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The
history of the Calibre 11
Starts at the end of 1965. As Büren had pioneered the production of micro-rotor
movements, Gérald Dubois (of Dépraz & Co., a chronograph specialist)
figured out that these would be thin enough to be the base for a modular
chronograph movement. Dubois contacts Hans Kocher of Büren Watch Co. SA. In
need of commercial partners, they manage to convince first Jack Heuer and then
Willy Breitling to support the project. On February 2nd, 1966, an agreement is
signed. The four-party Chronomatic consortium is born, including two rival
brands teaming up to develop their own automatic chronograph. For
confidentiality purposes, the development is code-named Project 99.
The convention signed on
February 2, 1966, between Dépraz & Co., Heuer-Léonidas SA and Léon
Breitling SA. The partners asked Büren Watch Co. to build the blanks and the automatic
movement of an automatic chronograph, the basic execution of which is
designated by calibre No. 111. They have an exclusive right to use this
calibre. They plan to have Dépraz develop and manufacture the chronograph
mechanism to equip this calibre.
Büren is in charge of the base calibre. Dépraz of the chronograph
mechanism. Three brands – Heuer, Breitling and Hamilton (who acquired Buren
during the development process) – will fit the movement inside their watches. A
patent application for the Calibre 11 is filed in September 1967. At the end of
1968, about 100 pre-production movements are assembled in prevision of the 1969
Basel fair. On March 3rd 1969, the movement is officially presented,
simultaneously in New York and Geneva. A month later, the three brands present
their first chronographs at the 1969 Basel fair. With the practicality and
comfort of automatic winding, the chronograph becomes a staple of motorsport…
the Calibre 11 is used to power iconic watches by Heuer (Carrera, Monaco,
Autavia), Breitling (Chrono-Matic) and Hamilton (Fontainebleau). And later by
other brands such as Bulova, Kelek, Zodiac, Elgin, Stowa…
So, who won the race?
Zenith’s automatic chronograph was the first to be unveiled to the
world. It was presented during a press conference in January 1969 and
christened El Primero (“the first” in Spanish). The reality is a bit more
complex. There are endless debates about which was the first automatic
chronograph, as both the Seiko and the Chronomatic movements were announced
later the same year. What’s more, El Primero was not the first to hit the
market. But the controversy about who came first doesn’t really matter anymore…
what is important is the impact that these movements had on watchmaking
history. Since then, the automatic chronograph has remained one of the most
popular complications.
THE CALIBRE 11
The Calibre 11 is a 17-jewel modular chronograph measuring 31mm x
7.7mm. This modular architecture implies first a base movement, a micro-rotor
automatic calibre made by Büren, in charge of the timekeeping part. Beating at
19,800 vibrations per hour, it boasted 42 hours of power reserve. Manufactured
by Dépraz, the lever chronograph module is assembled on the backside of the
base movement. This movement has a bi-compax display, with a 30-minute counter
at 3 o’clock and a 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock – no running seconds sub-dial.
The date is indicated at 6 o’clock. The unusual crown position, at 9 o’clock at
the opposite of the chronograph pushers, is a signature feature of the
movement.
THE CALIBRE 11 AND ITS EVOLUTIONS
Like most movements, the Calibre 11 has been optimized several times
over its lifetime. As early as 1969, a barrel spring providing less torque is
used. The date jump mechanism is adapted. The sliding pinion is changed and
made in steel.
In 1971, a variant running at
21,600 vibrations per hour and named Calibre 12 is introduced. It
becomes the main product of the calibre family. It uses a stronger barrel
spring. The gear train and balance wheel are adapted. The chronograph hammer is
modified to improve shock-resistance.
This is a beauty, so why is this watch so special and rare??, it is fully serviced, for those who do not know how much it cost to service Cal 11 $500 to $850, it is in original condition, come with original Hamilton bracelet which is very rare (The bracelet along is worth $$, no one has one, which also means it was not worn much) also come with Hamilton Green Long box. It is very rare to find a watch this old with beautiful long black Hamilton box. Defiantly a collector watch. Please look at all the pictures, as they are part of the description. The watch is working and Serviced. This is a highly collectible watch. Very few left with this rare movement. Sure, to increase in value overtime, and a great addition to your collection. The condition of the watch is the same as it appears in the photos. The watch is working and is part of our new Certified Pre-Owned CPO Program. Contact me if you have any questions first.
SPECIFICATION |
|
Case |
Stainless Steel Case and Case Back. Some Scratches, dings & character |
Case Size |
42,00 mm without the crown and 45,00 Lug to Lug |
Case Back |
Stainless steel cover signed. Screw Back. Please note case back in most cases is not fully tighten. |
Crown |
Signed |
Crystal |
Acrylic Some Scratches |
Bezel: |
Inner Tachymeter, Diving, Bi-Directional 0-60 |
Dial: |
Sunburst Dark Blue, original condition, Under U.V. light inspection shows good Luminous hands & indices dial, Swiss made Mark, with two register chronograph Hands and date at 6 O'clock. Shows light patina, little bit of the paint is lose on the dial by 12. Please see picture for more detail. |
Complication |
Seconds, Date, Chronograph, Tachymeter. |
Movement |
Self-Winding Automatic Signed Hamilton caliber 11 (base movement as Breitling, Hamilton / Büren, Heuer, Dubois-Dépraz), diameter 31 mm, height 7.7 mm, automatic chronograph movement with microrotor, 19'800 A / h, chronograph with 60 seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour counter, date, incabloc bumpers, 17 jewels, 42-hour power reserve |
Movement Notes |
Just inspected and in great shape. Fully Serviced and Overhauled. Come with a Service Warranty! Please see pictures and as some old movements don't have a very clear marking. Movement is running. Keeps great time see below time testing. |
Strap |
Original Hamiltong Bracelet, Should fit up to a size 7 1/2" wrist Lug Size: 20 mm Please see picture. |
Box |
Long Black Hamilton Box |
Reference # |
11003-3 |
Made in |
Switzerland |
Water Resistance |
No. Please pressure test before water use. |
Service Level |
1 (2019) (Please see Tab below for details) |
Timing Test ** |
+15s/day In-House Time Test Results (See Service Level Tab)** |
Certified Pre-Owned |
Passed 25-point inspection. Please see tab below for details. |
Warranty |
3-Month Service Warranty (Please see Tab below for details) |
Notes: |
All watch functions tested and operable. Circa 1970's |
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Please Review all Pictures and read description clearly. The actual color of the item may vary based on your monitor's screen or on the reflection made by photo shoots.