Manufactured in the 1930s – Pronto Rare “Zerograph” with Stainless Steel Back, Turning Bezel, and Beautiful Black Gilt Dial
This is a beautiful example of a rare "Zerograph" from Pronto, made in the 1930s, featuring a stainless steel case back, turning bezel, and a stunning black gilt dial. The watch is equipped with a simplified chronograph mechanism that includes a stop-seconds function—activated by a light press of the button coaxial with the crown to stop the central seconds hand—and a flyback function that instantly resets the hand to zero when pressed more deeply. By setting the hands precisely at 12 o’clock and activating the mechanism, it allows for timing of up to 12 hours.
The turning bezel case, adorned with a large onion-style crown, and the beautifully crafted black dial using gilt printing techniques, are hallmarks of the era and showcase exceptional design taste.
While there are several variations of simplified chronographs—such as Longines' stop-second models, Rolex’s Zerograph, and movements like Venus Cal.103 or those made by Landeron—this particular piece is notable for being equipped with the rare, tonneau-shaped Venus Cal.131.
There are minor scratches from storage, but it remains in valuable mint condition, retaining its original strap and buckle from the time.