Caravelle is Bulova's other line of watches that were made in Switzerland and are a bit more unusual. This one is in great condition and is very handsome on the wrist. It is a 17 jewel, automatic (self-winding) watch with a date window at the three o'clock position. The brushed stainless steel cushion case measures 35 mm wide (not including the crown), by 40.5 mm lug to lug, by 12 mm thick (including the crystal).
The dial is a pale cream color with a brushed texture finish. The "12" and "6" Arabic numerals are applied stainless steel, while the other chapter markers are applied stainless rectangular pieces with blue inserts. A dot of lume on the outer minute track at each chapter is echoed through the stripe of lume in the rectangular hands. While the lume no longer glows, it adds to the overall effect. There is a tactile quality that makes you want to put it on your wrist. I think that the red sweep seconds hand really gilds the lily. Lastly, the crown carries Caravelle's "C" mark as a subtle finishing detail.
Suffice it to say, we really like this perfect vintage watch from the early 1970s. Our head watchmaker has the movement winding, setting, and keeping time just as it did over 50 years ago. It can be yours along with our one-year warranty for parts and labor. Don't miss it!
In 1864, the Dueber Watch Case Company was founded in Newport, Kentucky, by John Dueber. They made pocket watch cases that were used by many of the manufacturers of watch movements. It was custom at that time to select the movement and the case separately so there was a large selection that was available to the consumer and the watch dealer alike. The Dueber Watch Case Company provided the cases for many companies, including the Hampden Watch Company, which was located in Springfield, Massachusetts. The Hampden Watch Company's product so impressed Dueber that in 1886 he purchased a controlling interest in this company. In 1888, Dueber relocated the Dueber Watch Case Company from Newport and the Hampden Watch Company from Springfield to Canton, Ohio. In this new location, the two companies shared manufacturing facilities. The Dueber Watch Case Company produced the cases for the watches that the Hampden Watch Company manufactured. In 1923, the two companies formally united together, becoming known as the Dueber-Hampden Watch Company. This particular Hampden was made circa 1882, in the Springfield, Ma. facility and it is their Model II movement. It was a preferred custom at that time to produce what were called "jeweler's contract watches." These were watches that were produced by all the major companies but which bore the names of local jewelers on the dial and sometimes on the movement (as is the case here). If an order was placed in sufficient quantity, the manufacturer would print the jeweler's name on their watch, so the jeweler could sell it as his private label, all the while knowing that the full force of Hampden or some other manufacturer stood behind the engineering and parts supply. This is one of those. The porcelain dial has the overlaid inititials "HW" to represent the Chicago jeweler's name. His first initital and full last name are in full view on the movement. It was labeled as the private label of H. Weidehann and is a 15 jewel, nickel, full-plate movement with striped damasceening. The 18 size, yellow gold-filled case measures 55 mm in diameter, by 80 mm from the case bottom to the top of the bow, by 18.5 mm thick. The porcelain dial is perfect and it displays a nice, large seconds bit at the six o'clock position. Bold Arabic numerals and blued steel hands complete the look. This is a very desirable Hampden that is rarely seen. Our head watchmaker has it winding, setting, and keeping time just as it did 100 years ago. This is a very nice watch for the dough even though it has some case wear from loving use over the last century. It is now ready for your pocket. Our one-year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with confidence.
Elgin is a brand that is known worldwide and, we here at Father Time, see a good many Elgin watches that were made over the 100 years that they were in business. In almost every instance, we can restore these wonderful timepieces to the timekeeping ability that Elgin originally intended them to have... a testament to their quality. Elgin can certainly be proud of what they accomplished, because they had an excellent product that has stood the test of time. This particular Elgin is an 18 size, open-face, nickel case, with a porcelain, Roman numeral dial that has a seconds bit at the 6 o'clock position. It sports blued steel hands that really stand out for easy reading and a handsome look. The nickel case measures 58 mm in diameter, by 82 mm (including the bow), by 22 mm thick (including the crystal). It houses a seven jewel movement that is in fantastic condition. The bezel has a coin edge for ease of removal to gain access to the tip-out movement. The case back is plain polish. Our head watchmaker has it winding, setting, and keeping time just as it did way back in 1900. This really nice open face, 18-size Elgin pocket watch can be yours for not that much dough. It is fully restored and warrantied for one year for parts and labor.
