For a long time, these Mulco chronographs were not really considered high-end watches and clumped alongside all of the other ordinary chronographs that came out of the era. It wasn’t because it wasn’t good, but mostly due to the lack of knowledge out there at the time. With vintage booming the last 5-10 years and the trend continuing, collectors have started to realise that there are actually a lot of things that makes Mulco chronographs so special.
With this particular example, the first thing you’ll notice is the unique 38mm stainless steel case produced by Spillman S.A., one of the best case makers of its era. The distinctive thing about Spillman cases are the angular downward turning lugs that gives the case a very muscular look. With its screw down masculine case and inverted pushers, the Spillman case is really a class above the rest in terms of quality. Furthermore, powering this chronograph is the venerable Valjoux 22 caliber, a high quality, column wheel movement that was used only on higher end chronographs from the era.
As a result, Mulco chronographs have increased hugely in value of the years, especially those with black gilt dials. The one you see here today features the more subtle silver dial and as a result can be had for a much more reasonable price. As Mulco did not make many watches, they truly do combine the best of both worlds in horological collecting - rarity and quality.
