1940s Kelbert Chronograph (Ref. 1313) 'Venus Cal. 170'

The '60s and '70s were a boom time for watches, which resulted in all kinds of brands coming out of the woodwork take a piece of the action and offer something uniquely cool. Many of these brands no longer exist, which leaves us with a glut of very cool pieces that we know little about.

Kelbert is one of those brands – founded in 1938 with its headquarters addressed to 5th Avenue in New York City, there's not a whole lot more we could find about the brand. But what it lacks in backstory, it more than makes up for in style with its salmon dial, flat chronograph pushers, and modest case size. It's easy on the eyes, and it'll give you something to nerd out about as you dig through the depths of the internet looking for all the info you can find.

SPECS

Stock #		KELCHRN1313
Brand		Kelbert
Style		Chronograph 'Venus 170'
Model		1313
Serial		N/A
Size		Men's
Material		Chrome Plated W/ Steel back
Dial		Salmon
Millimeters		34
Strap		2pc Handmade Leather Strap

CASE & BRACELET

The excellent chrome-plated case retains crisp edges and lines throughout, with honest signs of light wear. The flat pushers are original to the watch, and the unsigned crown is possibly an early replacement. The steel case back retains all of the factory engravings. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap.

DIAL & HANDS

The original salmon dial is uniquely double signed "Kelbert", once inside the 12 o'clock sub-dial and another directly above the hand stack. The dial is in well-preserved vintage condition considering its age and being a non-waterproof case, but does show some subtle marks and elements of age throughout. The blued chronograph hands and sub-dials hands are believed to be early replacements, though few references exist for this watch to compare to. The smoked leaf hands are original.