For sale is a quintessential late 1960s survivor: a Solar Ref. 2046 "Skin Diver" style chronograph. This timepiece represents a fascinating intersection of Canadian retail history and Swiss horological muscle. Branded for Eaton’s, Canada’s legendary department store giant, this watch was commissioned from top-tier Swiss makers, offering the same build quality and "catalog" case DNA found in the highly coveted "Poor Man’s Heuer" models of the era.
This isn't just a department store watch; it’s a rugged tool watch built to impressive specifications. Housed in a solid stainless steel case with a versatile 38mm diameter, it features a striking bi-compax layout with a bold red central chronograph hand. The dial is a masterclass in functional design, featuring a rotating diver’s bezel, Tachymeter and Telemeter tracks, and applied block indices. With its 20mm lug width, this vintage gem is a "strap monster," ready to be paired with your favorite leather or NATO bands.
Brand: Solar (Eaton’s Department Store Private Label)
Reference: 2046
Era: Late 1960s (indicated by the "Waterproof" caseback)
Movement: Manual Wind Swiss Chronograph (Valjoux 7733 or Landeron 248)
Case Material: Solid Stainless Steel (not plated)
Size: 38mm (excluding crown)
Lug Width: 20mm
Water Resistance Rating: 20 ATM (200m / 660ft)
Lume: Original Tritium ("T SWISS MADE T") with warm vanilla patina
Crystal: Domed Acrylic
The Solar Ref. 2046 offers incredible "bang for your buck" in the vintage chronograph market. Because it shares the exact same Swiss DNA as more expensive brands like Dixi or Heuer, it provides a high-octane racing aesthetic without the five-figure price tag. Collectors particularly value the solid steel construction and the Incabloc shock protection, ensuring this manual-wind workhorse is robust enough for daily wear. Whether you are a fan of Canadian history or a seeker of the "Skin Diver" aesthetic, this Solar is a dependable, stylish, and historically significant addition to any collection.
For sale is a quintessential late 1960s survivor: a Solar Ref. 2046 "Skin Diver" style chronograph. This timepiece represents a fascinating intersection of Canadian retail history and Swiss horological muscle. Branded for Eaton’s, Canada’s legendary department store giant, this watch was commissioned from top-tier Swiss makers, offering the same build quality and "catalog" case DNA found in the highly coveted "Poor Man’s Heuer" models of the era.
This isn't just a department store watch; it’s a rugged tool watch built to impressive specifications. Housed in a solid stainless steel case with a versatile 38mm diameter, it features a striking bi-compax layout with a bold red central chronograph hand. The dial is a masterclass in functional design, featuring a rotating diver’s bezel, Tachymeter and Telemeter tracks, and applied block indices. With its 20mm lug width, this vintage gem is a "strap monster," ready to be paired with your favorite leather or NATO bands.
Brand: Solar (Eaton’s Department Store Private Label)
Reference: 2046
Era: Late 1960s (indicated by the "Waterproof" caseback)
Movement: Manual Wind Swiss Chronograph (Valjoux 7733 or Landeron 248)
Case Material: Solid Stainless Steel (not plated)
Size: 38mm (excluding crown)
Lug Width: 20mm
Water Resistance Rating: 20 ATM (200m / 660ft)
Lume: Original Tritium ("T SWISS MADE T") with warm vanilla patina
Crystal: Domed Acrylic
The Solar Ref. 2046 offers incredible "bang for your buck" in the vintage chronograph market. Because it shares the exact same Swiss DNA as more expensive brands like Dixi or Heuer, it provides a high-octane racing aesthetic without the five-figure price tag. Collectors particularly value the solid steel construction and the Incabloc shock protection, ensuring this manual-wind workhorse is robust enough for daily wear. Whether you are a fan of Canadian history or a seeker of the "Skin Diver" aesthetic, this Solar is a dependable, stylish, and historically significant addition to any collection.
