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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

Von Kienzle 'The Da Vinci' chronograph wristwatch

Partially verified

This lot features a Von Kienzle 'The Da Vinci' wristwatch, catalogued as a chronograph and source-reported to include its original box. The watch features a light cream-toned dial signed 'Kienzle' in script under the 12 o'clock marker. It displays Roman numeral hour markers, an outer tachymeter scale, and three subsidiary dials: day of the week at 9 o'clock, date at 3 o'clock, and a 24-hour day/night indicator above 6 o'clock inscribed 'AUTOMATIK'. The circular metal case includes an onion crown, two flanking pushers, central T-bar style lugs, and a dark leather strap.

Von Kienzle 'The Da Vinci' wristwatch displayed on a white presentation cushion
Von Kienzle 'The Da Vinci' wristwatch displayed on a white presentation cushion — John Nicholson's Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Von Kienzle
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1589
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
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

Identity and Cataloguing Discrepancies

The auction catalogue identifies the lot as a VON KIENZLE "The Da Vinci" chronograph wrist watch in original box. However, the visible configuration departs from traditional chronograph registers.

Instead of chronograph counters, the watch displays calendar and 24-hour indicators. Furthermore, while the auction listing titles the maker as "VON KIENZLE", the dial is marked with a script signature 'Kienzle' below 12 o'clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “VON KIENZLE "The Da Vinci" chronograph wrist watch in original box”
  • “Script signature 'Kienzle' below 12 o'clock and 'AUTOMATIK' above the 6 o'clock subdial.”

Dial Configuration and Indicated Functions

The watch presents a cream-coloured dial marked with Roman numeral hour indices and an outer tachymeter chapter ring. Three subsidiary dials are positioned on the face, showing day of the week, date of the month, and a 24-hour sun/moon or day/night cycle.

The dial displays the script signature 'Kienzle' below 12 o'clock and 'AUTOMATIK' above the 6 o'clock subdial, indicating an automatic winding system, though internal mechanical operation is unverified from the static photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cream-coloured dial marked with Roman numeral hour indices and an outer tachymeter chapter ring.”
  • “Three subsidiary dials showing day of the week, date of the month, and a 24-hour sun/moon or day/night cycle.”
  • “Script signature 'Kienzle' below 12 o'clock and 'AUTOMATIK' above the 6 o'clock subdial.”

Case Construction and Presentation

The watch features a polished circular metal case featuring an onion-style crown, two pushers, central articulated bar lugs, and a textured dark strap.

While the auction listing specifies an "original box", the lot illustration depicts only the watch itself mounted on a presentation cushion, with no box or accompanying papers shown.

Evidence for this section
  • “Polished circular metal case featuring an onion-style crown, two pushers, central articulated bar lugs, and a textured dark strap.”
  • “VON KIENZLE "The Da Vinci" chronograph wrist watch in original box”

Documentation and Mechanical Limitations

The auction listing provides minimal description beyond the lot title VON KIENZLE "The Da Vinci" chronograph wrist watch in original box. Dimensions, case material, reference number, and movement calibre are not recorded in this source.

Because neither the case back nor the interior movement is shown in the available photograph, serial markings, hallmarks, and mechanical specifications cannot be verified.

Evidence for this section
  • “VON KIENZLE "The Da Vinci" chronograph wrist watch in original box”
  • “Script signature 'Kienzle' below 12 o'clock and 'AUTOMATIK' above the 6 o'clock subdial.”

Open research questions

  • What specific calibre movement powers this watch, and what are the precise functions of the two case pushers?
  • What inscriptions, reference numbers, or hallmarks are present on the reverse of the case or movement?
  • Does the referenced original box include any manufacturer warranty, instruction manual, or documentation?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Von Kienzle 'The Da Vinci' chronograph wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Lot Number1589“Lot 1589 : VON KIENZLE "The Da Vinci" chronograph wrist watch in original box”
Model NameThe Da Vinci“VON KIENZLE "The Da Vinci" chronograph wrist watch in original box”
Auction HouseJohn Nicholson's Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers“John Nicholson's Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers”
Auction DateMarch 22, 2018“March 22, 2018”

Visible details

  • Cream-coloured dial marked with Roman numeral hour indices and an outer tachymeter chapter ring.
  • Three subsidiary dials showing day of the week, date of the month, and a 24-hour sun/moon or day/night cycle.
  • Script signature 'Kienzle' below 12 o'clock and 'AUTOMATIK' above the 6 o'clock subdial.
  • Polished circular metal case featuring an onion-style crown, two pushers, central articulated bar lugs, and a textured dark strap.

Research qualifications

  • Although catalogued as a chronograph, the subdials display calendar and 24-hour day/night indicators rather than elapsed chronograph counters.
  • The original box mentioned in the auction description is not pictured.
  • Case back and movement are not visible.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: VON KIENZLE "The Da Vinci" chronograph wrist watch in original box

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record dc65e8cf54

Terms in this record

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

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