Once and a while, a watch comes along that makes the heart of a true aficionado sing... this is just such a watch! While Tiffany did not make any of their own watches, they hired only the best-of-the-best to do just that! This wonderful oval ladies Tiffany was made by the prestigious Blancpain-Rayville watch company. The founder of the brand, Johan-Jacques Blancpain, initiated the manufacture of watches circa 1735 in Villeret, Switzerland. He was working out of the second story of his house in the present day Bernese, Jura. By 1815, Frederic-Louis Blancpain, the great grandson of Jehan-Jacques (the founder) modernized production methods that allowed serial production. By the second half of the 19th century they built a two-story factory by the river Suze, employing the water power (for electricity) to aid production. By 1926 they merged with Harwood and marketed the first automatic wristwatch. By 1932 the firm ownership had passed to two staff members who had been close to the family. It was then that they were obliged to change the name due to the law at the time. The firm would be called Rayville S.A. succ de Blancpain, "Rayville" being a phonetic anagram of Villerret. The identity of the manufacturer was maintained even though it was under a new name. This ladies watch came along in 1959 and was proudly sold by Tiffany. By this time, Rayville-Blancpain was producing over 100,000 watches per year.
Needless to say, this is a stellar ladies watch executed in sterling silver with an unusual hoop band that hooks and unhooks at the lug ring for ease of donning and comfortable wearing. It is in fantastic condition and even sports a blue sapphire cap jewel in the winding crown. The oval case and dial are stunning and quite unusual. The case measures 25 mm at the widest part of the oval (not including the crown), by 22 mm top to bottom (not including the ring lugs), by 8 mm thick (including the crystal). The blue sapphire atop the crown is the icing on the cake. If you wear this one in public you will attract envious glances! It is a real winner. Our head watchmaker has the 17 jewel movement winding, setting, and keeping time just as it did over 64 years ago....don't miss it...we have only one!
The year 1957 was a landmark year for design. This is when everything that came off the designer's drawing board was unusual and it seemed like every other product that came along was futuristic in design. Such was the Elgin "Direct Reading" Jump Hour. These were made in three different cases, although the 21 jewel Cal. 719 movement was common to them all.
Elgin, the world's largest watch manufacturer, was on the cutting edge of innovative watch design. This was a time of exaggerated fins on automobiles and ducktail hairdos. So, Elgin designers wanted a watch that would take your imagination. They produced a series of what they called "Direct Readers". One was the rectangular shape that later became famous as "The Elvis", one was in a round dimpled case called the "Golf Ball", and this one is the round and smooth version in what you might call a "Chevron" configuration.
The yellow gold filled case measures 32 mm in diameter (not including the crown) by 9 mm thick. The surface of the watch has a smooth finish that is very reminiscent of "Space Age" styling of the late 1950's. It is a delight to wear and display on your wrist, and your friends will be wanting to get a closer look at how it functions.
Our head watchmaker has it winding, setting, and jumping just as it did in 1957. When you peer through the triangular window, just below the watch center, you will see a large number (the hour) with a disc of smaller numbers underneath the hour. This is the "Wandering Minutes" track that rotates to indicate the passing of the minutes. When the 60-minute mark is reached the next hour "jumps" into the window for yet another hour on display. The crucial test of the proper service for one of these watches is the sharp jumping of the hour disc when the hour changes. Ours jumps to attention just like it should. This one is quite spiffy! If you want a watch that you won't see walking up and down the street, don't miss this one. It is special! Our one year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with confidence.
The Tudor trademark was registered in 1926 by Swiss watchmaking company Veuve de Philippe Hüther on behalf of Hans Wilsdorf, founder of Rolex watches. In 1936, Wilsdorf took it over and went on to found the company Montres Tudor SA in 1946.
Tudor's purpose was to offer a more affordable watch than Rolex while maintaining Rolex-like quality. Tudor watches were originally equipped with off-the-shelf movements paired with Rolex cases and bracelets, allowing Tudor to provide reliability and quality while achieving its price goals.
Tudor debuted its Oyster collection in the mid-forties, featuring a waterproof Oyster case previously exclusive to Rolex. In 1952, Tudor released its first self-winding model, the Prince, which used a Rolex self-winding mechanism. 26 Tudor Oyster Princes, like this one, were included in the 1952 British scientific expedition to Greenland.
