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.
Omega is one of our favorite brands, having produced the high-quality timepieces that endure the test of time. Oversize Omegas, like this one, are very desirable and we constantly look for great examples for our customers who prefer this more 'modern' size. It was a model made for the South American market and, therefore, is a size rarely seen in North America where 34mm was frequently the largest size worn. This Omega "Jumbo" measures 38mm in diameter (not including the crown) by 44mm lug to lug, by 10mm thick (including the crystal). The thin profile means that while this watch has a great presence on the wrist, it also easily slips under a shirt cuff.
It sports an aged silvered dial that is still in great shape, despite showing some minor age spots. The "Omega" logo and name sits below the 12 o'clock position. The large seconds bit overlaps the "6" and takes up all the space in between the 6 o'clock position and the center of the dial--very large indeed! Its "record grooves" catch the light at different angles to the body of the dial, creating a two-tone effect. Rose gold painted Arabic numerals mark the even numbers, with arrow markers in the odd positions. Paired with the rose gold hands, the warmer tones are a nice contrast to the silvered dial.
The 15 jewel, manual wind movement is in great condition and is running like a top. Our head watchmaker has completely restored this beauty so that it is winding, setting, and keeping time just like it did back in the day, circa 1947. The stainless steel case assures you of many, many years of wear without looking worn. Why not own an interesting and historic Omega? It could be yours!
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 we now have it paired with an original brushed stainless steel bracelet (not shown in the photos). 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.
The A. Wittnauer Co. was the exclusive sales agent for Longines, starting in 1880, initiating a marriage that would stand the test of 114 years. In 1936, the Wittnauer family sold their interests and the brand was renamed the Longines-Wittnauer Co., a name that became so burnished in the public lexicon that most people assume Longines and Wittnauer watches are one and the same. In fact, they produced different movements that were very individual to their brand. Wittnauer was a Swiss company that made very nice watches and this one is no exception. This particular model has what is termed a "hooded lug," where the band end is hidden under a cover that extends between the lug surfaces. This is a neat feature, but what makes it even more spectacular is the rilled case sides and the charcoal grey, textured dial with white gold, applied arrowhead markers and numerals. The case is white gold filled with a stainless steel back for wearing longevity and comfort. The 17 jewel movement is winding, setting, and keeping time just as it should and is in excellent condition. Now take a look at the segmented expansion band when you zoom in to the photos. It has black leather inserts in six of the segmented portions of the band for a very unusual look. This is a gentlemen's watch from the 1940s, but it would also look great on a lady who wants something just a little bit different. Our one-year warranty, for parts and labor, will allow you to buy with confidence. This is a great looking watch... don't miss it.
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!
This Westfield Driver's Watch was designed to wear on the edge of your wrist, so that could see the time easily with your hands on the wheel of your car. That way you don't have to remove your hands from the wheel when you are steering the car! The watch has a gold filled case with a stainless steel back that measures 27mm wide and 31mm from lug to lug. The Swiss movement has 7 jewels, and our watchmakers have it winding, setting, and keeping time like the day it arrived here from Switzerland, circa 1939. If you want an unusual watch for your wrist or collection this may be it. Remember all of our timepieces come with a one-year warranty so that you may buy with confidence.
This is one of the most progressive, asymetrical watches Zodiac made! Not only is it stylistically advanced for its time, it is also a mechanically advanced timepiece. The automatic (self-winding) movement has 21 jewels and is running just like new. The gold filled case is wedge shaped and measures 35mm at the widest point and 42mm from lug to lug. The watch has a gold-on-gold motif that carries all the way through the dial color. The mystery hour hand appears to be disconnected from the movement and has the appearance of floating around the dial. The center of the dial is actually a platter that rotates as it carries the hour hand creating the mystery. The crown is at the 2 o'clock position and displays the Zodiac logo. The watch has a stainless steel snap-back that makes it perfect for everyday wear. These watches are getting harder and harder to find in good condition and this one is a beauty. Don't miss it! Our one-year warranty means you get a watch in top condition with the most security available!
