These clocks were for the French merchant that wanted something special and elegant in his shop to give customers the correct time and add a touch of class to the shop. The name came from the preponderance of this type of clock that was found in French Bakeries. This particular clock is an unusual example having inlaid mother of pearl against a black background on the bezel and dial surround. The contrasting red trim adds just a touch of eye appeal. The dial is a all porcelain and displays individually fired bombe chapters with Roman numerals that have individual brass surrounds. The blued steel pierced hands add the final touch that give this clock a spectacular appearance. The clock strikes the hours on a coiled gong and is eight day running. The front bezel hinges from the top to gain easy access to the pendulum. Circa 1870, it's good for yet another hundred years.
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.
Roamer was founded in Solothurn, Switzerland in 1888 by Fritz Meyer, and after many changes and iterations their production grew to over a million watches by 1923. They made a good number of cylinder escapement watches under different names, but their better quality watches were sold under the name "Roamer". The Roamers contained great quality, jeweled, lever escapement movements that have stood the test of time (so to speak)! By 1923 production grew to over one million units. The top quality jeweled lever escapement watches were sold under the brand 'Roamer', but cylinder escapements, and later, pin-lever watches were sold under the brands Medana and Meda. In 1932, the company started its own dial production line. In 1945, a representative office opened in New York City and in 1952 Meyer and Studeli officially changed its name to Roamer Watch Co. SA. In 1955 Roamer patented the Anfibio watertight watch case, which proved to be a commercial success.
This particular Roamer we are offering is circa 1932 is a very interesting watch, and it is in fantastic condition. If you are aching for a real nice, original, Art Deco wristwatch, then take a look at the "Zoom-In" photos and see how nice this wristwatch appears. The case is beautifully polished chrome measuring 22mm wide (not including the crown), by 40mm lug to lug. The movement has 15 jewels and looks like new. The watch is winding, setting, and keeping time like the excellent Swiss timepiece it is. Now take a peak at the dial, it is a sleek, silver, work of art that has stylized numerals and a two-tone contrast. Notice how the track for the seconds bit mimics the shape of the case. This one can be yours, but don't hesitate because we have only one!
In 2003, Roamer returned to manufacturing of mechanical watches. Currently, it remains an independent watchmaking company, selling its products to over 70 countries. Roamer Watch Co. is a member of Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH.
This might be the fanciest gentleman's Hamilton ever made! The case is 14K solid white gold and measures 40mm long by 22mm wide. It has a dramatic diamond dial with diamond encrusted numerals at the cardinal points.
Hamilton made some very dramatic looking watches in later years however this one was exceptional for its era circa 1947. 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 single set diamonds with solid white gold bezels at all of the other chapters. The long case measures 40mm lug to lug by 22mm wide by 11mm thick. The movement is a 17 jewel caliber 980 that is a joy to see as the balance wheel swings effortlessly back and forth. 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. I have never seen another like this in my 25 years in business. 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 was born. 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.