The adoption of the Oyster case and self-winding rotor facilitated Tudor's move into the production of tool watches. The French Navy was involved in field research for a Tudor diving watch from the 1960s to the mid-1980s.
This "Tudor Oyster/Prince" is in a stainless steel case that measures 43 mm in diameter (without the crown), by 41 mm lug to lug, by 10 mm thick (including the crystal). It is in great condition and looks fantastic on the wrist. Our head watchmaker has it winding, setting, and keeping time just as it did when it came to these shores way back in 1952.
If you want Rolex quality at an affordable price then this may be the watch for you...don't miss it. Our one year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to purchase this wonderful watch without any worries.
Movado is a Swiss manufacturer known for its "Museum Watch". Designed in 1947, by Bauhaus-influenced artist Nathan George Horwitt, the watch dial has a very simple design where the dial is defined by a solitary dot at 12, symbolizing the sun at high noon, but Movado also made some very nice watches that are of superior quality...this is one of those. It is a gentleman's wristwatch from the "Roaring Twenties". Some Movado watch models have Esperanto names such as Bela ("beautiful"), Belamodo ("beautiful fashion"), Fiero ("pride"), Brila ("brilliant"), Linio ("line"), and Verto. The company's name means "movement" in Esperanto.
This wonderful Movado is one we have never before seen after being in business for over 42 years. It is a Two-Tone Case in 14K yellow and white gold, with stepped case edges. The vertical surfaces are yellow gold and the horizontal surfaces are white gold. This gives it a great looking contrast that just cannot be conveyed in the photos. It sports its original dial finish that has a perfect patina and a great vintage look. The case measures 25 mm side to side (not including the crown), by 43 mm Lug to lug, by 10 mm thick (including the crystal).
The 15 movement is in excellent running condition and our head watchmaker has it setting, winding, and keeping time just as it did when it came from the Movado Factory way back in 1925. This is a very special watch that could be on your wrist! Our one year warranty, for parts and labor, will allow you to purchase it with complete confidence. We have only one so do'nt miss it!
Hamilton had military contracts with not only the American government, but also the British Ministry of Defense. In 1973, they made this wonderful Hamilton W-10, 17 jewel, mechanical watch with "Hacking Seconds." This is a device that interrupts the motion of the balance wheel when you pull out the crown, thereby stopping the timekeeping ability of the watch. Once the signal is given to "synchronize your watches soldiers," everyone would push in the crown on their watches to instantly start-up at the same second so that the maneuvers could be coordinated with split-second accuracy. This particular watch came from the Ministry of Defense in Britain, after the Falklands adventure, when they were switching over to quartz watches. It had been kept in storage for the last 49 years. So, it has not been used or abused since that time. We have had our head watchmaker put it in excellent running condition, so that it will be ready for your next adventure. These watches were designed with a very robust, stainless steel case, in a matte finish that is non-reflective. The case measures 36 mm in diameter (not including the crown) by 41 mm lug-to-lug, by 10mm thick (including the crystal). It is fitted with a 17 jewel, Swiss ETA 2750 which was a revolutionary type of movement that was manufactured with fewer components, which made it tougher, so less could go wrong. Added to that is the fact that it has a larger mainspring barrel that gives it a 50-hour running time compared to the standard 30-hour longevity. The Caliber 649 Movement beats at 21,600 BPH and is therefore more accurate than the standard 18,000 BPH. The MOD specified the use of this movement and Hamilton put their fine-tuning to work, making it even better. It was a real "workhorse!"
It has a tonneau shaped case that was the standard issue for the RAF, Army, and Navy, from 1973 to 1980. This particular watch was an Army-issue that is identical to the Navy and RAF watches. The black dial bears the Hamilton signature, the circled "T" indicates the lume is tritium (although no longer glowing) and the "Broad Arrow" indicates that it was the property of the Crown and finally "Swiss Made" indicating the origin of the movement. Make sure you notice the "Gladiator Style" sword hands... they give it a real "Warrior" look. It has the typical, solid and fixed bars which are welded into place, making them super secure. We have fitted it with a very nice black NATO band, just like the original. What's not to like here? Nothing! This handsome watch can be yours... just give us a call to reserve it for you. Our one-year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with complete abandon!
