Wow, what an unusual ladies' rose gold wristwatch! It is what we would call "retro" today. During the 1930s, the Art Deco style was in full bloom and this watch takes inspiration from the angular geometry and elongated forms of the era. Make sure you take a look at the "Zoom-In" views of this beautiful case--the shot of the side view tells the story perfectly. The case swoops up from the base to a plateau that holds 7 rubies at the top and at the bottom of the dial. On top of each of the lugs themselves sit three diamonds and, as if this is not enough, the entire case is 18k solid rose gold with a matching beaded rose gold band. The case measures 12mm in width (not including the crown) by 38mm lug to lug, by 10mm thick.
Now, take a look at the crystal... it follows the curved arch of the case and amplifies the look of the silvered dial. In addition to all of this, the Arabic numerals on the dial are mirrored gold. The 15 jewel Swiss movement is performing perfectly and our one-year warranty will allow you to buy with confidence. We've never seen another like it!
Every once and awhile, a watch crosses our path that we have never seen before. That is certainly the case here. This is an Eloga Bracelet Watch. Yes, we have had this brand before, but never this configuration, and that is because it is a custom designed watch made from ladies' slide chain slides that adorned the slide chains for ladies pendant watches from the late 1890s.
The company had its origins in 1917, when Fritz and Hans Spahr started a watch-making concern in Lengnau in Berne, Switzerland - a very bold step in the midst of the First World War. During this turbulent period of history the Swiss watch-making industry continued to gain headway both qualitatively and quantitatively, and the timepieces produced by the Spahr brothers under the name Eloga gained in prestige.
Fritz Spahr junior became managing director after his father retired, and with the support of his uncle he displayed the necessary courage and perseverance required to build a new factory in 1941, in the dark days of the Second World War. Built near the train station in Lenglau, the premises were ultra-modern and met the demands of the increasingly sophisticated manufacturing methods.
It was not long before the younger Spahr’s solid training, professional skills and experience contributed to the growth and diversification of the company’s production of wrist watches. He mastered to perfection artistic and scientific timepieces, from sophisticated and sumptuously adorned ladies’ watches to high-calibre and complex sporting men’s watches.
It was in this era that the trade press named Eloga as one of the leading specialists in sports watches, with the diver’s model receiving particular acclaim. Fritz Spahr junior continued to guide the company with his customary brilliance and foresight until his premature death in 1965.
A Woman at the Helm
His widow, Grety Spahr, next took over the company’s reins, expertly shouldering all her husband’s responsibilities. With the help of daughter Gisela a new day dawned for Eloga watches, with the women offering more feminine and graceful Eloga watches. They ultimately launched the production of luxury watches for a more sophisticated European clientele.
Eloga, the Diamond watch
Allowing their imaginations free rein, the Eloga women designed and created innumerable elegant Eloga watch designs, from diamond-studded brooch watches to bracelet jewelry, like the one we are presenting here, containing a concealed timepiece. Eloga watches fascinated women across Europe and over the Atlantic and the emergence of infinitely more varied and daring designs garnered many adherents in the prestigious world society. The company moved ahead by using high-grade diamonds and other precious gems. Eloga became acclaimed for its unique collection of jewelled watches, while the longevity and reliability means that an Eloga timepiece is truly of timeless value.
When Father Time was first getting started, circa 1979, it was the fashion for ladies to collect Victorian Slides and have them made into bracelets. During Victorian times, ladies wore small pocket watches on a chain around their neck and the chain had a small slide that the owner could move up or down the chain to adapt to different collar configurations. This is where these slides came from. Some fashionable woman at Eloga wanted to combine the look of the Victorian Slide Bracelets to give this watch a unique appearance. This is the result. The Eloga movement is from the mid-1950s. The unique combination of these two styles have made a truly stunning and unique watch. It is also unusual because it is all 14K solid gold. There were many gold-filled slides but not too many 14K solid gold ones. So, the original hunt for these slides must have taken a long time. Take time to notice that the slides contain an amethyst, a cabochon coral, a ruby, a tiger's eye, 2 cameos, two emeralds, two garnets, and 4 seed pearls... what more could you want? The icing on the cake however is the spring loaded enameled gold cap that makes the watch into a hunting case (where the dial is hidden under the lid). It also has a unique framework around the watch head that sports 4 blue sapphires. The owner would lift the beautiful enameled portrait lid to reveal the watch dial. Once the time was discerned the lid would snap back into place covering the dial and the bracelet would be displayed with no hint of the watch evident. Quite dramatic! If you or your loved one wants something unique then this may be the watch for you. One one-year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with confidence.
