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.
Many manufacturers were involved in the war effort during WWII and, while Gruen did not have a military contract for watches, they did supply pilot's watches with 24-hour dials for Pan American World Airways. This production was initiated circa 1943. During the war, Pan Am stopped all commercial operations and flew only for the U.S. Military. They had overseas bases and a network of airports that was highly valued in the war effort. In the early 1940s, a wristwatch with a central sweep second hand was a rarity, and one with a 24 hour dial was also unusual, but Gruen's reasoning was that men were coming home from the war and they had been used to referencing the 24-hour day for military purposes. Pilots also were used to this form of reference so they decided to introduce this Pan Am model which has a central sweep second hand, Arabic numerals from 1 to 12, and an inner chapter ring that referenced hours 13 to 24. Air travel was not common at this time and it held a certain glamorous allure for the common man. Gruen decided to feature advertisements with photos of the Pan Am set against a background of the famous Pan Am Clipper which was a flying-boat type of aircraft. This was hot stuff back in the day. Many manufacturers used the appeal of the military timepiece to tickle the fancy of the American public and Gruen was no exception. They planned to carrot-dangle the unobtainable Pan Am while it was still something the public could not purchase, knowing that after the war there would be considerable demand once it was released to everyone.
It wasn't until October of 1945 that they finally offered the watch for public sale. Airline travel was just becoming something that was within the reach of those adventurous travelers and Gruen wanted to provide just the right accessory for that airline customer. They reasoned that once folks were used to using military time that this would be a no-brainer. Jewelers were advised to stock-up on these wonderful timepieces in order to meet the demand as "Johnny came marching home". Their prescience was rewarded with vigorous sales and this provides us today with watches, that once restored, can live on as a piece of history.
The watch we are presenting for your approval here is one that our watch makers have lovingly restored to fully functional condition. It is one of the early models, and we think, one of the most desirable configurations for any of the Pan Am Series. It is housed in a rose gold filled case that measures 32 mm in diameter (without the crown), by 39 mm lug to lug, by 10 mm thick (including the crystal).
It sports a stainless steel back, for wearing longevity, with a hypo-allergenic surface against the wrist. The 17 jewel movement is Gruen's legendary 420s that is ticking along just as it did when crossing the Atlantic during the war. Now, take a look at the wonderful, original dial, its condition speaks of what it has endured and yet still looks great today. Many of these dials have been refinished over their lifetime but not this one... it is all original. Don't miss it!
This is a very interesting hunting case pocket watch made by Reuge, who was famous for the manufacture of Swiss music boxes. This pocket watch has a Swiss movement for timekeeping and a Swiss musical movement that plays anytime the front lid is opened. You thereby have a lovely tune to view the time by. Musical pocket watches are few and far between and this is one that won't break the bank. This is due to the fact that it is much more modern (circa 1970's) than many of the much older watches. $30,000.00 is not an exorbitant price to pay for an antique one. So, ours is a good compromise. The case, which measures 52mm in diameter, by 73mm (from the case bottom to the top of the bow), by 15mm thick (with both lids closed). It is yellow gold plated and the back sports an external key for winding the music box. The 17 jewel Swiss movement is wound by means of the conventional crown. As an extra, added attraction, there is an oval window that allows the owner to view the gears of the music box when it is in operation. Our head watchmaker has it running perfectly and sounding like it did the day it arrived on our shores from Switzerland. It is quite unusual... don't miss it.
If you would like a really elegant, solid gold, dress watch then take a look at this spectacular Longines from the early 1950s. Longines was at the top of their game and was highly respected in the US, as well as the rest of the world. They have a sterling reputation for quality and excellence. The "Hourglass" shape of the case is stunning, as is the domed, highly curved crystal. The silvered dial has stylized Roman numerals at the cardinal positions, while the other chapters exhibit elongated "arrowhead" markers... all in gold. There is a seconds bit just above the six o'clock position, with a recess that mimics the overall shape of the case. The 17 jewel movement is running like it did decades ago. The 14k solid gold case measures 20-25mm wide (at its widest) by 39mm lug to lug, by 11mm thick (including the crystal). We have fitted it with a classy, black, patent leather band that completes the tuxedo look. You can't go wrong with this one because our one-year warranty for parts and labor, will allow you to buy with confidence. Don't miss it!
In the Victorian Era, a woman was not properly accessorized unless she had a great looking cameo in her arsenal. The most valued cameos were those that had solid gold bezels, like this one. Not only is it solid gold, but 18k to boot! What really makes it stellar, however, is the classical-themed Athenian lady that is hand-carved in relief. Her hair, clothing, and regal demeanor set the tone and the wonderful colors of the hand-carved shell lend all the right attributes to make this a very desirable example.
