It was a very chauvinistic mindset to think that a lady wouldn't need to have her watch tell time as accurately as a gentleman's watch, but that was the conventional thinking (by men) back in the day. Bulova, however, didn't ascribe to that view as is evidenced by this very high-grade ladies' white gold wristwatch. It has a 23 jewel movement, which was their top grade and it is housed in a very nice 14k solid white gold case that measures 14 mm wide (not including the crown), by 26 mm lug to lug, by 7 mm thick (including the crystal).
Not only is it a high-grade watch, but it also has a very pleasant slight-hexagonal shape with beautiful central lugs. The silvered dial has a crosshatch pattern with some patina, but the eye is immediately drawn to the unusual texture! Adding to the interest of the dial are the applied chapter markers. They are all rectangular, but with wider ones at the cardinal positions and thinner in between. The articulated bracelet band is 10k white gold-filled with a safety chain for security in wearing. Made circa 1959, it has lived a life of complete pampering and, as a result, it is in fantastic original condition today. This may be the one for you... don't miss it. Our one-year warranty, for parts and labor, will allow you to buy with complete confidence.
Produced between 1861 and 1871, the E. Howard series III is a very historical key-wind, key-set pocket watch. The total production was only 24,500. How many survive today is anybody's guess! Certainly there are not many left. On December 11, 1858, the Howard Watch Company was conceived for the manufacture of high grade watches. This particular watch is housed in an 4 ounce "coin silver" case and is running wonderfully. The "N" size watch is slightly larger than an American 18 size. The case measures 59 mm in diameter, by 86 mm form the case bottom to the top of the bow, by 16 mm thick (with the case closed). This 11 jewel beauty has a "Reeds Patented Barrel". On Feb. 4, 1868, Howard patented a new motor barrel that superseded the Reeds. The presence of the Reeds barrel places its manufacture between 1861 and 1868. The timing pattern on this piece reflects the precision one would expect from a Howard watch. The case shows signs of loving wear on the high points, giving it a mellow appearance. The central cartouche, on the front lid, is un-engraved and the back lid is plain polish. The porcelain dial is original to the piece and has a subtle repair just above the seconds bit. The original hands are blued steel and are quite elegant. The Roman numerals and the "E. Howard & Co. Boston" are elegantly hand-scripted just below the twelve in a small script. This is truly a definitive example of the watchmaking art form in America at that time. Here is an heirloom that your family can cherish for decades to come. Remember all of our watches come with our one-year warranty.
The Illinois Watch Company had its beginnings in several other incarnations, starting in December of 1870, in Springfield, Illinois. The two founders were John Whitfield Bunn and John C. Adams. They started the Springfield Watch Company by attracting several other investors, until they had amassed the princely sum of $100,000.00, which in those days was no small task. William B. Miller was to be their first secretary as they started production and a journey over what was to be a bumpy financial road. By 1877, after some difficulty, the company was reorganized and renamed the Illinois Springfield Watch Company and Erastus Newton Bates was chosen to lead them out of the financial difficulties they had encountered but, by July of 1878 they were once again faced with a re-organization and the name changed once again, to the Illinois Watch Company, the final iteration that we know today. The chief executive was Jacob Bunn Sr. (1814-1897) and he was an all-round entrepreneur with his fingers in finance, newspapers, land development, coal, banking, railroads, wholesale groceries, politics and even the manufacture of rope. The Bunn brothers, John & Jacob, were close friends with Abraham Lincoln, whose political career was financed and managed by them. The growth of the enterprise grew steadily from this point on under the management of the Bunn brothers. The fortunes of the company were starting to rise and by 1880, they had over 400 employees, up from 260 in 1879, and ultimately 1200 at their apex. Production was up as well from 33,285 in 1879 to 47,065 by 1880. Just ten years later, they could boast offices in New York, San Francisco, and Chicago.
