Grana may not be a well-known name to collectors of contemporary watches, but for vintage watch enthusiasts, the brand is known for its rich history linked to Certina – a major watchmaking company now part of the Swatch Group. Founded in 1888, Certina began using the name “Grana” in 1906, which is an abbreviation of “Granatus” – the Latin name for Grenchen where the company was founded.

Only few Grana timepieces have appeared in the past few years, but this example can be described as probably the most unusual, and complicated, and also the best preserved. Fitted with a prestigious split-seconds function, the large 38 mm case still retains extraordinarily crisp facets to the lugs. Fitted with a stunning black lacquer dial, the watch must be considered one of the finest that ever left the Certina factories.

Grana chronographs with black dials are known to have been issued to several European Air Forces, notably, watches with Hungarian inscriptions have surfaced. This piece has no military markings and one can only speculate that given its mint condition it was never issued, and likely hardly ever worn. Its pristine condition, superb aesthetics, and desirable complication make it an extraordinary value for the discerning collector.