Founded in Buttes, Switzerland by Arthur Charlet in 1924, Buttes Watch Company - better known as BWC - is one of the many Swiss timepiece brands that flourished before the Quartz Crisis in the 1970s. Although BWC produced a wide variety of different watches including early electronic models during the 1950s and even quartz timepieces during the later part of the 1970s, the brand is best known for its mechanical sports chronographs that often feature funky case shapes and colorful dials.   

Models like this BWC chronograph ref. 953013 are excellent examples of the timepieces that the brand produced during the golden era of the mechanical wristwatch. Featuring a circular dial set into a square case and surrounded by a bezel with both tachymeter and telemeter scales, this BWC chronograph offers distinct 1970s styling with the proven performance of a manually-wound Valjoux 7733 movement.

CASE & BRACELET

The large square case of this BWC chronograph is a block of brushed stainless steel surfaces and features lugs set into the underside for a completely smooth and integrated appearance. The case itself is in great condition and retains crisp lines with only minor scratches and signs of age. Fitted to the watch is a black two-piece leather rally strap with red contrasting stitching. 

DIAL & HANDS

The original black dial is in exceptional condition and features white text, applied hour markers, and a red and white minute counter that also includes a countdown scale and a bright green hand. The original tritium lume remains fully intact on all of the hour markers along with the centrally-mounted hands, and it has developed a rich cream-colored patina with zero signs of crumbling or degradation.

ACCESSORIES 

None. The watch is functioning and keeping time, previous service history is unknown.