Elgin was the largest watch manufacturer in the world and when this solid gold Elgin multi-color hunter was made, circa 1918, in Elgin, Illinois and they were dominating the pocket watch market. Their popularity was due to the fact that they made a very reliable and accurate timepiece for a reasonable amount of money. This one is a 16 size, box hinge, that was carried traditionally by men, as it was the standard size for everyday use. The case is a 14k, solid gold, multi-color, box hinge, beauty that was the pinnacle of solid gold pocket watches. On the solid gold case lids you can see yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and green gold in a fantastic foliate design on the front cover and a multi-color stag in the center of the back lid. With the addition of the classic white porcelain dial, it makes for a winning combination! The movement, which is as clean as a whistle, is a 3/4 plate, 17 jewel, nickel movement, an engineering marvel, that is running perfectly. The porcelain dial is in excellent condition and is a good contrast for the blued steel, spade-style hands. Also, take note of the bow. It is what we term a "stirrup" bow that was very desirable. The case measures 48mm in diameter, by 66mm top to bottom, by 12mm thick. Remember, all of our timepieces come with our one-year warranty for parts and labor, so that you may buy with confidence.
This is one of the "Art Deco" 17 jewel, open face Howards that was made circa 1924. It has an original box and papers that are from the era but, do not exactly match the serial number. My guess is that there were two watches purchased and the boxes got switched at some time in the past because the serial numbers are so close. Nevertheless, it is an original box with original papers. It is a 12 size (measuring 46mm in width by 59mm from the case bottom to the top of the bow), white gold filled, "Extra" case (the thickest gold filled case made) and the case condition is wonderful. Our head watchmaker has it winding, setting, and keeping time just as it did 100 years ago!
What really makes it sing, however, is the "Art Deco" silvered dial. It is just a thing of beauty that is doubly accented by the pierced, blued steel hands, the engraved pendant, the stylized numerals, and the unusual bow shape. This fabulous case contains a Series Seven that is in pristine condition. Howard has a sterling reputation for quality and this watch is no exception. We warranty all of our timepieces for one year, for parts and labor, so that you may buy with confidence. It can be yours.
Howard was the Rolls Royce of American pocket watches at the end of the 1800s and they were the standard by which all other companies were measured. The Boston based E. Howard & Co. introduced the first "quick beat" train to American watchmaking and were also the first company to produce, and market, a stem winding watch in the U.S. as well as the first to adjust timing to all 6 positions. Yes, they were an amazing company who led the American pocket watch onslaught with great panache. By 1902, Howard was purchased by the Keystone Watch Case Company and they carried on the great Howard tradition. Their watches were marked "E. Howard Watch Co. Boston U.S.A." All their watches were cased and timed at the factory and came as complete watches only, unlike the earlier Howard company who contracted with as many as 23 different companies to fabricate cases for them. The production was terminated in 1930 after having made only about 650,000 complete watches. If you compare this total with Elgin, who made roughly 55,000,000 over 100 years of production time, you can see why the Howard watch is scarce today. This particular Howard is as nice as they get for a twelve size, open face Series Seven, 17 jewel. It sports Breguet style, blued steel, "Lunette" hands (including the second hand), Roman numerals, a porcelain dial, and a wonderfully simple, plain polish case that was the thickest gold-filled case made. The "Extra" designation that you can see on the interior of the case back lets the user know that it is guaranteed to wear permanently. Gold filled cases were rated in terms of years of wear provided. This is a yellow gold filled case that is real classic. Normally, one can see the year designations of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years inscribed on the case but, rarely the term "Extra" which meant it was the thickest amount of gold that could be used while still having the more rigid base metal on the interior of the case. Very, very few of these cases were made, since it was a very costly proposition to produce one. Add to all of this the fact that the case is a "book style, swing-out" case in fantastic condition. We think that this watch was rarely used over its lifetime and you only have to look at the tiny, beaded rim on the case covers to see what we mean. The beading is still beautiful in its simplicity. This may be your chance to own a Howard that is easy to carry in modern clothing, stunning in its appearance, and in fantastic running condition. Remember all of our timepieces come with our famous one-year warranty for parts and labor so that you may buy with confidence.
