Karl Plepla “Flytimer” Chronograph

Description

This is an extremely rare watch made by Karl Plepla, a former watchmaker for Tiffany & Co. in the 1920s.  Mr. Plepla ventured out on his own after a stint with Gruen in the 1930s, and produced watches on order for the Armed Forces and under other contracts, in conjunction with Jardur . This watch, named the Flytimer, was designed for use in aviation, and came with white and black gloss-gilt dials, powered by Valjoux 71/72 movements in the 1940s.

This Flytimer is in great vintage condition.  The case appears unpolished.  The dial is in great shape, with minimal wear.  The original lume is still present on the dial, aging to a golden yellow; the hands appear to be an old relume, matching the dial well, but glowing slightly longer.