Tuning fork watches were introduced by Bulova in the 1960s, and they were the most accurate watches of their era. Other companies like Omega also jumped on the bandwagon and they produced this wonderful 300 hz "Chronometer" rated, stainless steel wristwatch. It is reference 198.001, made circa 1974. It is a watch that hums when held to your ear. The date feature at the three o'clock position gilds the lily. The watch is in great condition and our head watchmaker has it humming along just as it did back in 1974. These watches were most often sold in gold-colored cases and the stainless steel watches, like this one, are scarce. It still has its original factory finish with a brushed stainless expansion band and its original Omega marked crystal. The case measures 38 mm wide (not including the crown), by 42 mm lug to lug, by 11 mm thick (including the crystal). The silvered dial is in fantastic original condition to complete package. What's not to like? Our one-year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with confidence... don't miss it!
Bulova was a very prolific, Swiss company that made great watches for which there are many parts still available. These were well designed, not only from a cosmetic perspective, but also from an engineering standpoint. This is a really nice pocket watch that was made in 1952. It has a very clean 15 jewel movement, in a yellow gold-filled case, with a cream colored dial, gold "Sword" hands, and a seconds bit at the 6 o'clock position. The case measures 42.5 mm wide, by 50 mm (from the case bottom to the top of the bow) by 11 mm thick (including the crystal). This is a very nice example due to the stylized, applied gold Arabic Numerals. It's an elegant pocket watch, in great condition, that is easy to carry and that will give you years of service. Our one year warranty for parts and labor will give you the confidence you need when purchasing a vintage pocket watch.
We here at Father Time have a close relationship with Elgin watches just like you do with your hometown team. We get more Elgin pocket watches than almost any other company's production, due to our proximity to the Elgin area (a suburb of Chicago) and we are delighted that this is so because, Elgin was a wonderful company that made a really nice watch. The plus side for you today is that we have also purchased a large stock of Elgin parts, over the years we have been in business (38 and counting) and we can fix anything they made, with all original parts. This 15 jewel, three-quarter plate, nickel movement in a yellow gold-filled, 12 size hunting case measuring 47 mm in diameter, by 61 mm from the bottom of the case to the top of the bow, by 11 mm thick. The watch has been lovingly cared for since 1902 and our head watchmaker tells me that he thinks it is good for another 100 years, if you take good care of it. The porcelain dial is very nice and it sports black Roman numerals and blued steel hands. Notice the seconds bit at the six o'clock position and how nice the inlaid blue enamel is on the case lid and back. The outer case back design is engine turned creating a interesting effect. It is quite unusual and dramatic. It is a very nice cress pocket watch that can be yours. Our one-year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to enjoy it worry-free!
This Illinois wristwatch is one of the iconic watches that really resonated with the American public. Illinois claimed that it was "America's best selling strap watch." This bold statement was made in December of 1929, but they hedged their statement by saying that while "we do not have statistics on all of the strap watches sold in the United States, we do have the figures on the Illinois New Yorker - as a result we unhesitatingly entitle it "America's best selling strap watch." A big boast, but probably pretty close to the truth. Illinois' mavens touted it as: "A masculine strap watch for men who prefer the newer designs. With its fine Illinois 17 jewel movement, the New Yorker is a genuine timekeeper." Needless to say, it was a big hit.
This Illinois (made fifteen years earlier) was one of the precursors of the modern wristwatch. With the integrated seconds bit at 6 o'clock and its large crown, it drew attention from anyone that saw it. This particular Illinois is one that has a different position on the wrist because the manufacturers were still unsure as to how the public would wear them and what was the most convenient viewing angle. The purpose of the design, however, becomes apparent when the watch is worn on the inside of the wrist and its eccentric orientation comes into its own as a "driving watch". It is oriented so that when your arm was outstretched the 12 is looking right at you. It was only in later years that you needed to bend your wrist to orient the 12 in the manner we are used to today. Yes, this is a pioneering design that you will not see walking up and down the street.
It is in great condition and looks so good on the wrist you won't want to take it off. It is housed in a beautifully engraved, solid 14k gold case that measures 28.5 mm wide (not including the crown), by 35 mm lug to lug, by 8 mm thick (including the crystal). This is a size that can be worn by anyone. The gold dial displays Roman numerals and Breguet-style, blued steel hands. It is engraved with the three initials of the original owner on the reverse and comes with its original 14k gold-filled link band.
If you are a fan of the Illinois factory, like me, you will love the look of this one. Our head watchmaker assures me that it is winding, setting, and keeping time just as it did in 1914. This is one scarce, early wristwatch, that can be yours. Our one-year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with confidence. Don't miss it!
