Benrus is often underestimated as a brand. They made really nice watches (as you can see here), but are often overlooked in favor of more expensive ones. We think this is a tragedy, because Benrus watches are great looking and well-made!
This particular Benrus has a highly engraved "clipped corner case", typical of the Art Deco period. The case is 18k solid white gold while the band is white gold-filled. The case measures 17 mm wide (not including the crown), by 32 mm lug-to-lug, by 8 mm thick (including the crystal). The crown is graced with a blue sapphire cabochon that really compliments the plume shape blued steel hands. The silvered dial is in great shape, with the proper patina we'd expect of a watch this age. It has an interesting engraved dial center that echos the case engraving.
The band is almost harder to find than the watch, but it really makes the look sing. It is an expansion band with a pierced floral motif on the links and that fits about a 6" wrist, with some additional expansion available. There is some brassing, which shows that it was worn and loved, but it doesn't detract from the overall effect. In my imagination, I can conjure a Flapper from the 1920's sporting this watch to pair with a fabulous dress. Our watchmakers have this 15 jewel beauty winding, setting, and keeping time just the way Benrus intended 100 years ago. For not much dough, this cool solid gold watch can reside on your wrist and be kept for generations to come. Remember, all of our watches come with our famous one year warranty for parts and labor so that you can buy with confidence.
Gruen is one of our favorite brands here at Father Time and this watch is representative of why we are enamored of this company. First, the shape is a classic square with a slight beveled bezel at the corners. Secondly, the dial is the model of subtle design. It sports a beautiful silvered dial with a satin finish and a slightly-recessed seconds bit (at the six o'clock position) that has a "gun sight crosshair" configuration. There are elongated "parallelogram" applied hour markers in between the Arabic numerals at the cardinal points, all in a matching gold-tone. They are perfectly complimented by the "dagger" hands, for a clean look that is easy to read.
The yellow gold-plated case (with stainless steel back for wearing longevity) measures 28 mm wide (not including the crown), by 34 mm lug to lug, by 10 mm thick (including the crystal). The Cal. 415R, 17 jewel movement is winding, setting, and keeping time just as it did way back in 1969. It is a manual wind movement with a 41 hour power reserve. By this time, Gruen was manufacturing all of its watches in Switzerland, although its heritage as a great American watchmaker was still well known.
This "Precision" watch is a great timekeeper that you will be able to rely on every day. Here is a really nice example of Gruen's later production that won't break the bank. Our one-year warranty for parts and labor, will allow you to own it with confidence.
The Ball name is legendary in the Railroad lexicon of great watches and great American watchmakers. "Wear a Ball and Time Them All" was the tag line that Ball used for their Railroad pocket watches... and it stuck. As a matter of fact, when they were producing pocket watches, they were so dependable that the phrase "On the Ball" was coined as a reference to their accuracy.
When the pocket watch was in decline, there was still a need for very accurate timepieces and that is why a line of Ball Railroad wristwatches were developed. Their attributes are very similar to the Railroad pocket watches in that they had to be very readable and very accurate. This watch certainly fills the bill with its white enamel dial, black hands, red sweep second hand, and 25 jewel automatic movement. The bold Arabic numerals are also a feature that we saw on earlier pocket watches for ease of reading, along with the minute track along the outer edge of the dial. As an added reference, an inner track of red Arabic numerals specify the time according to the 24 hour clock -- a feature not commonly found on similarly styled pocket watches.
The script "RR" logo underneath the 12 o'clock position is now the Ball "railroad" logo. The "Official Standard" words above the 6 o'clock position speak to the history of when Webb C. Ball implemented the first widely accepted system for regulating timekeeping for the industry in 1891.
To speak to the watch's accuracy, notice the 25 jewel automatic movement that is running like the proverbial top. It is a high-grade Swiss movement that was adjusted in 5 positions to account for the physical variations the watch is likely to see throughout the day. It also has a "hacking seconds" feature to allow for precise time coordination. Its inner cover inside the case back also helps to seal the movement and protect it against particulates.
The handsome brushed stainless steel case measures 34 mm in diameter (without the crown), by 40 mm lug to lug, with a thickness of 11 mm. Its "cushion case" style certainly speaks to its 70's origins while still maintaining modern appeal. We have fitted it with an 18 mm stitched and padded black shark skin band for wearing longevity.
With our one year warranty for parts and labor you can buy with confidence and this cool "Ball Trainmaster" can be yours!
