Orient Chrono Ace F429-22860 (1970-1979)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This eye-catching vintage Orient immediately commands attention with its beautiful blue textured dial, perfectly framed by a classic 1970s cushion case. The vibrant marbled finish of the dial remains exceptionally well-preserved, making this piece a striking example of the era's adventurous design language. Brand: Orient Model: Orient Auto 23J (F429-22860) Reference Number: F429-22860 Movement: Automatic, caliber 42950, 23 jewels Dial: Striking blue textured marbled finish with applied gold-tone indices Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher: +60+65s/day, running in operational condition. Dial and Hands The striking blue textured and marbled dial is vibrant and exceptionally well-preserved, showing no visible staining or damage. It features applied gold-tone indices and a matching applied Orient logo, complemented by crisp printed text. A day-date window with an English day wheel sits thoughtfully at the 3 o'clock position, highlighted by a clean gold-tone frame. The original gold-tone baton hands display minor oxidation and spotting visible under magnification, while the lume plots show light, natural aging. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a classic cushion shape with a brushed top surface and polished flanks. It shows honest wear consistent with age, including light scratches and handling marks visible throughout, though the edges remain reasonably defined. A pusher is located at the 2 o'clock position. The crown is signed with the Orient logo and remains in good condition with defined knurling. The flat crystal is clear, presenting no major scratches, chips, or crazing. Movement Inside beats the Orient automatic caliber 42950, featuring 23 jewels and a visible rotor. The movement maintains a generally clean appearance, showing only minor surface marks and light wear on the rotor. The engravings clearly read ORIENT, 42950, 23J., and JAPAN. The timegrapher records +60+65s/day. Running in operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the watch. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring yellow contrast stitching, showing light wear. Condition Excellent vintage condition. The stunning blue dial is exceptionally clean and vibrant, standing out as a major highlight of this piece. The case exhibits honest, age-appropriate light scratches and handling marks while maintaining reasonably defined geometry. The hands show minor oxidation under close inspection, and the crystal remains clear. The movement is running in operational condition. Dimensions The case measures 37 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This Orient appeals directly through its striking blue marbled dial and distinct 1970s cushion case design. Combined with an automatic movement and a signed crown, it offers tremendous visual character. History Introduced during a period of highly expressive watch design, the Orient Chrono Ace collection represents the brand's commitment to vibrant aesthetics and robust mechanical watchmaking in the 1970s. Reference F429-22860 utilizes the distinctive cushion case geometry that defined the decade, housing the reliable caliber 42950 automatic movement. While the Chrono Ace line is historically known for featuring faceted crystals, this specific example presents a clean, flat profile that perfectly showcases the intricate texture of its dial. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination. Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age. We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description. The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use. If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: ORI-AJF-0001