The Dionis Chronographe Suisse represents the golden era of mid-century Swiss watchmaking, when small but talented ateliers produced refined chronographs with timeless character. Dionis, one of the lesser-known but respected names of that period, sourced high-grade components and movements from renowned Swiss suppliers, often encasing them in elegant gold cases that balanced technical precision with pure aesthetic charm.
This particular example, crafted in 18k yellow gold, measures 37.5 mm and features the unmistakable corne de vache (cow horn) lugs—an iconic design element beloved by collectors for its sculptural curves and refined presence on the wrist. Over time, the gold has developed a warm patina, its yellow tone softly mellowing into a subtle rose hue, giving the piece a soulful vintage glow that only decades of gentle aging can achieve.
The dial is a pristine treasure: spotless, perfectly preserved, and displaying crisp print with blue and red telemeter and tachymeter scales encircling the silvered surface. The two sub-registers—small seconds at 9 o’clock and 30-minute counter at 3—maintain perfect symmetry, powered by the revered Venus 188 movement, a hand-wound chronograph caliber celebrated for its reliability and smooth operation. Marked “Antimagnetic – 17 Jewels,” it retains its original Swiss craftsmanship intact, identified by serial number 10xx.
Completing the ensemble is a vintage black lizard strap, supple and elegant, fitted to fixed lugs, which enhance both authenticity and historical integrity. This Dionis chronograph stands as a beautifully preserved witness to post-war Swiss horology—refined, functional, and eternally graceful.