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 made fine timepieces that contained flat movements, as well. This Gruen is one of those. It has the slightly curved shape to the case and crystal that gives the appearance of a curved watch, but with a flat movement. This is a very handsome Gruen that would look fabulous on a man or lady today.
The yellow gold-filled case with a stainless steel case back measures 22 mm in width (not including the crown), by 25 mm lug to lug, by 9 mm thick (including the crystal). The stainless steel back is for wearing longevity, assuring it won't wear through with daily use. The "Veri-Thin" designation references the fact that this is a slim watch, owing to its specially engineered movement, and will easily fit under shirt cuffs. Its matching "Gruen" marked crown sets off the look.
This watch also has a spectacular rose gold dial with yellow gold applied Arabic numerals that really catch the eye! The sub-seconds bit at the 6 o'clock position is a rectangular shape that echoes the case shape. Inside is circle track with radiating lines, making the seconds easier to read. Above the seconds bit is the word "Precision", a marking frequently used by Gruen to indicate the quality of their movements.
The movement is a Swiss 17 jewel workhorse that will give you a lifetime of service, if you take care of it. Our one-year warranty for parts and labor will give you the peace of mind that this wonderful Gruen wristwatch will perform just as well as it did in 1945.
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 an 18K solid gold gentlemen's wristwatch that has 17 jewels, and which measures 33 mm in diameter (not including the crown), by 40 mm lug to lug, by 8 mm thick (including the crystal). The silvered dial has a very nice patina and slender gold bar markers at the 12, 3, 6, and nine o'clock position, but what makes it spectacular are the "lightning bolt" gold markers at all the other chapters. It is simply fantastic. There is a large seconds bit at the six o'clock position that lets you know the watch is running smoothly. This is an 18K solid gold watch made during a time when most dress watches in America were only 14K. Our head watchmaker has it winding, setting and keeping time just as it did when it was new, back in 1960. Our one-year warranty, for parts and labor, will allow you to wear this watch for years to come with complete confidence.
Rarely do we get a ladies vintage Rolex but, every once in a while, even a blind squirrel finds a nut - and what a nut it is! This is the elegant "Lady Princess" Rolex. It is executed in 18k solid white gold and displays some spectacular diamonds that grace the curved lugs. The 17 jewel movement is winding, setting, and keeping time just as it did over 84 years ago, thanks to the expertise of our master watchmakers. The case measures 11 mm wide (not including the crown), by 38 mm lug to lug, by 6 mm thick (including the crystal). This gives it a very elegant proportion to match the beauty of the 18k case and fantastic rectangular movement. The lugs curve downward and contain the portal for the black, cord band that allows a perfect fit for the wearer. Make sure you zoom-in on the photos to see how the diamonds in the lugs shine... they are stunning. The watch is in excellent condition, was lovingly cared for over the years, and has all of its original parts. Yes, its pricey but, this is the pinnacle of a ladies Rolex, circa 1935... and it can be yours. Our one-year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with confidence. Don't miss it... we have only one and are not likely to find another.
It was a very chauvinistic mindset to think that a lady wouldn't need to have her watch tell time as accurately as a gentleman's watch, but that was the conventional thinking (by men) back in the day. Bulova, however, didn't ascribe to that view as is evidenced by this very high-grade ladies' white gold wristwatch. It has a 23 jewel movement, which was their top grade and it is housed in a very nice 14k solid white gold case that measures 14 mm wide (not including the crown), by 26 mm lug to lug, by 7 mm thick (including the crystal).
Not only is it a high-grade watch, but it also has a very pleasant slight-hexagonal shape with beautiful central lugs. The silvered dial has a crosshatch pattern with some patina, but the eye is immediately drawn to the unusual texture! Adding to the interest of the dial are the applied chapter markers. They are all rectangular, but with wider ones at the cardinal positions and thinner in between. The articulated bracelet band is 10k white gold-filled with a safety chain for security in wearing. Made circa 1959, it has lived a life of complete pampering and, as a result, it is in fantastic original condition today. This may be the one for you... don't miss it. Our one-year warranty, for parts and labor, will allow you to buy with complete confidence.