If you are a regular here at the Father Time site you already know that we believe that Hamilton was the best manufacturer in America. Not only were they the best in terms of total quality, they were also very competitive. In the late 1930s and early 1940s, the watch company designers were focused on making slightly larger and longer wristwatches. The rectangular shape was in style and there were many riffs on this theme. This particular Hamilton "Donald" is one of the real classic looks in solid yellow gold that they produced in 1941. Its solid gold case measures 28mm in width by 36mm lug to lug. The silvered dial sports applied gold Arabic numerals, gold "dagger" hands, and a brown lizard band with a 14k solid gold buckle completes the look. The 19 jewel movement is in pristine condition and is winding, setting, and keeping time just as it should. This is the kind of dress watch that you can own for a lifetime...don't miss it!
Longines has been a mover and shaker in the watch world since its inception in Saint-Imier, Switzerland in 1832. Founded by Auguste Agassiz, Longines has been a steady beacon for timekeeping. This watch is representative of their quality and robustness in the market. It was made circa 1972 and executed in brushed stainless steel case, with a charcoal dial and applied stainless steel bar markers at the chapters, and a date window at the 3 o'clock position. The model is the "Conquest" Automatic (self winding) with a central sweep seconds hand. The case measures 37 mm in width by 40 mm lug to lug and it sports a minimally stitched, 18 mm, textured, brown leather band. The movement is a 25 jewel workhorse that will give you great service for generations to come. This is a model we have never had the privilege to own before, due to its scarcity in the market. What really caught our attention, other than its great looks, is the pristine condition of the case, dial, and movement. This is as nice as it gets... what a handsome watch...and it can be yours. Remember all of our watches come with our famous one-year warranty for parts and labor so that you may buy with confidence.
We here at Father Time Antiques are very lucky in that we currently have two Hamilton "Top Hat" diamond dial watches! It is rare for us to get even one within a ten year period. The case is 14K solid white gold and measures 38mm long by 25mm wide. It has a dramatic diamond dial markers with diamond encrusted numerals at the cardinal points. Additionally, it has a row of 5 diamonds just above and 5 diamonds just below the dial opening. This is really a spectacular statement on the wrist!
Hamilton made some very dramatic looking watches in the 1950s and this one is exceptional for its era, circa 1954. The diamond dial Hamiltons were just spectacular in their appearance and very "Art Deco" in their design. Notice the diamond filled 12, 3, & 9 and the slash set diamond markers with solid white gold bezels at all of the other chapters. The unusual case measures 38mm lug to lug, by 25mm wide by 9mm thick (including the crystal). This is what is called a "hooded lug," where the band actually goes up under the case edge however this style with the "Diamond Dial" is usually called called a "Top Hat" which refers to its dress watch heritage. The case lugs are segmented on top of the lug attachment in a nice "Art Deco" configuration. You will know that you have something special on your wrist when you strap this one on. The case is 14K solid white gold and in excellent condition. Our master watchmaker has this watch winding smoothly, setting easily, and keeping time like the day it left the Hamilton factory at Lancaster, PA. The movement is a 22 jewel caliber 770 that is a joy to see as the balance wheel oscillates. If you have been waiting for an unusual and intriguing diamond dial this may be the watch for you! Don't let it get away... we have only one! Don't forget, all of our watches come with a one year parts and labor warranty.
LeCoultre is a legendary Swiss watch manufacturer and everything they turned their hand to was perfection. Their reputation and status stemmed from the many inventions that they produced. Founded in 1833, they invented a machine to cut steel pinions for watches and went on to produce hundreds of inventions and thousands of calibers in the years since. One of the most impressive accomplishments, achieved in 1844, was the invention of the Millionmeter, the world's most precise measuring instrument. In 1847, they invented a device that did away with key winding and by 1866, they were the first manufacturer under one roof in the Valle de Joux.