Gruen was a premier watch manufacturer and was, perhaps, one of the companies that you wanted to emulate if you were in the business of making wristwatches. Everything they put their hand to was first-rate. They were the inventors of the "Curvex," a revolutionary, curved watch from the late 1930s. Gruen held the patent on the curved movement, but they also made fine timepieces that contained flat movements.
This Gruen is their Doctor's Watch that has the same movement that Rolex used in their Doctor's Watch. Gruen had a factory in Switzerland in conjunction with Rolex where this watch came to life way back in 1938. This factory made movements for both brands. This tells you something about their quality and strict standards. This 10k yellow gold-filled case is in great condition showing only the most minor handling wear. It measures 21 mm in width (not including the crown), by 44 mm from lug to lug, by 9 mm thick (including the crystal)... a nice size for a vintage watch! This is a very handsome Gruen that looks fabulous. The seventeen jewel, Swiss movement is in fantastic condition and our head watchmaker has it setting, winding, and keeping time just as it did when new, over 85 years ago.
It has a spectacular matte, white dial with contrasting gold Arabic Numerals that give this watch great eye appeal and makes the time easy to read. Also, notice the enlarged seconds bit at the 6 o'clock position: it was so the doctor could take a pulse easily. We have had a few of these watches in our 44 years in the business, but not one as nice as this one. Don't miss it! Our one-year warranty for parts and labor, will give you the peace of mind that this wonderful Gruen wristwatch will perform the job for you while it looks great on your wrist!
During WW2, there was a great need for tool watches that met the rigors of harsh environments, both on land and in water. To meet this need the U.S. Navy's Bureau of Ships (BUSHIPS) opened up a contract bidding process that would require a particular manufacturer to produce a "dive" watch. There were three manufacturers that answered the call: Elgin, Bulova, and Hamilton. These three were already producing the A-11 watches that were employed by the military. Now the conundrum was how to make it waterproof. They cleverly met this challenge by fusing the bezel and crystal to the case and by adding a screw-down "cap" to cover the crown. This not only protected the crown, but it also sealed it against water. This became known as the "Canteen". It was used by the UDT teams during WW2 and by Navy personnel in the Korean and Vietnam wars. It became the first ever "Diver's Watch" that was mass produced. This became the foundation of all future dive watches.
The one we have on offer here is in wonderful condition and is running like the proverbial top. The stainless steel case measures 32 mm in diameter (not including the crown), by 40 mm from lug to lug, by 15 mm thick (including the crystal). It houses the original 17 jewel Elgin movement that is in great condition. The manufacturers were not allow to have prominent markings on the dials so they blacked out the company name and the watch designation. If you hold the watch to the light at just the right angle you can read "ELGIN" just below the 12 and "USN BUSHIPS" just above the 6.
The case back also has the "USN BUSHIPS" marking. Once the case back is removed you will see an inner pressure dome that protects from water ingress. You will also see how pristine the movement is. This watch was destined for the Korean war but bears none of the wear, or damage, we normally see on these watches. It is almost like it has been preserved in like new condition for your wrist. We have only one so don't miss it. Our one year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with confidence.
These are near impossible to find now in the correct case, with the correct movement! Because the original configuration is so desirable we are seeing a lot of pretenders coming into the market. This one is all original and has all the proper markings to make it a true Omega "Ranchero". And what a desirable timepiece it is! As you may know, we here at Father Time are high on Omega wristwatches and are especially pumped by this current addition to our inventory....the Omega "Ranchero". This is a watch to conjure with! Take a look at the "Zoom-In" photos to really appreciate this killer wristwatch.
The stainless steel case, measuring 44mm lug to lug, by 12 mm thick (including the crystals), by 36mm in diameter not including the crown, is in very nice condition and it has the proper "Waterproof" markings and reference number. It sports a very nice "distressed" leather band which has an original Omega Logo buckle. The professionally refinished dial has the look of aged tobacco and, contrasted against the flat black dial surface, the markings have a creamy appearance which makes the "Arrowhead" hour hand look even cooler.
Just beneath the 12 is the Greek letter symbol that is the Omega logo and, of course, the Omega name. Underneath the name is the "Ranchero" designation in a neat script and beneath that you can see the "30mm", 17 jewel, movement designation. The hour markers are a great looking coffee color and are interspersed with thin minute hash marks. At the 12, 3, and 9 while Arabic numerals call out the quarter hours. Just above the 6 o'clock position is the sunken seconds bit that mimics the case shape. The movement is clean and functioning perfectly and bears the proper Cal. 267 designation. All these details are spectacular but it is the overall mystique of this "Ranchero" that calls to the prospective owner. Whomever ultimately wears this handsome watch WILL be noticed for their great taste and their understanding of fine timepieces. Remember all of our timepieces come with our famous one year warranty for parts and labor so that you may buy with confidence.
