Wristwatch · Diver's chronograph

Oriosa Diver's Chronograph Wristwatch

Partially verified

This 1960s men's diver's chronograph wristwatch by Oriosa features a chromium-plated case with a stainless steel screw-down case back, measuring 38 mm in diameter excluding the crown, pushers, and lugs. The source reports it is powered by a 17-jewel Landeron 248 hand-winding movement. The watch includes a bi-directional rotating black bezel and a signed dial retaining what the dealer notes as its original finish and hands. The dial configuration provides two sub-dials: running continuous seconds and a 30-minute recorder marked with elongated three-minute interval indicators historically associated with timing long-distance telephone calls. A replacement leather strap is fitted.

Three-quarter front view of the Oriosa chronograph wristwatch mounted on a display stand — The Vintage Wrist Watch Company. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.sellingantiques.co.uk
Category: Wristwatch · Diver's chronograph
Maker / attribution: Oriosa
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: SA1026706
Source-reported date: 1960s
Country: 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 Construction and Exterior Specifications

The timepiece features a chromium-plated mid-case paired with a stainless steel screw-on case back. It measures 38 mm in diameter, excluding the winding crown, buttons, and lugs.

Mounted to the case is a bi-directional rotating bezel. The seller notes that while the case back states the watch is waterproof, vintage watches should be kept clear of moisture unless specifically tested. Surface wear is described by the dealer as general light surface marking.

Evidence for this section

“The case is chromium plated while the screw-on case back is stainless steel.”
“The watch measures 38mm diameter excluding the winding crown, buttons and lugs.”
“Bi-directional rotating bezel.”
“The case back states that the watch is waterproof but, as with any vintage watch, it should be kept away from water and moisture unless specifically tested.”
“There is general light surface marking but nothing too serious.”

Dial Configuration and Display

The dial layout incorporates two subsidiary registers: one for continuous running seconds and another tracking elapsed time up to 30 minutes. This 30-minute recorder features large markers at three, six, and nine minutes, which the seller states were designed to assist with monitoring three-minute billing increments on international telephone calls.

Visual observation records that the dial is signed 'ORIOSA SWISS' and '20 ATM INCABLOC 17 JEWELS', featuring applied rectangular hour markers. The dealer reports that the dial retains its original finish along with original hands and chronograph, while noting light surface marking on the dial and a couple of small marks on the lens detectable with a loupe.

Evidence for this section

“There are two subsidiary dials, one for constant seconds and the other to record up to 30 minutes. This recording dial has three large markers at three, six and nine minutes.”
“These were aimed at the businessman who made international telephone calls which were very expensive at the time. The calls were rounded to chargeable chunks of three minutes and so watchmaking companies came up with this scale to help people control their talking duration.”
“Dial signed 'ORIOSA SWISS' and '20 ATM INCABLOC 17 JEWELS'”
“The signed dial is in its original finish with original hands and chronograph.”
“The lens has a couple of small marks visible through a jeweller’s loupe.”
“There is light marking to the dial but again, you have to look quite closely to see it.”

Movement, Dating, and Accessories

Internal caliber details rely entirely on dealer statements, as uncased movement photography is not included in the record. The listing states the watch is powered by a 17-jewel Landeron 248 hand-winding movement.

The dealer dates the watch to the 1960s, while the platform's cataloguer note categorizes the period as 1940–1960. The watch is fitted with a later replacement leather strap and is accompanied by a new presentation box.

Evidence for this section

“The watch has a 17-jewel Landeron 248 hand-winding movement which is working nicely.”
“The Vintage Wrist Watch Company has dated this piece to the 1960s.”
“Period 1940 - 1960”
“A later leather strap has been fitted.”
“The watch comes in a new presentation box.”

Open research questions

What specific caliber markings and factory stamps are present on the movement bridge to confirm the Landeron 248 designation?
What exact inscriptions, serial numbers, or reference stamps appear on the exterior and interior of the stainless steel screw-on case back?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Oriosa Diver's Chronograph Wristwatch
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Movement	17-jewel Landeron 248 hand-winding	“The watch has a 17-jewel Landeron 248 hand-winding movement”
Case diameter	38mm excluding crown, buttons and lugs	“The watch measures 38mm diameter excluding the winding crown, buttons and lugs.”
Case material	Chromium plated with stainless steel screw-on back	“The case is chromium plated while the screw-on case back is stainless steel.”
Bezel	Bi-directional rotating bezel	“Bi-directional rotating bezel.”
Strap	Later leather strap	“A later leather strap has been fitted.”
Lens condition	Small marks visible under magnification	“The lens has a couple of small marks visible through a jeweller’s loupe.”
Packaging	New presentation box	“The watch comes in a new presentation box.”
Case back marking	Marked waterproof	“The case back states that the watch is waterproof”

Visible details

Black rotating bezel calibrated with numerals at ten-minute intervals and dot at twelve
Silvered dial with two sub-dials and rectangular applied hour markers
Dial signed 'ORIOSA SWISS' and '20 ATM INCABLOC 17 JEWELS'
Fitted with a black textured leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching

Research qualifications

Movement is not shown uncased in the provided photographs; Landeron 248 caliber identification is source-reported
Case back inscriptions are not visible in the primary front image

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

Consulted source

Gents 1960s Oriosa Diver’s Chronograph Wrist Watch | Sellingantiques.co.uk

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 96728f4d51

Terms in this record

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