Movado is a Swiss manufacturer known for its Museum Watch. Designed in 1947, by Bauhaus-influenced artist Nathan George Horwitt, the watch dial has a very simple design where the dial is defined by a solitary dot at 12, symbolizing the sun at high noon, but Movado also made some very nice watches that are of superior quality...this is one of those. It is a gentleman's wristwatch that is "chronometer" rated, indicating that it has passed rigid standards for accuracy. It is, in fact, at the pinnacle of mechanical watches in a world where few qualify for this mark.
Some Movado watch models have Esperanto names such as Bela ("beautiful"), Belamodo ("beautiful fashion"), Fiero ("pride"), Brila ("brilliant"), Linio ("line"), and Verto ("crown"). The company's name means "movement" in Esperanto.
This Movado has a 15 jewel movement in a sterling silver oversize case with a very nice silver grey dial that has stylized Art Deco, Arabic numerals that once glowed in the dark, along with the skeletonized blued steel hands. There is a perfectly square seconds bit at the 6 o'clock position completing the look. The "Chronometer" designation indicates that it had to pass very strict standards for timekeeping and that it was issued a certificate from COSC (an acronym) which stands for Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres — aka the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute. Essentially, this body is responsible for certifying the precision and accuracy of high-precision wristwatches made in Switzerland, typically found on luxury watch brands. What it means to you is that this is a very reliable timepiece that will be a joy to own. The case, which measures 25 mm in width(not including the crown), by 36 mm lug to lug, by 10 mm thick (including the crystal), is a beauty to behold. To gild the lily, we have fitted it with a black genuine lizard band. Our one-year warranty, for parts and labor, will allow you to buy with confidence.
Mido was founded in 1918 by George G. Schaeren in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. Mido comes from the Spanish phrase "Yo mido" meaning "I measure". In the 1920s, Mido introduced ladies' watches with color-enameled shaped cases and modern straps as well as timepieces for gentlemen in art deco style. Mido found a market in the flourishing automotive market by producing watches in the shape of radiator grills of a wide range of brands such as Buick, Bugatti, Fiat, Ford, Excelsior, Hispano-Suiza, etc.
In 1934, Mido launched the Multifort design, the first Mido to use a self-winding automatic movement. It was shock-resistant, anti-magnetic and water-resistant. In that same year Mido launched watches with unbreakable mainsprings. This was also the very first time that any watch manufacturer utilized this type of spring within the marketplace. During this time period, Mido used a robot as its ambassador as a symbol of progress and robustness. A comic strip from this era featured the Mido Robot and its adventures.
In 1945, Mido became the first manufacturer to introduce a central-read chronograph wherein the stopwatch function had all its hands arranged at the center. In 1954, the firm launched the world's most efficient winding mechanism. Mido released its Commander model in 1959, which utilized a one-piece case design. In 1967, Mido was distinguished as the maker of the world's thinnest ladies watch. In 1970, Mido launched the Aquadura Crown Sealing system, which makes use of an all-natural cork which is handled and formed to insure its water resistant qualities. This technique is utilized to seal the crown, the most susceptible place on a watch to water leakage.
During the nineties, the Mido World Timer was launched. This was a practical display that can show the local time anywhere on the planet. The user must bring the desired city to the 12 o’clock position and press the crown to check the local time. Mido is recognized as one of the top 10 producers of certified chrononmeters. With 61,358 automatic movements produced in 2013, Mido is currently ranked number four in the production of chronometers in the Swiss watch industry. Today, Mido is a part of the Swatch Group, headquartered in Le Locle, Switzerland. It also has a branch office in Shanghai, China.
The Mido we are presenting to you here is in such nice condition that it looks brand new even though it is from the 1960s. Our head watchmaker has it winding setting and keeping time just as it did over 60 years ago... yes it is a real killer and a watch that won't break the bank. When he handed me the watch after its testing period he could not resist telling me how nice it was and he especially drew my attention to the smooth stainless steel band and its wonderful tactile quality. It is a joy to put on your wrist. The case measures 36 mm in diameter (not including the crown), by 37 mm lug to lug, by 10 mm thick (including the crystal). You will love this watch!
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!
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.
