Chunky and funky CERTINA “Chronolympic Regatta” Ref. 8701.504, nice vibrant colors yachting chronograph from early 1970s, the only watch that houses the Valjoux 728 movement, based on the Valjoux 72 with three horological complications:
· 1/5 second chronograph (activated by the two round-shaped push-pieces) with tachometric scale graduated on the bezel for 400 units per hour;
· Dragging 60-minute central counter;
· 12-hour counter (subsidiary dial at 6 o’clock);
Certina built this chronograph for the 1972 Munich Olympic Games – specifically for the sailing events on the water. And they didn’t just slap a nautical theme on a standard chrono. They went all the way, commissioning a completely unique movement, the Valjoux 728, a modified Valjoux 72 that exists in exactly one watch in the entire world. This one. The key innovation? The 60-minute chronograph counter is placed directly in the center of the dial – making the Chronolympic the first regatta movement ever to do this.
Why does a central minute hand matter so much on a sailing watch? Because when you’re a helmsman cutting through choppy water with 30 boats around you, every second counts – literally. In yacht racing, the start is everything. A horn sounds the beginning of a 15-minute countdown, and you need to cross the starting line at the exact moment the gun fires – not a second before, or you’re penalized heavily. A small subdial at the edge of the dial requires you to squint and interpret. A large central minute chrohograph hand sweeping across the entire face? You read it instantly, gloved hands on the wheel, spray in your face, under full pressure. The Valjoux 728 was engineered around this reality. The center seconds and minutes counter hands became your most critical instrument on the water – and here it’s even highlighted in red so it dominates the dial at a glance.
A 15-minute regatta countdown sector in the upper right, split into five-minute blocks in white, blue, and alternating markers. And all of it wearing that incredible blue, red, and white color palette that is pure early 70s graphic design confidence.
It comes on a vintage Tropic blue rubber strap that completes the whole yachting picture perfectly. A fascinating wristwatch with a direct thread to Olympic sport and the open sea.
Do you know a better summer watch, that is screaming 1970s? I don’t.
Watch is in overall good condition 7/10, running and ready to wear or gift!
International shipping is possible.
Condition: In fully working order. Good vintage condition 7/10, surface scratches, scuffs and discoloration through the age. Vintage NOS Tropic rubber strap with Certina steel buckle. No box, no papers.
)
