Bifora Unima Chronometer wristwatch, reference 4499
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 1950s
According to the seller, this vintage German chronometer wristwatch by Bifora, reference 4499, dates from the late 1950s. The 35 mm stainless steel round case houses a manual-winding Bifora calibre B 72 movement recorded with number 6677, incorporating 18 jewels, Incabloc shock protection, and a hacking mechanism.
The dial displays age-related patina and spotting, fitted with applied gilt batten markers, luminous accent dots, a perimeter seconds/minute track, and luminous hands. The dial is signed 'BIFORA unima' and 'CHRONOMETER 18 JEWELS INCABLOC'. Case back markings recorded by the source specify stainless steel construction, water resistance, shock protection, and antimagnetic properties.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Chronometer wristwatch
- Reference
- 4499
- Case diameter
- 35 mm
- Case markings
- Chronometre 4499 All Stainless Steel Waterresistant Shockprotected Antimagnetic
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Movement number
- 6677
- Movement calibre
- B 72
- Maker / attribution
- Bifora
Design
- Visible features
- • Patina, surface spotting, and minor discoloration across the light dial. • Applied gilt batten hour markers with paired bars at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock. • Central sweep seconds hand, luminous-filled hour and minute hands, and outer track calibration. • Dark brown embossed leather strap fitted to traditional lugs.
- Reported Movement and Technical Scope
- The movement is not visible in the provided image and its details are recorded solely from the seller's listing. The source states the movement is a manual-winding German Bifora calibre B 72, numbered 6677, equipped with 18 jewels, Incabloc shock protection, and a hack mechanism. The listing quotes reference material by Fritz von Osterhausen noting that Bifora certified an estimated total of a bit over 1,000 watches through the Baden-Württemberg Watch Testing Agency between 1955 and 1967. Individual testing paperwork or certificates for movement 6677 are not recorded in this source.
- Case Architecture and Reported Markings
- The watch is cased in a round stainless steel case. According to the seller's measurements, it measures 35 mm in diameter (37.6 mm including the crown), 42.7 mm lug to lug, 10 mm in case thickness, and 18 mm between the lugs. The reverse of the case is not visible in the provided image. The listing reports the case markings as "Chronometre 4499 All Stainless Steel Waterresistant Shockprotected Antimagnetic". While the seller states the watch comes on a new-old-stock light brown alligator two-piece leather strap, visible inspection shows a dark brown embossed leather strap fitted to traditional lugs.
- Dial Configuration and Visual Condition
- Visual inspection shows patina, surface spotting, and minor discoloration across the light dial surface. Applied gilt batten hour markers accent the perimeter, arranged with paired bars at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock. The dial features a central sweep seconds hand, luminous-filled hour and minute hands, and an outer black track calibration with luminous accent dots. The seller notes the dial is signed with the Bifora name/logo and "Unima Chronometer 18 Jewels Incabloc".
Identification
- Reference
- 4499
- Serial number
- 6677
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Movement and case back markings are reported by the source but not visible in the provided photograph.
- Research required: The source describes the strap as a light brown alligator strap, but it appears dark brown in the photograph.