Official Watch of the Italian State Railways, 1961
From 1927, every Italian State Railways conductor and stationmaster carried a Perseo.
Perseo was established in 1927 as the official timepiece of the Ferrovie dello Stato - Italy's national railway network. At Mussolini's decree, the Swiss manufacturer Cortebert of La Chaux-de-Fonds supplied their movements under the Italian name "Perseo," making them the heartbeat of Italian rail for decades. Cortebert also supplied movements to Rolex - this is not a generic factory movement.
This example carries a Cortebert Calibre 160, 17 jewels, in a stainless steel open-face case. The three-star Perseo mark sits at 12 o'clock - the house trademark. The caseback is engraved with an SF monogram and reference number 216161, marking this as a personalised piece from its original owner.
It runs well, winds and sets correctly. The white lacquer dial is in perfect condition. A piece of Italian railway history, still keeping time.
