Founded in Biel, Switzerland, in 1937 by Arthur Bueche, Arbu (the first two letters of his first and last name) specialized in chronographs – like this 1950s Arbu 5751 manual-wound mechanical chronograph here – and the Swiss watch factory also specialized in calendar watches, with movements provided by Ébauches SA.
 
In 1948, Bueche joined forces with his son André, and the company became A. Bueche & Fils, Arbu Watch.  However, in 1959, Arbu was acquired by the Rumanel Watch Factory in Biel, run by Edgar and Roland Flaig, which allowed the brand name to lapse, effectively resulting in the demise of the brand.
 
Before the advent of personal computers, cell phones, and other time telling devices that are ubiquitous today, watches like the Arbu here served the valuable purpose – a reliable time keeper.  More complicated models added even further function, such as tracking elapsed time with the chronograph, or keeping easy track of the date with a calendar complication.
 
The era following World War II witnessed a sizable increase in manufacturing technology and capability, with production capacity trickling down into other areas.  Watches considerably increased in quality, offering more robust and accurate movements, and the 1950s saw the first explosion of wristwatch chronographs.
 
This particular watch stands out for its overall solid condition. The chamfered case is still razor sharp, with zero evidence of machine polish.  The blued hour, minute, seconds, and chronograph hands offer a bright pop of color.