This is a gentleman's Touchon & Co. minute repeater, one of the best repeaters in the world! Touchon & Co. was a stellar Swiss company, started in 1907, that made high grade watches for the world's finest retailers. Tiffany was their largest client and they demanded only the best for their customers. They were not only one of the best watches produced but, since production ceased in 1921, one of the scarcest. Minute repeaters are, in and of themselves, one of the most complicated watches ever manufactured, and when one is as nice as this one, really rare. When the repeater slide is activated, along the case side, the watch will chime revealing the hour, the quarter hour, and finally the exact minute! The owner could then know the time to the precise minute without looking at the dial - a very handy feature in the dark. Everything about this watch has been fashioned to very exacting standards. The beautiful dial, the elegant 18K solid gold case, the smooth slide, and classic design all combine to make it a fantastic timepiece. Notice how the stylized personalization on the case back creates an interesting design... if only this watch could talk and reveal its, now secret, owner. Not only is this a beautiful watch, but the engineering needed to make all these complications function in such a slender case is nothing short of astounding. Take a look at the "Zoom-In" photos to see how nice this complicated movement is. It is signed "Touchon" under the dial and displays a three finger bridge, large ruby jewels, and perfectly situated gongs. The sound of these gongs is delightful to hear and gives one a real feel for the precision and desirability of a true minute repeater. I can imagine a gentleman at the opera in a tuxedo activating the repeater function, during intermission, to have his Touchon chime the time, consulting the dial for the correct time and triggering the repeater to give everyone within earshot a real treat. This Touchon is a 29 jewel, extremely high grade timepiece, that we have converted from a pocket watch to a wristwatch so that you may wear it easily and have a nice big statement on your wrist. The 18K solid gold case measures 47mm in diameter, by 56mm lug-to-lug. It is in perfect running condition and it winds, sets, and keeps time like the day it came from Switzerland. There are very few wrist minute repeaters in the world, and this will rank among the best extant. Since the production for Touchon was only 14 years these watches are as scarce as hen's teeth. As I once read on a website devoted entirely to Touchon, "if you are offered the opportunity to buy a Touchon & Co. repeater, then I advise you to do so." The prices have risen dramatically in the last few years and we expect them to continue their rise quite dramatically in the coming years as these are the possessions of a precious few.
This is by far one of the nicest wristwatch repeaters we have ever had the pleasure to offer for sale... don't miss it! 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 truly a one of a kind watch! Listen to the watch chime on our Facebook page.
This watch is a perfect example of the direct competition between Hamilton and Elgin. Hamilton actually made a watch that looked almost identical to this one - called the "Justin." Interestingly, this watch was made before the "Justin." This was a real progressive design for the late 1940s. Could it be that Elgin spurred the ultra modern designs that Hamilton initiated in the 1950s? Well, you can bet that Elgin was doing their best to keep Hamilton at bay! This watch reflects that fact. This is a watch to be admired for its cosmetics and its quality, 19 jewel, "Shockmaster" movement. The case has an elegant, hooded lug that is very distinctive. The yellow gold filled case measures 35mm long by 27mm wide. The watch is in excellent condition and the dial is original. So, what more could you want from an Elgin from this era? If you're an Elgin collector, you'll want this one! Our warranty guarantees that the watch is precisely as we have described it, that it is in good, running condition and ready for your wrist.
Jakob Josef Mauritz Breitschmid was a watchmaker in Lucerne in 1854, as his business bloomed he hired an apprentice named Eduard Jakob Gubelin who eventually married Breitschmid's daughter, Bertha, and then bought into Breitschmid's business. In an attempt to improve their situation, Breitschmid and Gubelin moved their shop to a location where royalty and the upper classes were frequent visitors. The rest, as they say, is history. Today, Gubelin is a name that is world famous. We are delighted to be able to offer a rare rectangular E. Gubelin in a stainless steel case with its original finish dial. Purists, please take note! Zoom in on the photos to see how wonderful this dial is. It displays a very interesting minute track with contrasting border and a large seconds bit. The unusual hand shape completes the package. The 15 jewel movement is in pristine condition and our master watchmakers have it winding, running, and keeping time to an amazing standard that is as good as factory new. The Swiss really knew how to make a fantastic watch and this is the proof of the pudding. The stainless steel case is in very nice condition showing only minor wear for a piece of this vintage. Attached to this cool watch is a very interesting period band that carries the Art Deco theme around the wrist. If you are looking for a rare watch, circa 1930, then this may be the one for you! Remember: all of our timepieces come with our famous one year warranty for parts and labor so that you may buy with confidence.