Landeron Caliber 186 – A Rare and Functional Vintage Chronograph with Triple Register and Date

The Landeron Caliber 186 is a manual-winding mechanical chronograph movement developed by Charles Hahn & Cie (Landeron) in the mid-20th century. As part of the extended Landeron 48 family, the Cal. 186 is closely related to the Landeron 185 but typically includes minor adjustments in configuration, subdial placement, or integration depending on manufacturer needs.

It features a tri-compax layout and a date complication, offering robust timekeeping and calendar functionality in a relatively compact and accessible format. Designed for professional use or long-duration timing tasks, the 186 represents one of the more complete offerings in Landeron’s cam-operated chronograph line.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Manual-wind chronograph

• Base Movement: Derived from Landeron 148/185 architecture

• Chronograph Mechanism: Cam-actuated, horizontal clutch

• Jewels: 17

• Frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz)

• Power Reserve: Around 40–42 hours

• Diameter: Approx. 31 mm

• Height: Approx. 7.4 mm

• Functions:

  • Hours

  • Minutes

  • Small seconds (at 9 o’clock)

  • 30-minute chronograph counter (at 3 o’clock)

  • 12-hour chronograph counter (at 6 o’clock)

  • Central chronograph seconds

  • Date display (typically at 4:30 or 6 o’clock)

Movement Features

The Landeron 186 continues the design philosophy of the Landeron 48 series: offer reliable, multifunctional chronographs at a fraction of the cost of column-wheel alternatives. It uses a cam-switching system, which, while less refined in tactile feel than a column wheel, is simpler, tougher, and easier to manufacture.

Its three-register layout allows timing of events up to 12 hours, and the inclusion of a calendar window makes it a practical daily wear chronograph. The overall design is ideal for motorsport, aviation, and professional timing applications from the mid-20th century.

Pusher configuration:

• Top pusher (2 o’clock): Start and stop the chronograph

• Bottom pusher (4 o’clock): Reset

Brands That Used Landeron 186

As a specialized movement, the Landeron 186 was less widely used than the simpler Cal. 48 or 149, but still found its way into mid-range chronograph wristwatches, primarily during the 1960s and 1970s. Brands include:

• Croton

• Helbros

• Camy

• Tradition (Sears Roebuck)

• Orator

• Mortima

• Private-label Swiss export brands

These watches often had bold, sporty dials with rotating bezels, tachymeter scales, or large luminous hands, reflecting their tool-watch function and visual impact.

Servicing and Parts Availability

The Landeron 186, while more complex than bi-compax Landeron calibers, is still based on the modular cam-switching platform. Many components are shared across the Landeron 48 family, making parts acquisition more manageable through vintage parts suppliers or donor movements.

The movement is robust and straightforward to maintain, but due to the added date mechanism and third register, servicing should be performed by a watchmaker experienced with vintage chronographs.

Collectibility

The Landeron Cal. 186 is valued by collectors for its rare combination of a triple chronograph register and date within an affordable cam-switched platform. It offers mechanical depth without the premium prices of column-wheel calibers like the Valjoux 72 or Lemania 1873.

Well-preserved examples from the 1960s and 1970s are increasingly sought after, particularly those with original dials, hands, and signed cases.

Conclusion

The Landeron Caliber 186 stands as a fully equipped vintage chronograph movement featuring three timing registers and a practical date window. Designed for function and built on Landeron’s proven cam-based platform, it offered advanced utility to a broad audience. Today, it remains a hidden gem for collectors, representing the era when mechanical chronographs became powerful tools—without the luxury price tag.