This particular cameo also has the best of both worlds when it comes to wearing it -- it has the standard pin back, but it also has an articulated loop at the top that allows it to be worn as a necklace pendant. When turned down, it disappears so it can't be seen when being worn as a pin. The gold bezel surround is substantial and is hand engraved at its edge. A rope banding where the bezel joins the oval back finishes off the piece with a little extra classical style.
It measures approximately 39mm wide, by 50mm tall, by 12mm thick (not including the pin back). It is a real stunner that can be yours! Don't miss it!
This is quite an unusual convertible combination of a necklace and a bracelet. By attaching or detaching the longer necklace neck-piece, one can convert the bracelet to a necklace, or vice-versa. A very clever set... indeed! It is executed in 12K solid rose gold and is very attractive when worn. The combination of the emeralds, the mother-of-pearl, and the white sapphires makes for an unusual piece and a stunning look. The first photo shows the necklace configuration, while the second photo displays the central array, the third photo shows the bracelet configuration, and finally the two complimentary pieces side-by-side. If you are desirous of an unusual necklace/bracelet combination then this may be the set for you!
The Ansonia Clock company has a stellar reputation for quality and we whole-heartedly endorse that sentiment. They started making brass movement clocks in 1850 when the change from wooden clock works was in transition. They were quite successful and held a good segment of the market until about 1914 when the novelty clock became subject to fierce competition. This was Ansonia's strongest selling line, and, rather than maintain profit, Ansonia attempted to gain volume by offering clocks at "old pricing".
This tactic racked up huge debts, and by 1920 the number of models was down to 136 from a previous 440 models, and then 47 by 1927. In 1926 the company sold its Brooklyn warehouse, but this could not stem the inevitable. In 1929 the majority of the timekeeping machinery and tooling was sold to the Soviet government's US trading company Amtorg, just before the stock market crash.
This particular Ansonia was made during their heyday and what a beauty it is. The entire case, which measures 11.5" tall by 8.5" wide, by 4.25" deep, is beautifully gold gilded. There is a central, three dimensional, Putti holding a floral bough just below the dial. The porcelain dial is double sunk and displays one of Ansonia's "Exposed Escapements" that our head clock maker has ticking like the proverbial top. This escapement action is fascinating to observe and Ansonia installed this type of movement in their best clocks. Even the escapement bridge is gilded for maximum effect. This is a very "Art Nouveau" Clock that really gives one a sense of the design esthetic at the turn of the last century. The photos say it all and coupled with our one year warranty for parts and labor this is a clock that will please for generations to come.
Here we have a very elegant Ladies' Swiss (Geneve) key-wind pocket watch with inlaid enamel. It is an 8 jewel, key-wind, key-set, cylinder movement, executed in 18K solid gold... and what a beauty it is! The watch measures 33mm in diameter, by 45mm from the case bottom to the top of the bow, by 10mm thick. The "Geneve" designation is an indication of high quality and the ability to pass stringent testing. The inner dust cover is inscribed "Geneve Cylindre Rubis", indicating this designation and the fact that it has ruby jewels. Make sure you notice the extraordinary inlaid enamel in a three leaf foliate design on the back cover. There is some minor loss of enamel, but it is quite spectacular for such an old piece. It still has its original "Bullseye" crystal which is in great shape. The Geneva Finger Bridge movement is in fantastic condition and setting, winding, and keeping time just as it did over 143 years ago. Our one-year warranty will allow you to buy with confidence.
The Victorian era was a time of excessive ornamentation and it was said that "too much was not enough". The Victorian Parlor Clock (or "Kitchen Clock" as they are called in the trade) was the perfect example of over-the-top design. These "Parlor Clocks" were decorated with applied gingerbread designs and were quite affordable for the common man. This particular "Parlor Clock" was made by the E. Ingraham Clock Company, circa 1892. It is all-original, eight day, time and strike, on coiled gong. The oak case measure 24" tall, by 15.5" in width, by 5" deep and our head clockmaker has it running just as it did over 126 years ago! The E. Ingraham Company was founded circa 1860 and Elias Ingraham, who was primarily a case maker with the Brewster & Ingrahams Company struck to make his own clocks. They had originally bought movements from a variety of sources, but by 1865 decided to bring it all in-house and make their own. Eventually, Elias' son, Edward, took over the reins of the business and developed a patent for the application of black japanning of wooden cases. This was to prove extremely popular with the public and Ingraham became the leading maker of "Black Mantle Clocks." Here, we offer a very nice Ingraham for you to put on your mantle. Our one year warranty, for parts and labor, will allow you to buy with confidence.