Don't be alarmed! This watch will make a statement on your wrist! It's an 10K yellow gold-filled LeCoultre "Memovox" alarm, gentleman's oversize wristwatch that measures 35mm in diameter (without the crown), by 39mm lug to lug, by 11mm thick (including the crystal).
It has a rotating inner dial that is set by the second crown and indicated by an arrow that points to the time the watch will alarm. Once you wind the separate mainspring that will power the alarm function and set the inner dial all is in ready until the appointed time. Once the alarm is triggered it can be shut off by depressing the alarm crown and/or moving the arrow, on the inner dial, to a new position. Or, if you don't wish to use the alarm, simply let the mainspring power down. The slightly larger size of this watch really catches the eye due to its "cushion shaped" case. Not only is this a fabulous alarm watch but it also has a date feature with a window at the 3 o'clock position! LeCoultre is a legendary Swiss watch manufacturer and every thing they turned their hand to was perfection. Their manufacture 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 the first manufacture under one roof in the Valle de Joux. This is one of their really elegant watches and one that is becoming scarce...especially in 18k solid gold! In 1950, the Manufacture released the Memovox, or the “voice of memory”. Its striking mechanism could be used as an alarm for waking up, appointments, timetables, etc. The first models were hand wound and equipped with the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 489.
In 1956, a Memovox featuring the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 815 became the first self-winding alarm watch in history, while shortly thereafter the company made this watch the caliber K911 with the date feature as well. It is a stellar piece which can be yours. Remember all of our timepieces come with our famous one year warranty, for parts and labor, so that you may buy with confidence. This one is a real classic... don't miss it!
The "Memovox" was first introduced by Jaeger-LeCoultre circa 1950/51 employing the manually wound Calibre 489. The name "Memovox" is a composite of two Latin word, Memor (remembering) and Vox (voice), meaning "the voice of remembering," an apt choice for a timepiece that "remembers the time". While we are quite jaded today by all the electronic devices that will tell us the time that was not so years ago when alarm watches were quite the innovative personal possession. Make sure you take a look at the "Zoom-In" photos to get the real feel of the beauty of this wonderful watch. You set the inner alarm dial by pulling out the crown in the two o'clock position and rotating the crown counterclockwise. You would position the triangular indicator opposite the time that you wished to have the alarm sound. You would also wind the spring that causes this effect by using this same crown. The crown that winds the timekeeping mainspring is in the 4 o'clock position and it functions like any other manual wind watch. Don't forget all of our timepieces are warrantied for one-year, for parts and labor, so that you may buy with confidence.
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!
Eterna has a long history, starting back in 1856, when Dr. Joseph Girard and Urs Schild founded an ebauche factory (one that makes basic movements for other companies to brand) in Grenchen. They were known for luxury watches and forward-looking innovation in the industry. By the 1900s, wristwatches were appearing on the wrists of early adopters and the fashion started to take off. Schild Freres, as they were then known, were producing wristwatches from the adaptation of smaller pocket watches for the wrist. This was a fairly new idea that would start to gain ground after "Johnny" came marching home from WWI. By 1905. they had changed their name to Eterna and by 1908. had patented the very first "Wrist Alarm". It was launched in 1914, at the Swiss National Exhibition in Bern, Switzerland and they were off to the races.
This killer Eterna we are offering has the most marvelous charcoal dial and is a great contrast against the rose gold filled case. It also has a screw-down, stainless steel back for wearing longevity and hypo-allergenic properties. It is one of the most interesting "Bumper" Automatics (winding while on your wrist) and is running like the day it came from Switzerland. The case measures 34 mm in diameter (without the crown), by 44 mm lug to lug, by 11 mm thick (including the crystal). What really makes it different is that the dial markings are Roman numerals at the cardinal points and "diamond" markers at all the other chapters. There is also a delineated minute track just outside of the chapter ring. The "skeletonized", lumed, "blued steel" hands no longer glow but, they are all intact and original. The central sweep hand is also "blued steel." The screw-down steel back shows the "Anti-Magnetic", "Shock-Absorber," and "Waterproof" designations. Yes, this one has it all! Our one-year warranty, for parts and labor, will allow you to put this one on your wrist with complete confidence.