
Guinand 40.50.01 Chronograph Review
A Pilot Watch Hergestellt in Deutschland
Watch combine the tradition of Swiss watch craftsmanship with the design principles of German pilot watches. Precision mechanics meet functional design — form follows function — and the best readability is guaranteed.
The watch has strong roots to the vintage pilot chronographs of the 1960’s and its design is based on classic design of the legendary Heuer Bundeswehr, known for its optimum readability, robust design and good wearability.
The chronograph is paired with a bi-directional, 60-minute bezel, day and date indications at 3 o’clock, protected pushers and sealed screw down crown to protect the mechanism, and an anti-reflective coating on the front and the back sapphire crystal.

Specifications
- Case diameter: 40.6mm
- Case thickness: 15.2mm
- Lug width: 20mm
- Lug to lug: 49mm
- Weight: 85g
- Crystal: domed sapphire with internal anti-reflective coating
- WR: 200m
- Movement: Valjoux 7750
The Case
The polished, stainless steel case measuring 40.6 mm in diameter and 49 mm lug to lug.

On top is the light metal bi-directional matte black pilots bezel. The bezel shows silver numerals at five minute/second intervals and hash markers in between and with a triangle at 12 o’clock which has a luminescence dot in the middle that glows in the dark. The sapphire crystal edge on top is a fraction of mm raised above the edge of the bezel.
Along its side is subtle, rectangled edging which provides a nice feel when rotating the bezel.

At the 2, 3 and 4 o’clock positions are the polished protected chrono pushers and double O-ring sealed screw down crown with a “G” marked on it. The pushers are hard and a definite click is heard when pressed. Protected pushers and sealed crown enables reliable pressure resistance of 20 bar.

The case appears a bit tall, and it is at 15.2 mm. Guinand gets its height from its case back, which is topped off with a domed sapphire crystal.
The overall size is very comfortable when worn.
The Dial

The base of the dial is a deep matte black, and all markings are printed in white.
The primary index features large Arabic numerals, omitting the 3 (for the date), and 6, 9 and 12 (for the three totalizers).
Thin hash markings at one-fifth of a second line the outer rim of the dial, with fat hash markings at each hour.
Day-Date Window

At 3 o’clock is the day-date window with white text on black background, white outlining and the Guinand logo above, emulatig the shape of an airplane wing.
Active Second Sub Dial

At 9 o’clock, the active second sub dial features small tick markers for each second, with numerals at 20, 40 and 60.
Chrono Minute Counter

At 12 o’clock, the chrono minute counter shows markers at each minute and numerals at 10, 20 and 30.
Chrono Hour Sub Dial

At 6 o’clock the chrono hour sub dial has numerals at 3, 6, 9 and 12 hour and has markers at each hour and half hour.
The bold swords minutes and hour hands are lumed along with the hour markers, glowing a bright green.
Chronograph Movement
The Guinand series 40 is powered by a sturdy and reliable automatic workhorse Valjoux 7750, self-winding chronograph movement, with shock resistance as per DIN 8308 and anti-magnetic properties as per DIN 8309 standards, and power reserve of approximately of 40-hours.

The movement is beautifully decorated with handsome Geneva stripes and Guinand logo engraved on the rotor and some engine turned circles. Blue screws rounds off the movement nicely.

Strap
The Guinand came with a quality and pliable black leather pilot strap padded at the center and adorned with contrast white stitching. The buckle, with the name on it, and tang are stainless steel to match the case color.


The simplicity of the watch design allow it to pair with different colors and textures quite well.
At the End
Guinand 40.50.01 is beautiful pilot watch, with good proportions and sharp looks, offering a level of quality and design often reserved for watches of considerably greater value.

It stands as an example of the brands commitment, established by Mr. Helmut Sinn, to create watches as perfectly as possible, but only as expensive as necessary.
For more information, visit Guinand online.
Photos by Stefan Đaković.
Originally published at www.vintagenonchalance.com on July 30, 2017.