One of our all time favorite brands here at Father Time Antiques is Omega, and this Omega is no exception. Made circa 1964, this Solid White Gold Diamond Dial is in excellent running condition, and is a very handsome watch as well. The 17 jewel movement is running, winding, and keeping time just as it did when new. Make sure you take notice of the "Zoom-In" views where you will see the pink gold plating that Omega coated its movements with to prevent oxidation for a hundred years. This is one of their hallmarks.
The silvered dial gives it an elegant appearance when played off the high polish silver hash markers at the hours, with double diamonds at the cardinal points. The 14K solid white gold case is in near perfect condition and bears none of the gouges that one normally sees on a watch of this age. The case measures 28 mm wide (without the crown) by 31 mm lug to lug, by 6 mm thick (including the crystal).
The 17 jewel, manual wind movement is equally as nice and our master watchmakers have it running, winding and keeping time just as it did back in 1964. We think that this is a classic look that Omega did so well. If you are tired of the giant over-sized monsters that are common fare today and you want an elegant precision dress watch, then this may be the one for you. These rarely survive in this condition, so don't miss it! All of our timepieces are covered by our famous one year warranty for parts and labor so that you may buy with confidence.
Hans Wisdorf, the founder of Rolex, had the brilliant idea way back in 1911 to register the "Marconi" name even before the Rolex name was patented. It was a stroke of marketing genius because in 1901 Guglielmo Marconi had demonstrated that radio waves could be used as a means of communication...and radio was born! This brand new technology excited the general public to no end. The registry of the "Marconi" name for Rolex was immediately associated with the invention and it had the desired effect. The "Marconi" watches really took off in the 1920's. The best, and most expensive, movements were used for that model but in limited quantities. It is interesting that because of the "Marconi" line, which were sold by only the most exclusive dealers, Rolex gained a reputation for accuracy and reliability. You could say the "Marconi" put Rolex on the map!
This Rolex "Marconi" is a great example of the appeal they had. It is just stunning to view with its two-tone dial and stylized Roman Numerals. The case is rose gold filled with a stainless steel back for wearing longevity. It measures 33 mm in diameter (not including the crown), by 38 mm lug to lug, by 9 mm thick (including the crystal). A nice size watch for its era. The 17 jewel movement is winding, setting, and keeping time just as it did when it crossed the pond from Switzerland way back in 1920. It is an "Art Deco" piece of wrist art that can be yours for not too much dough. Our one year warranty, for parts and labor, will allow you to buy with confidence...don't miss it!
This Omega "Dynamic" is in like-new condition. The case is stainless steel and measures 41mm at its widest point by 45mm lug to lug. The condition is wonderful (after more than 50 years), and the configuration is spectacular. The movement is the classic Cal. 1481, a 21 jewel automatic, that is in fantastic condition. It is winding, setting and keeping time like the great timepiece it is.
Note the two-tone dial, contrasting steel hands, markers, and the dramatic red/orange sweep second hand. The oval shaped case really gives it the look of the era with a date window at the three o'clock position to boot. You also have easy access to setting the date by simply pushing in on the crown to set -- easy peasy. The solid stainless case back shows none of the egregious case opener marks that you often see on used models, because this one is pristine. Notice the cool brushed factory finish on the case the integrated stainless steel band. Everything about this watch screams "put me on your wrist"! It's hard to resist as there is something very tactile about the case and classically smooth concentric dial design. Don't miss it!
Hamilton was at their peak when they pioneered the first electric watch in America. It was the Hamilton "Ventura," designed by Richard Arbib. The "Ventura" was made in 14K solid gold and, because it was expensive, they also produced a two-tone yellow and white gold-filled version called the Hamilton "Pacer." This watch is a "Pacer" with a fantastic original black dial, in great condition. The unusual shape of the case gives it that out-of-this-world look that is a real eye catcher. The triangular portion of the case is executed in yellow gold-fill, while the lugs are white gold-filled--a stunning combination! The hand configuration and the red tip at the end of the sweep second hand complete the look. The gold hands are a great contrast with the sleek black dial. The case measures 35 mm in width by 45 mm lug to lug, by 12 mm thick.
This watch has the original "500" movement, circa 1958, that required a cutting edge battery which was developed in conjunction with the National Carbon Company (later Union Carbide). Hamilton had developed a movement that allowed the use of intermittent pulses from the battery to power the motion of the balance wheel, thereby eliminating the need for a mainspring. We have restored this piece of horological history and our watch makers have it running like the proverbial top. Our one-year warranty will allow you to buy with confidence. This ain't no hound dog!
