Vintage Wrist Watch, Hardwick Chronograph

Late 1960s Hardwick 'Burton-on-Trent' 20 ATM Diver's Chronograph, 38mm.
Swiss Landeron 248 Movement, Original Black Twin-Register Dial, Freshly Serviced, Period Presentation Box.
There is something wonderfully distinctive about vintage chronographs bearing the name of a provincial British jeweller, particularly when they combine the character of a traditional English retailer with the craftsmanship of Swiss watchmaking. This handsome late 1960s Hardwick diver's chronograph is just such a piece, offering a fascinating connection to the historic Burton-on-Trent jeweller G.C. Hardwick & Sons.
Dating from the late 1960s to early 1970s, this striking 38mm chronograph captures the adventurous spirit of the golden age of recreational diving and motorsport. Its purposeful design brings together a beautifully preserved black twin-register dial, a rotating 60-minute diver's bezel and the unmistakable presence of a classic manually wound Swiss chronograph. It is a watch with considerable personality, made all the more appealing by its unusual British retail provenance.
The original black dial is particularly attractive, displaying a rich, gently reflective finish with contrasting white chronograph scales and neatly recessed subsidiary registers. Signed 'Hardwick Burton on Trent' beneath twelve o'clock, it proudly carries the name of the retailer for whom it was originally produced. The running seconds occupy the register at nine o'clock, balanced by a 30-minute chronograph counter at three, while an outer tachymeter scale, calibrated in kilometres per hour, adds another layer of period sporting character.
The original luminous baton hour markers and matching hands have developed a wonderfully warm, creamy patina over the decades, providing a pleasing contrast against the dark dial. Importantly, the ageing is remarkably consistent, lending the watch the natural character that collectors appreciate in an unrestored vintage example. The original bezel insert is equally appealing, retaining its clear white numerals and graduations against a black background, with the familiar elapsed-time markings that define the appearance of a classic skin-diver.
The 38mm case has an especially pleasing wrist presence, with its sharply defined bevelled lugs, substantial winding crown and traditional twin chronograph pushers. Constructed with a chrome-plated base-metal mid-case and threaded stainless steel caseback, it reflects the practical, robust construction typical of sports chronographs of the period. The caseback bears the original 'Waterproof / 20 ATM Tested' designation, a reminder of the watch's intended sporting credentials when new.
Beneath the caseback sits the respected Swiss Landeron Calibre 248, a 17-jewel, manually wound chronograph movement incorporating Incabloc shock protection. A familiar and dependable movement in many desirable chronographs of the 1960s, the Landeron 248 is particularly appreciated for its traditional mechanical construction and distinctive chronograph operation.
This example has recently undergone a complete professional service and is performing exceptionally well. Timegrapher testing recorded a rate of 0 seconds per day at the time of assessment, together with a strong, clean beat. The movement winds smoothly, and the chronograph starts, stops and resets crisply, with both registers operating as intended. It is always reassuring to encounter a vintage chronograph that has been properly attended to mechanically, particularly one that has retained so much of its original appearance.
The watch is presented in outstanding vintage condition, with a beautifully preserved original dial, hands and bezel showing no obvious signs of moisture-related deterioration or significant oxidation. The case retains its strong original lines, with only light, honest surface wear to the chrome plating, entirely in keeping with its age. It is fitted with a black pebbled leather strap and polished chrome-plated pin buckle, complementing the sporting design without distracting from the watch itself. A black leatherette presentation box is also included.
What makes this Hardwick especially interesting is the combination of its Swiss mechanical heritage and its distinctly local British identity. Watches bearing the names of independent regional jewellers have a character all their own, recalling a time when customers could purchase a serious Swiss-made timepiece from a trusted family business in their own town.
With its evocative Burton-on-Trent signature, original black dial, beautifully aged luminous detailing and freshly serviced Landeron chronograph movement, this is a particularly engaging survivor from an exciting period of watchmaking. An appealing and rather individual alternative to the more familiar names of the era, it offers collectors a genuine piece of British retail history wrapped around a classic Swiss sports chronograph.

Watch Details
Retailer / Dial Signature: Hardwick, Burton-on-Trent, associated with G.C. Hardwick & Sons
Model: 20 ATM Diver's Chronograph
Date: Late 1960s to early 1970s
Movement: Swiss Landeron Calibre 248, manually wound, 17 jewels, with Incabloc shock protection; freshly serviced
Case: Chrome-plated base-metal mid-case with bevelled lugs, twin chronograph pushers and threaded stainless steel caseback
Case Diameter: 38mm, excluding crown
Caseback: Original 'Waterproof / 20 ATM Tested' designation
Bezel: Original black, bi-directional rotating 60-minute diver's bezel with white elapsed-time graduations
Dial: Original black dial signed 'Hardwick Burton on Trent', with contrasting white printing, twin recessed chronograph registers and outer Km/h tachymeter scale
Chronograph Functions: Running seconds at nine o'clock, 30-minute chronograph recorder at three o'clock and central chronograph seconds hand
Hands & Hour Markers: Original luminous baton hands and hour markers, displaying attractive, evenly aged vintage patina
Strap: Black pebbled leather strap with polished chrome-plated pin buckle
Presentation Box: Black leatherette watch presentation box
Condition: Outstanding vintage condition, retaining its original dial, hands and bezel insert, with light age-related wear to the case plating and no obvious signs of significant moisture damage
Mechanical Condition: Recently professionally serviced and tested, recording 0 seconds per day at the time of assessment, with smooth winding and correctly operating chronograph functions