This Gruen is one of the most desirable "Curvexes" ever made--second only to the "Majesty". The two similar models, called the "Majesty" and "The General", are respectively 52mm and 50 or 48 mm long -- the longest "Curvexes" in Gruen's history. Some call them the "Bone to Bone" watches as they stretch from one wrist bone to the other.
This watch, "The General", at 50 mm long, was very popular with movie stars of the 1930's, and is dramatic in its high-arching curve and graceful bowed, tonneau case. This particular watch has all of the dramatic curve of the "Majesty" (just 2 mm shorter) but with the gently curved case sides that make it look even more striking. It measures 22 mm wide (not including the crown), by 50 mm lug to lug, by 9 mm thick at its central point (including the crystal).
The original dial is dramatic, displaying ornate applied gold Arabic numerals on what was once a silver-colored background, but has now turned to a mellow gold color with patina. For the purists out there, this watch has great character! It shows a seconds bit above the 6 o'clock position that echoes the case shape, above which is written the word "Precision". The 14k yellow gold-filled case is in excellent condition and has no personalization to detract. The hands are "lunette" style and add a bit of panache to the entire piece.
The spotless movement displays 17 jewels and is in excellent running condition for a watch made circa 1940. It is winding, setting, and keeping time just as it should. Like all of our watches, it comes with a full one year warranty.
Elgin produced watches in Elgin, Illinois (a Chicago suburb), for over 100 years. They were the largest and most prolific of the American manufacturers and the "Lord Elgin" was their premiere product. It was produced in 19, 21, and 23 jewels. This particular Elgin "Black Knight" is very cool watch in more ways than one. First and foremost, the 21 jewel movement is a thing of mechanical beauty. Second, the "fish scale" black dial is an unusual textural element that adds a lot of interest, highlighted by the original conical crystal. Third, the stylized numerals are very unusual, and fourth, the curved hooded lugs are a very handsome finishing touch!
We also have the original box which is a thing of joy all by itself. It is lined with burgundy velvet and satin. It still even has the original "Black Knight" label and "What you should know about your Elgin" pamphlet to complete the set. A rare find these days!
If you take a look at the "Zoom-In" photos you can almost see the point at the top of the crystal in the side shot. This pointed crystal gives the watch a very futuristic look. You will also notice that there is a symbol just below the Elgin name and this means the watch is fitted with an unbreakable "Durapower" mainspring....quite a feat back in the day. In short this is one killer wristwatch from the 1950s.
The case is 14k yellow gold filled (as stamped on the back) and measures 28 mm in diameter by 38 mm lug to lug, by 11 mm thick (to the top of the conical crystal). This handsome timepiece is in fantastic original condition, running like the proverbial top, and just waiting for a man's wrist to adorn. Remember all of our timepieces come with our famous one year warranty for parts and labor, so that you may buy with confidence.
Do you want a well-made entry level vintage wristwatch that won't break the bank? Then this may be the watch for you! It is from the Clinton Watch Company who started out life in 1922. Clinton was founded by Hyman Wein, a Russian immigrant residing in Chicago in 1922 and named after an area in Chicago, and a ccounty in Illinois.
The movements were not made in-house, but rather reliable, imported Swiss movements which were then assembled and sold in the U.S. under the Clinton name. Their factory was located on South Wabash Avenue, and they assembled watches there as well as in the US Virgin Islands. In 1981, Clinton acquired Benrus and adopted their name, forgoing the "Clinton" brand for good. This may be why it is a lesser-known brand today.
The watch on offer here has a very nice Swiss, 17 jewel, manual wind, shock resistant movement that is running like a top. It is housed in a chrome over brass case that measures 35 mm in diameter (without the crown), by 40 mm lug to lug, by 10 mm thick (including the crystal). The case is showing some brassing at the lugs but is otherwise in good condition. The dial has a very nice silvered finish and the dagger hands are centered by a sweep second hand. All the even chapters are in Arabic Numerals while the odds are stylized, pointed, double markers. Here's a chance to get a piece of early Chicago history and one that speaks of its age. Our one year warranty will allow you to buy with confidence.
Back in 1917 two brothers, Werner and Ernst Schlup, decided to become watchmakers....a decision that would not only affect themselves but many of us in the future. They started out in their family home in Lengnau, Switzerland. They were energetic entrepreneurs and quickly negotiated agreements with a variety of importers from all parts of the globe. At the close of World War II their name was always associated with Swiss-made quality which gave them the impetus to launch their own brand. Rado ("wheel" in Esperanto) was born...and they never looked back. Their motto was "If we can imagine it, we can make it."
