1960s Pontiac Nageur chronograph “Belgian Air Force”

PONTIAC, launched in 1931 by Ali Kinsbergen, takes its name from a great Indian chief who, thanks to his knowledge of nature, could read the time in the stars. This reference represents the link between eternity and the universe.

Recognized for their reliability and solidity, Pontiac watches are highly appreciated by collectors. The one we present today is very interesting because it was produced and issued to the LuM-Faé (Lucht Macht – Air Force) which was the Belgian air force.

Pilot’s watch par excellence, they are said to have taken over from the Heuer pilot’s chronographs in the 60s. We find all the aestheticism of the watches-tools of navigation, dial with Arabic indexes and very readable and luminescent hands as well as a scale 60 with double counters to calculate the times in flights.

Like all watches intended for military purposes, the piece is double-signed on the bottom with the serial number and the army’s endowment.

Anecdote atypical of this piece, the endowment numbers are partially readable. Indeed, many pilots voluntarily erased the endowment numbers to keep their their beloved toolwatches instead of giving them back for destruction.

Inside this 37.5mm Spillmann case, the watch is powered by the famous Valjoux 22, renowned for its reliability, robustness and precision.

This example is very cool piece, a model seldomly seen on the market. Showing some signs of use, it is still in great shape, featuring an unpolished case and nice dial.