2.0941 PAUL BUHRE MILITARY CAVALRY CHRONOGRAPH, SILVER 47mm, SWISS-RUSSIA 1910
£2,300.00
A legendary chronograph designed “for cavalry officers,” this model was launched by Pavel Buhre in the early 1910s with the endorsement of “the Highest Persons of the Imperial Family.” The 1913 Pavel Buhre catalogue provides a telling description:
“Among military officers, particularly cavalrymen, watches with a chronograph and a wrist strap are widely used.”
At the time, wristwatches were gaining popularity among professionals such as cavalry officers, drivers, and aviators—where retrieving a pocket watch was impractical while operating machinery. This model is uniquely Russian in both design and construction: essentially a pocket watch with an additional crown and loop on the lower side, allowing a leather strap to be attached. The aesthetics match the 1913 catalogue (see last photo), while the serial number confirms production in 1910.
For historical reference, a gallery of period photographs shows that double-crown chronographs were exclusively worn by elite military personnel, including aviator Esaul F.T. Zverev, Lieutenant General Pokrovsky, and pilot I.K. Efremov.
This timepiece boasts excellent preservation, full functionality, and the prestige of a renowned historical brand—illustrating the evolution of wristwatches. The movement has undergone complete professional servicing, with all components cleaned, lubricated, and regulated. A 12-month warranty covers the mechanism, and the watch comes fitted with a high-quality vintage-style military leather strap.
Chronograph usage and time setting
Do not try to pull out the winding crown
Push pin-set button at ‘1’ position then turn the crown to set hands
Set hands forward smoothly. Do not set hands backward for more than 1 hour.
To start the chronograph push the crown button sharply.
To stop / reset the chronograph push the same crown button.
