It can be rather difficult to find a 1970s chronograph larger than 40mm – which some would consider small by today’s standards – yet this serviced 1970s Memosail Olympic regatta chronograph here - the worlds first purpose-built regatta watch - is precisely that, measuring in at a sizable 38mm across.
Dating from the early 1970s, this colorful chronograph features the famously robust, manually wound Valjoux 7737 (a modified 7733). The Valjoux manual movement, first produced to acclaim in 1969, was used until 1978; the 773x movement was used by Breitling, Tudor, and Heuer during the 1960s and 1970s.
And this Memosail regatta watch has Olympic heritage!
Hedging their bets, the Memosail chronograph adorned the wrists of American, Canadian, Swiss, British, Belgian, French, and German teams at the 1972 Summer Olympic Games held that year in Kiel, Germany.
Timing, and the yacht's position in relation to competitors in crossing the line, are the key factors and can mean half the race. Regatta yacht racing requires a countdown period before the start of a race to help keep the boats as fairly placed as possible. Before the start of a sailboat race, there are two guns, the first gun signals that the race will start in either five or 10 minutes (depending on the type of race sailed).
At the first gun shot and hoisting of the white count-down signal flag (10 minutes before the race start) the Memosail yacht timer is set in motion. The Memosail’s inner wheel moves every 30 seconds throughout the 10-minute countdown period.
The five minutes after the preparatory signal are frequently the most critical. In that interval, the skipper must finally determine whether the angle of the line offers a favored end, and whether to sacrifice the normal advantages of the starboard tack with a port tack crossing.
At the five-minute mark, a second gun shot is sounded and hoisting of the blue preparatory signal flag (five minutes before the start), and the sailors start their countdown functions and maneuver their sailboats as close to the start line as possible. Now the element of time becomes primary.
By making several time trial approaches, carefully noting distances and time to and from the line and to tack, the proper desired final approach position and interval can be established within a second or two. Be sure to arrive at the line with full headway and clear wind, and better functionality late than early to avoid a recall and restart.
Once the end of the second five-minute period is reached - marked by START appearing in full within the regatta timer window - the race begins!
This 1970’s Memosail chronograph comes on a stainless-steel oyster bracelet, and with two nylon straps, rugged travel case, and springbar tool.
1970's Memosail Regatta Valjoux 7737 Chronograph
DIAL: Colorful Memosail-signed dial, with vibrant blue and white colors with crisp white script and matching hands; lume shines following exposure to strong light.
CASE: Stainless-steel case measures 38mm (w/o crown) x 42mm; no wear present on case. Matching Memosail-signed caseback features crisp writing. It can be rather difficult to find a 1970s chronograph larger than 35mm – small by today’s standards – yet this Memosail regatta chronograph here is precisely that, measuring in at a 38mm.
CRYSTAL: High-domed acrylic crystal, no cracks or deep scratches.
BAND: This atypical Memosail comes on a generic stainless-steel oyster bracelet, which will fit up to an approx. 8.25 inch bracelet; this regatta watch also comes with a dark blue nylon strap, as well as a second dark blue, white, and green nylon strap.
MOVEMENT: Swiss-manufactured 17-jewel Valjoux 7737 (a modified 7733, which allows the chrono wheel to do a half turn at 30 seconds). While not performed by us, this Memosail performs as if it has been serviced in the last couple years.
CROWN: Unsigned stainless-steel crown.
CHRONOGRAPH PUSHERS: Pushers depress with satisfying click. 10 minute timer resets to START position as designed with no issue. The pusher at 4 o’clock resets the chronograph wheel and hand.