Omega is a legendary watch manufacturer. Not only did they make wristwatches, but pocket watches as well. With today's larger standards for case size, this Pocket Watch-to-Wristwatch Conversion stands out as an exemplary piece. It is a 15 jewel, 19 lignes, gilded movement in its original stainless steel case from 1935. At some point afterwards, the lugs were applied and the watch was re-dialed with the military-style dial and hands you see here. You get the best of both worlds: a watch that was made nearly 100 years ago, but with a style and size that suits today's tastes.
The flat black dial, with red and white accents, is so handsome that you can't wait to put it on your wrist. It displays the minutes in a large format as the first concentric chapter. This makes it very easy to see your timed mission vitals. The inner dial carries the conventional Arabic Numerals for times when you are not engaged in a life and death struggle. The seconds bit is located at the 9 o'clock position (instead of the 6 o'clock position) for an unusual look. At 12 o'clock there is the ubiquitous military red triangle with red dots at either side. The hands are luminous, with a sustained glow-in-the-dark contrast after dark. The large original "onion" crown completes the look.
The case measures 48 mm in diameter (not including the crown), by 59mm from lug to lug, by 11 mm thick (including the crystal). Yes, it is a big puppy! On the reverse you can see a plain polish back, and the slender case is easy to wear on the wrist. Inside you will see a three-quarter plate movement that is as clean as a whistle and running like the proverbial top with the high-quality Omega performance you would expect! It is a joy to behold. Our one year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with confidence. Don't miss, we have only one!
Omega is a legendary watch manufacturer. Not only did they make wristwatches, but pocket watches as well. With today's larger standards for case size, this Pocket Watch-to-Wristwatch Conversion stands out as an exemplary piece. It is a 15 jewel, 19 lignes, gilded movement, in a modern, stainless steel case with a display back. Here you have the best of both worlds....a watch that was made after the first World War but was later adapted for the wrist. The flat black dial is so handsome that you can't wait to put it on your wrist. It displays the minutes in a large format as the first concentric chapter. This makes it very easy to see your timed mission vitals. The inner dial carries the conventional Arabic Numerals for times when you are not engaged in a life and death struggle. The seconds bit is located at the nine o'clock position for an unusual look. At the 12 o'clock position there is the ubiquitous military triangle with a dot at either side. The hands and numerals are all luminous, with a sustained glow-in-the-dark contrast after dark. There is a large brass crown that completes the look.
The case measures 48 mm in diameter (not including the crown), by 56 mm from lug to lug, by 16 mm thick (including the crystal). Yes, it is a big puppy! On the reverse you can see the gilded movement through the display back. You will see a three-quarter plate engine that is as clean as a whistle and running like the proverbial top. It is a joy to behold.
Our one year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with confidence. Don't miss, we have only one!
Waltham was a wonderful and prolific watch manufacturer located in Waltham, Ma. and they were in business from 1851 to 1957, in various iterations. Their earlier efforts, circa 1850, in Roxbury, Massachusetts resulted in the Howard, Dennison & Davis moniker. Later the name changed to Boston Watch Company, then Appleton, Tracey, & Co., then The American Watch Co., and finally the Waltham Watch Company. They were one of the giants of the industry and second largest only to Elgin. This particular Waltham is in a "Tip Out", sterling silver case and is the only one we have ever had in sterling after being in the business for over 42 years. Not only is it in a very desirable case, but it is also an "Up/Dn Winding Indicator."
The "Winding Indicator" is one of the most desirable watches for railroad engineers because they can see at a glance how much reserve is left on their mainspring. There is a subsidiary dial (at the 12 o'clock position) which indicates how many hours are left in reserve for the use of the timekeeping ability of the movement. This is a 23 jewel (the top grade), 3/4 quarter plate, nickel movement that is in fantastic condition. It is housed in a sterling silver case that measures 53 mm in diameter, by 76 mm (from the case bottom to the top of the bow), by 14 mm thick (including the crystal). The porcelain dial is in fantastic condition showing not only the Up/Dn indicator sub dial at the 12 o'clock position, but also the seconds bit at the six o'clock position. This very interesting railroad pocket watch can be yours. We have only one in this configuration....don't miss it!