When it comes to vintage chronographs, we are constantly being asked for recommendations for affordable Swiss-made models in modern, wearable sizes. As the popularity of vintage sport watches continues to grow, we love unearthing watches that we feel should be appreciated and admired by the ever-growing collector and enthusiast community.

Jaquet & Girard is by no means a household name, even among the most hardcore enthusiasts, but they produced some very well built pieces with quality internals and pedigree in common with some much more well known manufacturers. Of note, you can find the Jaquet & Girard name on a number of EPSA-manufactured Supercompressor cases, in both single and dual crown configurations.

This particular example isn’t a Supercompressor, but instead, a ruggedly built diving chronograph, as evidenced by the hearty 40mm case and the rotating divers bezel. The black dial is brought to life with some distinctive touches - the subsidiary registers feature a faded blue border and red 'window' hands that really make them pop.  And while these touches make the watch a little more playful than other diving chronos of the era, the sizing and wristfeel are consistent with the and full-bodied chronographs of the era.     

There are a lot of obscure brands coming to the fore these days, a fact that has many collectors giddily rubbing their hands together as many offer great value propositions for the individuals that aren't as concerned with the names that are printed on the dials.  This watch is definitely a sleeper that should get a second look.