We here at Father Time have had a good number of gentlemen's LeCoultre wristwatches over our years in the business, but we have never seen this one before... and what a handsome men's dress watch it is! Raise a toast--this watch deserves it! It has a 14k solid gold case that measures 37 mm in diameter, which was especially large for the era and earns it the "oversize" designation. It has hidden lugs too, where the band ends are not visible, attaching out of sight. Notice the broad band of gold that surrounds the dial... no skimping here.
The silvered dial sports its original finish and it has a great looking patina that speaks to its age, circa 1955. It provides just enough contrast to the bands of gold -- even more so than are apparent in the photos! The applied chapter markers are a unique shape, with the markers at the 12, 3, 6, & 9 o'clock positions being distinguished as smaller teardrop shapes. The "12", "3", and "9" applied Arabic numerals anchor those cardinal points, where the round seconds bit at the 6 o'clock position echoes the overall round case shape. The inner band of gold between the chapter markings and the numerals carries plots of gold and functions as the minute track.
The 17 jewel, caliber 480 manual wind movement is in fantastic condition winding, setting, and keeping time just like it did when it was new. If you are looking for a really nice, solid gold dress watch then this may be the one that steals your heart! Remember, all of our timepieces come with our famous one-year warranty, for parts and labor, so that you may buy with confidence.
This is a large (18 size) Hampden, 15 jewel, in a 4 oz. coin silver hunting case. The case is in great shape and the engraving is still pretty crisp while the cartouche is unengraved! We love to find them when they have not been personalized! That means that the cartouche can be engraved with your initials and become your family heirloom!
Hampden was an American watch company that held forth in Springfield, Massachusetts, starting in 1877 and later in Canton, Ohio by 1889. This watch, a Series I, 15 jewel, was key wind and key set. It was made circa 1879... a very early piece. Additionally, it bears the name H. Weidemann of Chicago which makes it a "jeweler's contract" watch. If you were a jeweler in Victorian times and you wanted to market your own brand of watch, you could "contract" with Hampden and many other watch manufacturers to have your name put on the movement (and sometimes the dial), provided that you met the minimum purchase requirement. That way you could be assured that your customers were getting a quality watch for which there was good engineering and an ample supply of parts.
This particular watch is in great shape and is a strong runner. It winds, sets, and runs with great accuracy. Remember all of our timepieces come with our famous one-year warranty for parts and labor so that you may buy with confidence.
Once in a great while, a watch comes along that makes the heart of an aficionado sing. The Gubelin company made a wonderful watch and this one is stellar among their production. It is a complicated triple date with moon-phase in an 18K solid gold case that was made for their best customers, circa 1954. The dial of the watch shows the date by means of a red tipped hand that points at the date indices just inside of the chapters. The day of the week is shown in a window just below the twelve o'clock position and, in a window next to it, is the month. The phases of the moon appear in a crescent just above the six o'clock position. There is additionally a central red sweep second hand. All of the complications can be advanced manually by means of buttons on the case sides. The case itself is a classic square with quite a bit of heft and stylized teardrop lugs. This complicated movement is running and keeping time like the day it was made. The movement is a 25 jewel automatic mechanical work of art. The automatic feature is great for wearing everyday and it ensures that this accurate time keeper is constantly wound and right on the money. The 18K solid gold case measures 45mm lug to lug, by 32mm wide, by 15mm thick. This is a real man's timepiece that was made for the guy that wants something special. Don't forget all of our timepieces come with our famous one-year parts and labor warranty!
We don't see a lot of these Mathey enamel ladies pockets, especially in this condition, but when we do we acquire them. This one is a 13 jewel key wind, key set beauty in 14K solid gold hunting case that has enamel on both sides in a lovely portrait and reverse pattern. The enamel work is not only beautiful, but in wonderful condition. This watch was undoubtedly made for someone of high station in life. A real jewel-in-the-crown of your collection. Fully restored and warrantied for one year so that you may buy with confidence. We have only one. So, don't miss it!