The atelier then moved from their family home to new digs at a purpose-built factory. First came the Rado "Green Horse" in 1957, then the Rado "DiaStar" in 1962, and in 1975 Rado's first diving watch, the "Captain Cook." Needless to say, by the time this "voyager" was made, circa 1977, Rado was a real force in the market.
This Rado is a 26 jewel, stainless steel, automatic with an unusual vertical day/date window located at the 6 o'clock position. The stainless steel case measures 35 mm in diameter (not including the crown), by 41 mm lug to lug, by 11 mm thick (including the crystal). The black dial is spectacular and is contrasted by the Red Anchor Logo just beneath the 12 that oscillates with every move of your wrist. The day of the week is displayed in silver with Sunday being red. The date is in silver against a black background and it will change at midnight, but it can also be easily set by pushing in on the crown--a very nice feature!
The overall shape of the case is very retro 70s and makes for a striking appearance on the wrist. This watch is in such great condition that you will want to put it on your wrist immediately. Our head watchmaker only needed to clean it to bring it into perfect timing compliance. Don't miss it...we have only one!
This is a very useful tool watch that bears the name "Astronaut Mark II". It has a 'Two Time Zone' hand where your home time or GMT can be read on an additional white hand Not only do you know what time it is, but there is also a date window at the 12 o'clock position and a very prominent red sweep second hand that is centrally located. The case is stainless steel for wearing longevity and it measures 34mm in width, by 40mm lug to lug, by 12mm thick (including the crystal) and it has an original "Accutron" marked 17mm black band. What makes it even more dramatic is the red and black contrast of the dial, the silver markers, and the red date! The "Accutron" is the world's first "tuning fork" watch, the most accurate watch of its day. The story is told that in the 1960s the American government wanted to keep this timing technology out of the hands of the Russians. So, they asked Bulova to keep it a secret a little longer since we were using this very accurate timekeeper in our space program. When you take a look at the informational pamphlet that Bulova put out to introduce this new idea to jewelers and watchmakers, it has a very space-age, cutting-edge look (for the day). In the pamphlet, it is explained that the seconds are parsed into very discrete segments by the vibrations of a small tuning fork at the heart of the movement. Bulova advertised it as the "watch that hums"! The general public was very much into innovative and stylish watches and Bulova made this very interesting "Astronaut" for space traveling men, women to strap on their wrists. So the next time you are "over the moon" make sure you are wearing this wonderful Accutron Astronaut! Our one year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with confidence!
It was way back in 1886 that Edmond Mathey-Tissot began making complicated pocket watches in Les Ponts-de-Martel. He became known for watches of high quality, in some of the most complicated pocket watches made at that time, especially repeaters that chime the time on demand. He also began producing highly-rated chronometers and, during the Second Boer War, was a supplier to the military and that demanded his expansion of the manufacture. It is said that a Scottish nobleman ordered 2500 watches to give to every member of his son's regiment, with officers receiving solid gold repeaters and the other enlisted men receiving silver repeaters. Wow! What a gift!
In 1914, Mathey-Tissot was represented at the Kew Observatory Competition by six Observatory Chronometers capable of split-second timing, all six being rated 'Class A' with the comment "specially good." The same year, Mathey-Tissot gained the Grand Prix at the Swiss National Exhibition. During WWI, the company supplied the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with precision chronographs in large quantities, while General Pershing, commanding the U.S. Expeditionary Forces, chose the watch to award to members of his own staff. Both before and after WWII, the company continued to supply the U.S. Army and the Royal Navy. By 1937, the E. Mathey-Tissot & Co. was a protected trademark in the U.S.
So, as you can see, the company has an excellent pedigree and the watch we are offering here is the beneficiary of that long line of excellence. It is a wonderful stainless steel automatic from 1951 and it bears a personalization on the back that reads "Pete from Hal 1954". If only these watches could tell us the tale of where they had been, and what they had seen. The square case measures 32 mm (not including the crown) by 32 mm, by 13 mm thick (including the crystal). It houses a wonderful 17 jewel, automatic movement tha our head watchmaker has winding, setting, and keeping time just as it should. The dial is a handsome silvered beauty that really makes the look of this excellent timepiece. It has such a presence on the wrist that everyone who sees it will marvel at its appearance. It all could be yours. Remember our one year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with confidence.