The Hamilton Watch Company was founded in 1892, but they didn't produce their first watch until 1893. The first watch was designed by one of the companies founding members - H.J. Cain. Their pocket watches commanded immediate respect and became prominent timepieces for railroad engineers, as well as the general public. The "Broadway Limited" was introduced in their first year of business! These watches were so respected that they became the official watch of the American Expeditionary Forces world-wide! A special wristwatch version was made and supplied General Pershing and his men in WWI. Admiral Byrd relied on the same watch on both his Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. Auguste Piccard used a Hamilton timepiece on his balloon ascent into the stratosphere in the early 1930s. The first American to summit Mount Everest - Jim Whittaker - was wearing a Hamilton in 1963! Suffice it to say, Hamilton made the best American watches... bar none!
The "Dodson" was one of Hamilton's "Tubular Lug" models and one of the largest that they offered. The model was produced for 10 years between 1938 and 1948... a very long time for a watch model to persist. I think it was very popular... as they are today! This particular Hamilton "Dodson" was made circa 1939 and was one of 75,687 made in gold-filled. How many survive today is anyone's guess. This one has the 18K gold applied numerals as opposed to the more common black enamel numerals. It is a seventeen jewel Hamilton, grade 897-A, a 6/O size. The yellow gold filled case measures 27 mm at its widest (not including the crown), by 37 mm lug to lug, by 8 mm thick (including the crystal). The ivory colored dial displays a wonderful patina that it has earned over time. We have fitted it with a very nice, light brown, lizard strap so that it will grace your wrist with panache. Our one-year warranty for parts and labor will assure you it is in great running condition, as are all of our timepieces.
Tissot has been a luxury brand since its founding in 1853 in Le Locle, Switzerland. They have been revered for their quality since day one and have been a brand that has stood the test of time. This watch is a really handsome Tissot for its era, circa 1965! Not only is it handsome, but it is also beautifully styled as is evidenced by the unusual date window at the 6 o'clock position. The silvered dial is a thing of beauty and the stainless steel case measures 34 mm in diameter (not including the crown), by 40 mm lug to lug, by 9 mm thick (including the crystal). It is as smooth as a baby's behind. This Tissot has a 17 jewel movement that winds, sets, and performs like the day it was made. When you strap this one on your wrist it really becomes a handsome addition to a real male's wardrobe. Now take a look at the "Zoom-In" photos and notice how free of wear it is. This is not only a graceful watch, but very handsome one as well. Like all Father Time watches, it has been completely restored and is running just like new! Look at the case back - it's virtually devoid of wear! When you see a chewed up back on a watch you know what you'll find on the inside! Not this one! This one has been carefully worn and serviced over the years. With continued care and maintenance, you can have this elegant timepiece for generations to come. Our warranty ensures that the watch is just as we have represented it! We have only one...so don't miss it!
Waltham was a wonderful and prolific watch manufacturer located in Waltham, MA. They were originally in business from 1851 to 1957, in various iterations. Their earlier efforts, circa 1850 in Roxbury, MA began with the Howard, Dennison & Davis name. Later iterations were: the Boston Watch Company, Appleton, Tracey & Co., American Waltham, and finally the Waltham Watch Company. They were one of the giants of the industry and second largest only to Elgin.
However, this Waltham is a 1975 iteration from Swiss makers who purchased the name and expanded the US imports and production, making Waltham the third largest in US sales. It exudes 70s style and personality, with its brushed stainless steel cushion case and light blue minute track. The case is a great size to have in a vintage piece, measuring 37 mm in diameter (not including the crown), by 43 mm lug-to-lug, by 13 mm thick (including the crystal).
It is also packed with features that make it a great everyday piece. Most notable are the day and date complications, which are in opposition to one another at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, and helpfully labeled in rectangular windows with white backgrounds. The day changes with the hands, but the date can be quick-set by pulling the crown out to the furthest position. The red central sweep seconds hand catches the eye and allows for easy timing when paired with the bi-directional rotating black bezel. The blue inner minute track contrasts the second hand, and is interrupted by the applied stainless steel hour markers. The markers stand up from the dial, with small plots of lume on the outside of each one in a beautiful cream color. It is an interesting dial, for sure!