The "O" size hunting case was the thing to have if you were a fashionable lady at the turn of the last century. You could wear it on a slide chain around your neck, on a watch pin, or in a special pocket at the hip of your dress. This wonderful watch, made by the Elgin Watch Company circa 1899, is a solid 14k gold multi-color hunter. It has a fifteen jewel three-quarter plate movement that is winding, setting, and keeping time just as it did over 122 years ago. The 14k solid gold case measures 35 mm in diameter, by 50 mm (from the case bottom to the top of the bow), by 11.5 mm thick. Here is a chance to own a watch for the ages that will become a family heirloom. Our famous one-year warranty, for parts and labor, will allow you to buy with confidence.
Elgin is a brand that is known worldwide and, we here at Father Time, see a good many Elgin watches that were made over the 100 years that they were in business. In almost every instance, we can restore these wonderful timepieces to the timekeeping ability that Elgin originally intended them to have... a testament to their quality. Elgin can certainly be proud of what they accomplished, because they had an excellent product that has stood the test of time.
This particular Elgin is a 12 size, open face, white gold-filled, with a silvered two-tone dial in the Art Deco style that was popular in the 1920s. It sports blued steel hands that really stand out for easy reading and a handsome look. The white gold-filled case measures 44 mm in diameter, by 56 mm (including the bow), by 10.5 mm thick (including the crystal). It houses a 17 jewel movement that is in fantastic condition.
Both bezels have foliate engraving that just looks spectacular. The case back has a very fine striped pattern with a central cartouche that contains the initial "S." It is so tastefully executed that anyone can enjoy it, even if your name does not start with an "S." Even the bow is engraved to match the bezels. Our head watchmaker has it winding, setting, and keeping time just as it did way back in 1923. This really nice Art Deco Elgin pocket watch can be yours for not that much dough. It is fully restored and warrantied for one year for parts and labor.
Purse watches are a thing of the past, but what an elegant fashion. This is essentially a wristwatch head that has been fashioned to reside in beautiful sterling silver case that is elegantly enameled in black and yellow. Juvenia, the manufacturer, is world renowned for precision and accuracy. This watch can be used in one's purse, worn around the neck as a pendant, or on the end of a pocket watch chain for the pocket – it is very versatile. The case measures 33 mm in width when closed, by 49 mm long (including the bow), by 12 mm thick (when closed). It is 38 mm tall when open. The silvered dial (with a slight yellow tint, that appears more strident in the photos) measures 20 mm by 25 mm. The movement is a 15 jewel, typical wristwatch movement for the period, circa 1925. It is winding, setting, and keeping time just as it did way back in 1925. There is even a wonderful guilloche pattern under the yellow enamel that produces an interesting texture (barely discernable in the photos). It adds definite eye appeal. It is one of the nicest examples we have had the pleasure to own after 42 years in the business... and it can be yours!
Founded in 1884, Breitling had a long track record as a premier watchmaker. Founder Léon Breitling had impressed his watchmaking contemporaries with innovative design and rugged "tool watches" for aviators. Many of Breitling’s chronographs were worn by military forces and police officers giving them the stamp of approval.
After World War I, Breitling made a big push to become the watch of choice for aviation crews, during the tenure of Leon's grandson, Willy, as company head. The Swiss watchmaker focused on manufacturing watches that allowed pilots to quickly calculate flight speed and distance. During this innovative time, Breitling debuted the "Navitimer" collection which featured a slide rotating bezel that made the crucial in-flight calculations (like fuel consumption and air speed) even easier for pilots. Ultimately, Breitling won the bid to supply watches to the Royal Air Force.
The Breitling Superocean is a classic that has only improved over time (no pun intended) with each iteration. This blue A17040 model was produced from 1995-2002, and it is in great shape and looks great on the wrist. It has a 25 jewel automatic movement with a stainless steel case measuring 42 mm in diameter (without the crown), by 47 mm lug to lug, by 15 mm thick (including the crystal). It is paired with its original "Professional 1" bracelet with subtle polished & brushed link finishes and a diver's clasp.
Breitling helped define the classic diver's watch with the Superocean starting back in 1957 for military and professional divers, but the style and brand soon became very popular with the general public. Here is a really nice example that can be yours for about half of retail. Our one-year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with confidence.
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 1957 as one of the last available. It is a handsome piece to behold housed in a large (for the era) yellow gold filled, round case with a stainless steel back for wearing longevity. The yellow case measures 35 mm in diameter (not including the crown), by 42.5 mm from lug to lug, by 10.5 mm thick (including the crystal). The movement is a spotless 17 jewel engine that our watchmakers have fully restored to like-new condition mechanically. It sports a yellow gold filled expansion band of the period to complete the look. 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.