For over 60 years, Excelsior Park played a pivotal role in the production of movements for well-known brands such as Girard-Perregaux, Gallet, and Zenith. Initially specializing in stopwatches, they later expanded their production to include the creation of movements for chronograph wristwatches. The brand found success following WWII but encountered challenges during the Quartz Crisis, resulting in its absorption by Gallet and eventual disappearance in the 1980s. Excelsior Park also ventured into releasing watches under their own brand name. While most of these timepieces were produced for the European market, they also assisted in limited distribution among various military organizations. Notably, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), which emerged in the 1950s under the supervision of the United States and the newly formed NATO, became one of Excelsior Park's esteemed clients.

The example on offer features a captivating Excelsior Park-branded dial that has gracefully faded to an alluring milk chocolate brown shade. Its oversized 38mm steel case, combined with a generously sized luminous dial features Arabic hour markers with high legibility. Adorned with engravings in Kanji from the JSDF, the case back serves as a testament to its military heritage. With its luminous syringe hands, barrel pushers, and elegantly twisted lugs, this two-register chronograph is an absolute joy to behold and wear. It boasts striking aesthetics but also carries a compelling history, rendering it a rare and highly cherished timepiece.

Dial: Fantastic overall preservation. The hour markers have aged evenly and the dial has taken on a remarkable and consistent caramel color. There is some patina but it has an equal distribution across the dial and is not distracting from its beauty. Bezel: No notable blemishes. Hands: Are matching with all of their lume intact. Case: Very sharp with prominent chamfers. Honest signs of use consistent with age. Correct pushers and unsigned crown. Bracelet: Two piece grained leather strap in taupe. Crystal: Clear. Accessories: The ultimate conversation piece. The movement is running well on our timegrapher and comes with our 1-year mechanical warranty.

Year/era: 1950s Reference: NA Serial: NA Dimensions: 38mm wide. Movement: Manual wind high grade EP4-68.