With the advent of the Railroad Commission, in 1893, Illinois became one of the leading forces behind the design and manufacture of the highly accurate railroad timepieces that became world standards for accuracy and reliability. Illinois was known as the "Cadillac" of pocket watches back in the day! This watch is 16 size in a yellow gold-filled case that is in fantastic condition. This watch is a fine example of American watch making, circa 1916. The Illinois company made exceptional timepieces and this one is representative of how nice they turned out! Illinois put their heart and soul into making very accurate and elegantly engineered watches for the discerning customer. They honed their skills making railroad watches, like this one, for America's "iron horses". The nickel movement in this one has a very interesting damascening pattern in that it is a series of stripes that look really cool. The movement is an adjusted, 21 jewel, three-quarter plate, nickel marvel, that is running like a champ. Railroad watches were precisely regulated to keep the best time possible because people's lives depended on giant locomotives following a strict schedule.
Back in 1891, on April 18th, there was a head-on crash between two railroad trains just outside of Kipton, Ohio. The fast mail train #14 collided with the Toledo Express. The fast mail was running at full speed and the Toledo express was almost at a spot where it would traditionally pull over on a siding to let the fast mail pass. The massive collision killed nine men, six of them postal clerks working on the fast mail train. Investigators determined that the Toledo express crew was at fault. Their train was late and should not have started out for Kipton, knowing that the fast mail was approaching on the same line. The investigation centered on the engineer’s watches, one of which was possibly four minutes slow. A mere four minutes was the difference between life and death on the line. This is why American watch manufacturers strove to make the best possible watch one could own. This is one of those watches.
Look at the large ruby jewels and the gold jewel cups! Take a look at this wonderful porcelain dial, with its bold Arabic numerals for easy reading... it is immaculate! The bold, blued steel hand shape is easy to see for an engineer with one hand on the "Dead Mans" throttle. Additionally, the second hand, which is also blued steel, is the perfect complement to the large seconds bit at the 6 o'clock position. The plain polish, yellow gold-filled case shows only minor wear, commensurate with its age, and it looks great! This is a very nice, genuine Railroad Watch, 16 size, bold Arabic numerals, lever set, porcelain dial, screw back and bezel and a 60 Hour "Bunn Special" to boot. It has a beautiful damascening pattern on the nickel movement that just sings out for your attention. The case measures 50 mm in diameter, by 65 mm from the case bottom to the top of the bow, by 14 mm thick (including the crystal). What's not to like? Our one-year warranty, for parts and labor, will allow you to buy with complete confidence. Don't let it get away.
Waltham was a wonderful and prolific watch manufacturer located in Waltham, Ma. and they were in business from 1851 to 1957, in various iterations. Their earlier efforts, circa 1850, in Roxbury, MA, resulted in the Howard, Dennison & Davis moniker, later changed to Boston Watch Company, then Appleton, Tracey, & Co., the American Watch Co., and finally the Waltham Watch Company. They were one of the giants of the industry and second largest only to Elgin. This particular Waltham is a 21 jewel (so marked on the dial), "Riverside", adjusted to temperature and position. It is a pendant-set, yellow gold-filled case, porcelain dial (with bold, Arabic numerals), gentlemen's watch that measures 49 mm in diameter, by 60 mm from the case bottom to the top of the bow, by 13 mm thick (including the crystal). It is a screw-back, screw-bezel case and the hands are bold blued steel. There is a seconds bit at the 6 o'clock position that also has a blued steel hand. It sports strong shoulders, surrounding the crown and a non-pull-out bow. What a nice, high grade, 16 size pocket watch! It is running well - within original timing standards - just as it should. The engraved bezels (front and back) give it a handsome look. The case is yellow gold-filled and in great shape. This just may be the one for you. If so, give us a call. Our one-year warranty, for parts and labor, will allow you to buy with confidence.
Niello is a black mixture - usually of sulphur, copper, silver, and lead - used as an inlay on engraved or etched metal, especially silver. It was used most notably for very unusual pocket watch cases right around the turn of the last century. It made for a very dramatic piece of pocket art. Such is the case with the watch we have on offer here. Made circa 1910, in Switzerland, it displays a fabulous inlaid pattern with rose gold and coin silver as the two contrasting components. It is a beautifully made hunting case watch that measures 50 mm in diameter (69 mm with the bow), by 10 mm thick when closed. Not only does it have an inlaid rose gold cartouche (with a "WD" personalization), but it also has a rose gold bow and crown.
