Early Baylor chronographs are based on the early Heuer manual-winding chronographs such as the Autavia (Reference 2446). Baylor was chosen by Zales Jewelers as the in-house brand for many of their watches in the late 1960s into the 1970s. Rumor has it that Heuer sold a large number of manual winding chronographs to Zales as Heuer switched to automatically winding watches in the 1970s.  If you look at this Baylor next to Heuer Autavia (ref. 2446), both watches possess the same barrel-style stainless steel 38mm case with a screw-down case back and pump pushers, the same rotating bezel and a "panda" dials with triple subsidiary registers.  A few subtle differences differentiate the styles including the use of a Landeron 349 central sweeping "lollipop" style chronograph seconds hand on the Baylor.  

This Baylor contains everything we love about early chronographs plus the standout tropical dial, which really sets this one apart from other examples.  The lollipop sweep seconds hand is for sure a head turner as well and at a fraction of the price of other well-known references from the same era!

CASE & BRACELET

The original case is sharp and unpolished showing the original case finishing and lug chamfers. The bi-directional rotating bezel shows honest patina yet is still a deep and vivid black coloration. The watch retains its original JB Champion "Beads of Rice" style bracelet and will be shipped with handmade leather strap as well.

DIAL & HANDS

The dial has achieved a stunning super tropical patina reminiscent of faded blue denim. The subdials show some patina and provide a striking contrast against the tropical dial. The hands and markers retain the original tritium lume when viewed under UV light and show no visible degradation although the hands do show some oxidation towards the center post as can be seen in the photos.

ACCESSORIES 

None. The watch is keeping time at spec but extended service history is unknown.