model is highlighted by the auction report, which suggests that only about 6 original examples are currently known to exist.

A similar example of this specific watch is cited in literature within the publication "Collezionare Orologi da Polso" authored by M. and O. Patrizzi, specifically located on page 163 of the text.

Evidence for this section
  • “produced in 50 examples in the 1930's”
  • “only circa 6 original pieces are still known today”
  • “A similar watch is published in Collezionare Orologi da Polso, by M. and O. Patrizzi, page 163.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber number used in these 9-ligne tonneau movements?
  • Can the specific serial number of this lot be verified against surviving production records from the 1930s?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Invicta Chrono-Sport Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerInvicta“Invicta”
ProductionApproximately 50 examples in the 1930s“produced in 50 examples in the 1930's”
Case materialNickel-chromium“nickelchromium”
Case dimensions23 x 44 mm“Dim. 23 x 44 mm”
Movement9-ligne tonneau, 15 jewels“9"' tonneau, rhodiumed, 15 jewels”
DialMat silver with painted indexes“mat silver with painted indexes”
FunctionsDecimal single button chronograph“decimal single button fifth of second chronograph and register”

Visible details

  • Sliding button on the case band
  • Mat silver dial with painted index markers
  • 30-minute auxiliary register at 6 o'clock position
  • 10-second chronograph dial at 12 o'clock with aperture

Research qualifications

  • Total survival rate of original examples reported as approximately 6
  • Distinction between original 1930s examples and those assembled in the 1980s

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

Consulted source

Invicta Chrono-Sport, produced in 50 examples in the 1930's and only circa 6 original pieces are still known today. Very rare and unusual , rectangular, nickelchromium gentleman's wristwatch with decimal single button fifth of second chronograph and register.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 352ea1991d

Terms in this record

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

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