This Super-Rare 1940s Chronograph Is $90,000 for a Reason

When collectors clamor over Universal Genève, it's usually the affordable takes on triple calendars and basic chronographs from the middle part of the 20th century they're getting excited about. This here is another breed of Universal Genève chronograph, possibly the rarest one of all.

Looking at this chrono, something should stand out immediately. Yep, the numbers go to 24, not 12. This is because the watch was made for military pilots to use for navigation, so the watch keeps military 24-hour time. It takes some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, reading is quick and easy. To further enhance legibility, the watch is a massive 44 mm across (though it remains quite slim). Big even by today's standards, it was downright ludicrous when the watch was made in 1940.