Croton CASD Reverse Panda

CROTON, CHRONOMASTER, AVIATOR, SEA DIVER

ICONEEK price: SOLD

Iconeek is proud to introduce here a fine and attractive stainless steel vintage chronograph by Croton: the Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver, aka « CASD ». Croton introduced the caliber Landeron 248 around 1966/1967. The model is the before last generation of the Chronomaster. These models were mostly made for the North American market. The present model is bearing the Logo and signature Croton on the dial as well as a black panda dial with white tachymeter scale.

The model comes with a three-body construction: a snap on bi-directionnal rotating bezel with both decompression time and 12 hour division, a polished stainless steel tonneau-shaped case with lapidated lugs, a screwed case back, round chronograph pushers in the band, a screwed case back. The inside case back is engraved « Croton Watch Co Inc Swiss ». The present model comes with the correct « closed small 6 » bezel. The case back is engraved « WATERRESISTANT . ALL STAINLESS STEEL. SHOCKRESISTANT » and with ref/serial number « 107-37765 » outside.

Under the plexiglass, we find a two-tone, reverse panda, or black panda dial with guilloche silvered registers for the constant second at 9 and the 30-minute register at 3, an outer silvered tachymeter scale, applied luminous coated steel baton indexes, luminous Baton hands, red central chronograph hand. The red 5-minute regatta countdown register is designed for yacht racing.

Inside ticks a caliber Landeron 248 (1937-1970), mechanical, hand wound, with 17 jewels, nickel finish, monometallic balance with three arms, flat blued steel balance spring, shock-absorbers. The chronograph bridge is signed « Croton Watch Co Inc, seventeen 17 jewels, C45/281 ». The main plate is engraved « FY » under the balance. Trained eyes will notice the two spring loaded pillars, one next to the balance bridge, the other one, being opposite, next to the chronograph wheel train, acting like dampers with the case back in order to protect the movement from a fall, for exemple.

Dial, case and movement are signed. The exact same model is described and illustrated in Chronomaster Only, by Grégoire Rossier & Anthony Marquié, pages 246 & 247.

A nice chronograph ! go for it !

Condition: 8.5/10, in very good overall condition, all functions working, overhaul recommended.