Dubey & Schaldenbrand Steel Case & Black Dial “Index Mobile” Vintage Split-Seconds (Rattrapante) Chronograph

A spectacular and highly collectible Dubey & Schaldenbrand vintage split-seconds (rattrapante) chronograph in steel, featuring the ingenious Index Mobile system and a beautifully preserved 34 mmstainless-steel case. This example combines technical sophistication with a truly stunning gilt multi-scale dial. Very rare to find in steel, most available models on the market are gold plated.

The dial is a marvelous black gilt composition, layered with several concentric scales that give it exceptional depth: Very Rare if ever seen in this setting with black dial. 

This multilayered layout is typical of Dubey & Schaldenbrand’s mid-century chronographs and gives the watch exceptional visual richness.

At 3 and 9 o’clock sit the 30-minute counter and the running seconds subdials, each with concentric guilloché. The center of the dial reveals the visible central spring attached to the split-seconds hand—a fascinating detail for connoisseurs of rattrapante mechanisms.

The watch is signed “Dubey & Schaldenbrand” at 12 o’clock and “INDEX-MOBILE” above 6 o’clock, with Swiss Made printed below.

The split-seconds is operated via the crown, while the standard chronograph pushers on the case flank control start/stop and reset—an unusual and mechanically clever configuration for its time.

The caseback is stamped No. 2211, confirming its authenticity. The watch is paired with a warm brown perforated leather strap that complements the gilt printing beautifully.

A truly exceptional and rare example of an early Dubey & Schaldenbrand rattrapante chronograph, showcasing a complex dial architecture, a refined gilt aesthetic, and an ingenious split-seconds mechanism. A connoisseur’s piece that stands out in any vintage chronograph collection.