The self-winding (automatic) movement keeps the watch wound throughout the day for ease of wearing and setting, although it can still be wound via the crown. It is a 17 jewel Swiss movement with Incabloc shock absorbing springs in the balance assembly.
The condition of this watch is near perfect and our head watchmaker has it ticking like the proverbial top. It is a great watch for the dough and our one-year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with confidence.
The American Waltham Watch Company (later Waltham) is one of America's oldest watchmakers. They held forth in Roxbury and later Waltham, Mass. and were one of the giants of the American watch industry. They made millions of pocket watches, but not so many wristwatches, due to the fact that they only made wristwatches until 1949. They were in business at the factory until 1957, but only in order to re-case and sell inventory on-hand. As the wristwatch rose in its ascendancy, Waltham was on the decline and, consequently, there are not many extant from this period. This Waltham, however, was made circa 1943, when they were in stiff competition for the hearts of Americans, and were happy to help with the World War II effort. It is a handsome piece to behold, housed in a stainless steel, screw-back, case with bold Lume-filled Arabic numerals and hands. The Lume no longer glows, but it is all original. It has that perfect patination of an original dial and hands. This shows the mellow color that only time can create. If you look carefully at the 10 o'clock position on the dial (in one of the photos), you can see where the radium (when it was still active) has etched its shadow on the dial surface. This means that it sat for quite a while with the hands in that position and was unused. This is great news for us today. The less a watch was used, the more life it will have in future years. This watch also has its period-appropriate white gold filled chain link band that looks fantastic. The stainless steel case measures 30mm wide (not including the crown), by 36mm from lug to lug, by 12mm thick (including the crystal). The back of the case is marked with the ORD Corps USA designation. The movement is a spotless 9 jewel engine that our watchmakers have fully restored to like-new condition mechanically. You could own this scarce watch and be the pride of the neighborhood. Remember all of our timepieces come with our famous one-year warranty, for parts and labor, so that you may buy with confidence.
Tissot has been a luxury brand since its founding in 1853 in Le Locle, Switzerland. They have been revered for their quality since day one and have been a brand that has stood the test of time. This watch is one of the nicest condition Tissots that we have ever had! Not only is it pristine, but it is also beautifully styled. The silvered dial just gleams with an elegance you rarely see today. The stainless steel case measures 34 mm in diameter (not including the crown), by 40.5 mm in lug to lug, by 9.5 mm in thick (including the crystal) which is as smooth as a baby's behind. This Tissot "Seastar" has a 17 jewel movement that winds, sets, and performs like the day it was made. When you strap this one on your wrist it really becomes a handsome addition to a real male's wardrobe. What makes this particular watch a stand out is the elegant sleek design of the case and dial. This is not only a graceful watch, but very handsome one as well. Like all Father Time watches, it has been completely restored and is running just like new! Look at the case back - it's virtually devoid of wear! When you see a chewed up back on a watch you know what you'll find on the inside! Not this one! This one has been carefully worn and serviced over the years. With continued care and maintenance you can have this elegant timepiece for a lifetime.
Rotary is a lesser-known brand in the US, but it traces its roots back to Switzerland, like so many brands of the time and is better known in Europe. The Rotary watch brand was founded in 1895 by Moise Dreyfuss in the Swiss town of La Chaux de Fonds. But, in the 1920s, Rotary began exporting watches to England and their popularity was such that they even became the official watch supplier for the British Army in 1940.
Rotary's founder was dedicated to creating beautiful watches with timeless elegance. His attention to detail and insistence on first class personal service ensured the business grew quickly. Their logo, the "winged wheel", was introduced in 1925, and is what you see on the dial of this watch.
