If you love watches, you likely love the mechanical engineering and thoughtful design details that go into every timepiece. But, in this case, it's something that you can truly admire every day! A skeletonized watch, such as this Hamilton Jazzmaster Viewmatic Skeleton, give you the perfect look at the components that comprise its beating heart to showcase the brand's technical prowess. You'll find skeleton watches in the collections produced by many high-end watch brands, but here you have one in near-mint condition with its original boxes, band, and buckle for a price that won't break the bank!
Hamilton was once the best watchmaker in America that led many technological advances in watchmaking while staying at the forefront of design and style. The brand has now been sold to a Swiss group, and is still producing high-quality watches that speak to its decades of history. The movement at the heart of this reference H42550 Jazzmaster Viewmatic is a caliber H-20-S, 25 jewel automatic with 42hr power reserve, central sweep seconds, and hacking feature. Through the "dial" in the 12 o'clock position you can see the oscillating balance wheel and hairspring with the pallet fork jewels moving in and out of the escape wheel just below. In the 5 o'clock position you can see the barrel that contains the mainspring, which of course engages with the winding gears in the 3 o'clock position.
From the back, the viewing window displays the auto rotor along with the regulator, and other drive train gears. Depending on the position of the auto rotor, you'll be able to see completely through the watch! The sapphire crystals that encase both the front and the back mean that you'll have superior durability and scratch resistance to boot.
The "dial" itself is comprised of an inner and outer ring in stainless steel. Minute/second hash marks are found along the outer rim with numerals in 5-second increments. Stainless steel arrow hour markers form a bridge to the clean inner ring. To give the dial even more depth, the charcoal gray ring is set beneath the stainless rings and actually forms the upper movement plate. "Hamilton" is written in the 12 o'clock position, with "Viewmaster" in the 6 o'clock position, and is repeated more subtly around the circle. Across the bridges on the front and back is a laser etched "H" pattern. The rubies set in the bridges give it the smallest pop of color.
The stainless steel case measures 40 mm in diameter (not including the crown), by 47 mm lug-to-lug, by 11 mm thick (including the crystals). The lugs feature a brushed stainless finish while the bezel is a smooth polish. The "H" marked crown allows for easy manual winding to finish it off! With its original black crocodile grain band, Hamilton buckle, and display box, this is a package that can't be beat! The watch, of course, comes with our one year warranty for parts and labor so you can buy with confidence.
For vintage Rolex lovers out there -- this is one for you. Here we have an "Oyster Perpetual" that represents both the history of when the "Oyster" model was introduced in 1926 and the transition to the modern "Perpetual" watches that we still see today. The reference 6108 movement produced in the early 1950s is known as a "Semi-Bubbleback" model. At the time, Rolex was developing their "perpetual" or automatic movements while still maintaining their waterproof cases with the screw-down case back and crown. The stainless steel case measures 34 mm in diameter (not including the crown) by 40 mm lug-to-lug by 14 mm thick.
The movement within is a self-winding, or automatic, movement with 17 jewels. The serial number between the lugs is 826,XXX dating the movement to roughly 1952, but we also have the wonderful inscription on the case back of "P.O.V. 6-12-54", so we know exactly when this watch was purchased!
The dial shows this age with a creamy, even patina that looks distinguished behind the tapered hands and blued steel sweep second hand. The applied markers include the "Coronet" Rolex crown logo at the 12 o'clock position, with "3", "6", and "9" at the other cardinal points. Applied triangular markers denote the other hours. Beneath the Coronet is the applied "ROLEX" name with "Oyster Perpetual" written beneath. Above the 6 o'clock position, the dial is marked "Officially Certified Chronometer", as a testament to the excellent time keeping ability of the movement within. Beneath the 6 is the "Swiss" designation. Plots of radium lume are located on the outer edge of each hour marker, which now show the darkened color typically found in watches of this age. The hands are also filled with radium lume, but do have some missing areas present.
The original stainless steel Brevet crown shows the Coronet logo with "Super + Oyster Rolex" written around it. The U.S. made stainless steel Oyster rivet bracelet has a single fold-over clasp, and tapers from the 19 mm lugs to the 13 mm wide clasp. The bracelet fits up to an approximately 7.5" wrist with micro-adjustments available.
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.
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!
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!