As collectors are squeezed out of the market for watches by Rolex and Omega, prices for vintage chronographs by ‘lesser’ makers are steadily rising in value.
Emperor is one of many ‘minor’ Swiss watchmaking brands that disappeared during what is remembered as the ‘quartz crisis’. These are generally good timepieces: Emperor chronographs used the same Valjoux 7733 manual wound movement that was the basis for many Heuer and Breitling watches of the same era.
This watch shown right, in a cushion-shaped stainless steel case with a black on white ‘panda’ dial, dates from c.1970. A Heuer or Breitling of the same ilk would cost something north of £2000. This Emperor, estimated at £100-150 at Lockdales (18% buyer’s premium) near Ipswich on May 13, took £560.