There were many Swiss pocket watches made but very few that had the good looks of this Coventry Sterling Silver, open face, key-wind and key-set gentleman's watch. It was made circa 1887 and it is still in fantastic condition. Maybe it was only used for special occasions or it was simply lovingly cared for. What ever the reason, it is all the better for us today. The sterling silver case measures 50mm in diameter, by 18mm thick and it looks great. The hinges for the front bezel and rear lid are solid rose gold and the case band (middle) is what we call a coin edge design so that you can grip it quite easily. The back lid opens effortlessly with the push of the button on the pendant revealing the winding hole and the original owner's name, John Carver. This watch was made for the English market and it bears all the correct hallmarks for purity, maker's mark, and date. The watch was made in Coventry by Adam Burdess and it is a high quality, fusee, tip-out, movement which displays the most spectacular silver dial that is adorned with multi-color gold embellishments. Make sure you zoom in on the photos to see how intricate the dial design is. Roman numerals surround the textured dial center where you can see a foliate arrangement in multi-color gold. This is a nice size, gentleman's, key-wind pocket watch that you will be proud to wear and show off. We have only one...don't miss it!
If you are a regular here at the Father Time site you already know that we believe that Hamilton was the best manufacturer in America. Not only were they the best in terms of total quality, they were also very competitive. In the late 1930s and early 1940s, the watch company designers were focused on making slightly larger and longer wristwatches. The rectangular shape was in style and there were many riffs on this theme. This particular Hamilton "Donald" is one of the real classic looks in solid yellow gold that they produced in 1941. Its solid gold case measures 28mm in width by 36mm lug to lug. The silvered dial sports applied gold Arabic numerals, gold "dagger" hands, and a brown lizard band with a 14k solid gold buckle completes the look. The 19 jewel movement is in pristine condition and is winding, setting, and keeping time just as it should. This is the kind of dress watch that you can own for a lifetime...don't miss it!
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.
Hamilton was, without a doubt, the best maker of pocket watches in America and many of their wonderful timepieces are still being used everyday. This particular Hamilton is a scarce configuration in that it is an asymmetrical shaped case that contains a round movement. The case is white gold-filled measuring 44mm tall, by 41mm wide (at its widest), by 21mm (at its narrowest). It is 10mm in thickness. This is a twelve size, open face, 17 jewel, adjusted, nickel movement with a double roller. Now, if you don't know what any of that refers to, just harken to the fact that it is a bit above the average pocket watch in looks, quality, and performance. It has a rigid bow that is very nice, as is the case decoration. The back sports an engraved cartouche ("JC") and the hands are stylized blued steel that complete the Art Deco theme. Made circa 1926, this watch was very much in vogue. It is an elegant gentleman's dress watch that could also be employed for everyday use. Our one-year warranty will allow you to purchase without the worry of restoration.
This is not your ordinary open face pocket watch. It is an American Waltham "Chronometer" rated, fine timepiece. The "Chronometer" designation is reserved for only the top quality watches that are able to pass a stringent set of parameters. Waltham gave it the name "Victoria". The 18 size, yellow gold filled case measures 53mm in diameter (not including the stem and bow) by 18mm thick and was made made circa 1894. It is a 17 jewel, highly precise, nickel plated movement with a safety pinion, a micrometric regulator, marked "adjusted", and with a handsome damascening pattern on the movement plates. The double sunk, porcelain dial exhibits elongated Roman numerals and a red five minute track just on the perimeter of the minute track. There is a seconds bit at the six o'clock position and the original hands are gold, Louis XIV style. The case shows some signs of loving use over the years, but is still very handsome. The case back has an un-engraved shield that awaits your family initials. This is truly a fine timepiece from one of America's finest manufacturers that really deserves the "Chronometer" designation. If you are searching for a really great pocket watch in a large man's size, then this may be the one for you!
Elgin produced watches in Elgin, Illinois (a Chicago suburb), for over 100 years. They were the largest and most prolific of the American manufacturers and everything they turned their hand to was well made and, as a testament to their prowess, there are many Elgins still ticking away, today. This gentleman's Elgin is one of them and what a handsome case and dial configuration it has. This is what we call a "Tonneau" case, due to its shape. It houses a seven jewel movement that our head watchmaker has running like a top. The case is a three-part, yellow gold filled and it measures 28mm, at its widest, by 22mm, at its thinnest, by 37mm lug to lug. The case center shows off some fancy engraving that carries the theme of the engraving on the case front. The silvered dial is very nice and is contrasted by very stylized blued steel hands. It sports a black, lizard band that completes the look. For a watch made circa 1932, it is a real winner. Our one-year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to 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.
This is a large (18 size) Hampden, 15 jewel, in a 4 oz. coin silver hunting case. The case is in great shape and the engraving is still pretty crisp while the cartouche is unengraved! We love to find them when they have not been personalized! That means that the cartouche can be engraved with your initials and become your family heirloom!
Hampden was an American watch company that held forth in Springfield, Massachusetts, starting in 1877 and later in Canton, Ohio by 1889. This watch, a Series I, 15 jewel, was key wind and key set. It was made circa 1879... a very early piece. Additionally, it bears the name H. Weidemann of Chicago which makes it a "jeweler's contract" watch. If you were a jeweler in Victorian times and you wanted to market your own brand of watch, you could "contract" with Hampden and many other watch manufacturers to have your name put on the movement (and sometimes the dial), provided that you met the minimum purchase requirement. That way you could be assured that your customers were getting a quality watch for which there was good engineering and an ample supply of parts.
This particular watch is in great shape and is a strong runner. It winds, sets, and runs with great accuracy. Remember all of our timepieces come with our famous one-year warranty for parts and labor so that you may buy with confidence.
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!
We don't see a lot of these Mathey enamel ladies pockets, especially in this condition, but when we do we acquire them. This one is a 13 jewel key wind, key set beauty in 14K solid gold hunting case that has enamel on both sides in a lovely portrait and reverse pattern. The enamel work is not only beautiful, but in wonderful condition. This watch was undoubtedly made for someone of high station in life. A real jewel-in-the-crown of your collection. Fully restored and warrantied for one year so that you may buy with confidence. We have only one. So, don't miss it!
Vintage watches, from a variety of manufacturers, run the gamut from ordinary to spectacular, but it seems that everything Hamilton put their collective minds to came out great! We here at Father Time feel that they are the greatest of the US companies, bar none! In 1953, Hamilton introduced the "Carl." And this particular "Carl" is a real gem! It's all-original, too! Just look at the case and dial - they're nearly perfect. The lugs on this watch are cleverly scalloped to give the watch an elegant flair. The subtle two-tone dial has raised gold markers with only the noon position displayed as the number twelve at the top, while the other chapters are indicated by gold pyramidal markers and double dashes at the 3 and the 9! This unusual eye-catching design feature was only one of many that set Hamilton apart from the crowd. The case is gold filled and measures 24mm wide by 39mm in length. This watch was certainly not indicative of typical 1950s sensibilities, since it was the result of an evolution of design that came from the previous decades of careful study, rather than an attempt at kitsch culture. Take a look at the careful detail with which Hamilton executed this beautiful 17 jewel movement. The plates are handsomely damascened and elegantly engineered for several lifetimes of service. This is a wonderful vintage timepiece that can be passed on in your family for generations to come. Grab it while you can as it may be a long time before we see another one as nice!