Chicago IL, 60618
Noon - Five
Once and a while, a watch comes along that makes the heart of a true aficionado sing... this is just such a watch! While Tiffany did not make any of their own watches they hired only the best-of-the-best to do just that! This wonderful Split Seconds Chronograph was manufactured by the Schwab Loeillet Tempor Watch Company, a Swiss firm of high renown. Not only is it very high grade, it is in wonderful condition both mechanically and cosmetically. The idea was to allow a racing enthusiasts to time two competitors with the stroke of a single button. When your horses left the starting gate you would depress the pusher that protrudes from the center of the crown. This action would start the sweep seconds and they would continue in this mode, shadowing each other until you depressed the pusher at the two o'clock position. This caused the second hand at the bottom to stop while the second hand directly above it continued to tick. The course time for your first horse was indicated opposite the bottom sweep second hand while the second one could be stopped after your second horse arrived at the finish line by pushing the crown pusher. At this point you could read the times of both horses opposite the sweeps and then by pushing the pusher at 2 you could sync them up again or by pushing the crown pusher you could zero everything out for a second race. Recorded minutes could be read on the subsidiary dial at the 3 o'clock position while the dial at the 9 o'clock position indicates constant seconds. If you turn this elegant watch over you can see that it has been housed in a display back case that allows you to view the movement without opening the case. The stainless steel case was custom made for this watch and I dare say you won't see another.
The Tempor movement is a fantastic 23 jewel work of art, circa 1920, that incorporates large ruby jewels and a Geneva Stripe Damasceening pattern on the movement plates. The movement is adjusted for temperature, isochronism, and it has a micrometric regulator for fine tuning. The finger bridges make the look of this movement stellar, but I think the crowning glory is the killer silvered dial. It is grained so that the light changes the background from light silver, to a subdued charcoal, depending on the angle. Everything about this watch is attractive... from its superior performance to the great look it has on a wrist. It is a good size too measuring 44mm in diameter (not including the crown) by 51mm lug to lug. We have only one and with our famous one-year warranty for parts and labor you may buy with confidence. Don't miss it!
