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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

Sandoz Kelek Three Register Chronograph

Partially verified

This Sandoz Kelek chronograph is a vintage 1970s sports wristwatch housed in a cushion-shaped stainless steel case measuring 42 mm wide with a 47 mm lug-to-lug length. The black dial is arranged with three contrasting white sub-dials for seconds, elapsed minutes, and hours, highlighted by orange sub-dial indicators and a vivid red central chronograph hand. It is framed by a fixed black tachymeter bezel. According to the seller, the watch is powered by a 17-jewel manual-wind Valjoux 7736 movement operating at 18,000 vibrations per hour, offering a 45-hour power reserve and Incabloc shock protection.

Close-up wrist shot of the Sandoz Kelek chronograph showing dial layout, tachymeter bezel, and orange strap
Close-up wrist shot of the Sandoz Kelek chronograph showing dial layout, tachymeter bezel, and orange strap — Vintage Watch Specialist. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintagewatchspecialist.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Sandoz / Kelek
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
vws3775
Source-reported date
c. 1970s
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 External Construction

This timepiece features a cushion-shaped stainless steel case, measuring 42 mm in width and 47 mm in length. The assembly includes a polished bezel rim and a fixed tachymeter bezel. Dual pump-style pushers flank the winding crown.

The watch is currently presented on a rubber strap, which attaches to 21 mm lugs.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cushion-shaped stainless steel case with polished bezel rim and dual pump pushers framing the winding crown.”
  • “Width 42mm”
  • “Lug Height 47mm”
  • “Lug width 21mm”

Dial and Visual Appointments

The watch face is finished in black, contrasting with three white subsidiary registers arranged to track elapsed seconds, minutes, and hours. The layout includes baton-style indices featuring luminous plots.

Functional accents include a red central chronograph hand and orange sub-dial indicators. The dial bears dual branding, identifying both Sandoz and Kelek.

Evidence for this section
  • “Black dial with three white subsidiary registers, batons with luminous plots, and dual branding 'Sandoz' over 'KELEK'.”
  • “vivid red chronograph hand”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The watch is reported by the seller to be powered by a Valjoux 7736 movement containing 17 jewels. Technical claims provided by the source include an operating frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour, a 45-hour power reserve, and the inclusion of Incabloc shock protection.

The source provides contradictory data regarding the winding mechanism, listing the movement as both 'Manual' and 'Self Winding' within the specifications table.

Evidence for this section
  • “Calibre Valjoux 7736”
  • “Movement Type Manual”
  • “Winding Self Winding”
  • “Jewels 17j”

Open research questions

  • Does the case back carry specific model numbers or hallmarks to confirm the Sandoz/Kelek co-branding?
  • Is the movement confirmed as a manual-wind Valjoux 7736, given the listing's conflicting 'Self Winding' description?
  • Do internal movement engravings verify that the 17-jewel Valjoux 7736 is original to this specific case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Sandoz Kelek Three Register Chronograph
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
CalibreValjoux 7736“Calibre Valjoux 7736”
Case MaterialStainless Steel“Case Stainless Steel”
Dial ColorBlack“Dial Black”
Case Width42mm“Width 42mm”
Lug Height47mm“Lug Height 47mm”
Lug Width21mm“Lug width 21mm”
Jewel Count17 jewels“Jewels 17j”
Stated Water Resistance20 ATM“Water resistant to 20 ATM”

Visible details

  • Cushion-shaped stainless steel case with polished bezel rim and dual pump pushers framing the winding crown.
  • Black dial with three white subsidiary registers, batons with luminous plots, and dual branding 'Sandoz' over 'KELEK'.
  • Mounted on an orange rubber strap.

Research qualifications

  • Listing has contradictory winding descriptions, noting both 'Self Winding' and 'Movement Type Manual'.
  • Movement and case back are not shown in the provided photographs.

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

Consulted source

Sandoz Kelek Three Register Chronograph - Fantastic Condition - c.1970 – Vintage Watch Specialist

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record d0b76dc82a

Terms in this record

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

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