And what a dial it is! It has been perfectly preserved, with the lume on the Arabic Numerals and in the blued-steel skeletonized hands having aged to that mellow yellow color we search for, but rarely find. The dial center is a matte silver and the chapter ring is a matte white, creating the striking "two tone" design. A gold ring encompasses the numerals and seconds bit, with a delineated minute track at the outside. At the 6 o'clock position sits the good sized seconds bit, above which is the designation "17 jewels". The combination and originality is just spectacular!
This particular Rotary watch is in such nice condition and our head watch maker has pointed out that the movement in this model features a solid gold escape wheel and fork -- a rarely seen combination! It is a manual wind, 17 jewel movement, with incabloc shock protection (as designated on the case back).
The stainless steel case measures 30.5 mm in diameter (not including the crown), by 37 mm lug to lug, by 9 mm thick (including the crystal). It is in great condition, showing only very minor handling wear. The case back is engraved with its other claims of "waterproof" and "non magnetic". It is a screw-down back that seals beautifully.
This is the only Rotary watch we currently have, and it is a rare piece to find in such great condition. The 30's style is something to marvel at, and with our one year warranty you can be assured that it keeps time just like it did over 90 years ago!
Stunning and rare are two terms you might use to describe this Hamilton, 10K yellow gold-filled, "Seckron" Duo Dial Doctor's Wristwatch. This design was made for doctors with an extra large second hand that made it easy to read and take a pulse, for example, as opposed to a conventional subsidiary second hands. Because it had a limited target market, it was sold in small numbers and therefore is quite scarce today.
This particular watch is in excellent original condition, something that is rarely found in today's market. Two case styles were introduced, one in 1936 that had a rigidly rectangular case that was prone to wear at the corners and then this one in 1941, with a slightly curved case and a more streamlined shape that was right on target for fashion of the time. This version is actually scarcer of the two due to the start of WWII, which curtailed its production. The 10K yellow gold-filled case is in great condition overall, measuring 21 mm wide (not including the crown) by 42mm lug to lug, by 9mm thick (including the crystal). The subtle lines of the stepped case draw the eye and emphasize the length of the piece.
The gorgeous original dial shows a great patina, giving the watch a sophisticated appeal. The stylized Arabic numerals are easy to read, and pair nicely with the blued steel hands. The seconds bit below is in a circle design, with a "railroad track" ring to mark each second and the 10s of seconds distinguished with Arabic numerals. Radiating lines extend from the numbers to fill the rest of the rectangular space. This is an unusual look that you certainly won't find on other watches of the era!
Inside, the manual wind, 17 jewel movement is running strong and keeping excellent time. This watch employs the caliber 980 A movement, which features special gearing for the dial train. Hamilton was widely considered the best American watchmaker, so this is a high-quality piece that will still give you reliable service for years to come. Like everything else in the vintage and antique world, condition is everything!!!
This one is the nicest original Hamilton "Seckron" we have had in over 40 years. I think that the original condition of the dial is what seduces you on first glance. It has the patina of the age and speaks to what this watch must have seen during its life here since 1940. If it could only speak!
The Omega "Chronostop" is a very interesting landmark in Omega's long lineage of fantastic chronographs. They were introduced in the 1960s and had a great run through the 1970s. It is a very unusual chronograph, in that it only has one pusher and there is no recorded minutes, recorded hours, or constant seconds. This makes it a very utilitarian tool watch at a very attractive price point. Chronostops offered a 60-second stopwatch feature that is activated by a single pusher, located just above the crown. The first push starts the sweep hand. The second push stops it and resets it to 12 (once released). This makes it extremely simple to time an event and get an instant read-out, while then reseting for the next competitor, race car, horse, or pulse. These watches are very useful tools for athletes, drivers, and medical professionals, and sold well during their production run.
A Chronostop can be easily worn by all but the largest wrists. The stainless steel case is in great condition and measures 35 mm in width (not including the crown), by 39 mm lug to lug, by 12 mm thick (including the crystal). Our head watchmaker has the manually-wound Omega Calibre 865 movement, developed specifically for this model, working just as it did back 1969. This Chronostop is in the best condition for one of these awesome watches that we have ever had the pleasure to own... don't miss it!