The 15 jewel, three-quarter plate, gilded movement is in excellent condition and our head watchmaker has it winding, setting, and keeping time just as it did when it came to our shores, over 100 years ago. The inner back lid tells the story. It took several prizes in Milan, circa 1906, that are featured here as well as the indication that it is a lever (Ancre) escapement, with a Remontoir (a device to give a uniform impulse to the balance wheel). It is a wonderful watch that can be yours! Our one-year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to wear it with complete confidence.
The Hamilton Watch Company was founded in 1892, but they didn't produce their first watch until 1893. The first watch was designed by one of the companies founding members - H.J. Cain. Their pocket watches commanded immediate respect and became prominent timepieces for railroad engineers, as well as the general public. The "Broadway Limited" was introduced in their first year of business! These watches were so respected that they became the official watch of the American Expeditionary Forces world-wide! A special wristwatch version was made and supplied General Pershing and his men in WWI. Admiral Byrd relied on the same watch on both his Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. Auguste Piccard used a Hamilton timepiece on his balloon ascent into the stratosphere in the early 1930s. The first American to summit Mount Everest - Jim Whittaker - was wearing a Hamilton in 1963! Suffice it to say, Hamilton made the best American watches... bar none!
The "Dodson" was one of Hamilton's "Tubular Lug" models and one of the largest that they offered. The model was produced for 10 years between 1938 and 1948... a very long time for a watch model to persist. I think it was very popular... as they are today! This particular Hamilton "Dodson" was made circa 1939 and was one of 75,687 made in gold-filled. How many survive today is anyone's guess. This one has the 18K gold applied numerals as opposed to the more common black enamel numerals. It is a seventeen jewel Hamilton, grade 897-A, a 6/O size. The yellow gold filled case measures 27 mm at its widest (not including the crown), by 37 mm lug to lug, by 8 mm thick (including the crystal). The ivory colored dial displays a wonderful patina that it has earned over time. We have fitted it with a very nice, light brown, lizard strap so that it will grace your wrist with panache. Our one-year warranty for parts and labor will assure you it is in great running condition, as are all of our timepieces.
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 a really handsome Tissot for its era, circa 1965! Not only is it handsome, but it is also beautifully styled as is evidenced by the unusual date window at the 6 o'clock position. The silvered dial is a thing of beauty and the stainless steel case measures 34 mm in diameter (not including the crown), by 40 mm lug to lug, by 9 mm thick (including the crystal). It is as smooth as a baby's behind. This Tissot 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. Now take a look at the "Zoom-In" photos and notice how free of wear it is. 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 generations to come. Our warranty ensures that the watch is just as we have represented it! We have only one...so don't miss it!
Everyone who even dabbles in vintage and antique pocket watches knows that Hamilton was the best timepiece made in America and, as a consequence, there is a lot of competition for those Hamiltons that are at the top of the heap. This is one of those! It is a 23 jewel, grade 920 yellow gold filled, open face, 12 size, pendant-set, pocket watch that is adjusted to temperature and 5 positions. It sports gold screw-in jewel settings, a motor barrel, and a Breguet hairspring. It measures 47 mm in diameter, by 54 mm, from the case bottom to the top of the bow, by 11 mm thick (including the crystal). Our head watchmaker has its heart beating like the day it was made, way back in 1921, and the timing tape coming out of the Vibrograph machine is near perfect. Notice how nice the case is. It is a classic, plain polish with nicely engraved bezels, a non-pull out bow, with a screw back and a screw bezel to keep out debris and dust. The porcelain dial is in great condition and it display a red 5 minute track for added timekeeping convenience. The movement is a nickel, two-finger bridge, 23 jewel beauty that just gleams when you open the case back and cast your gaze on the striped damascening plate pattern. It is a killer... don't miss it!
The year 1957 was a landmark year for design. This is when everything that came off the designer's drawing board was unusual and it seemed like every other product that came along was futuristic in design. Such was the Elgin "Direct Reading" Jump Hour. These were made in three different cases, although the 21 jewel. Cal. 719 movement was common to them all.
Elgin, the world's largest watch manufacturer, was on the cutting edge of innovative watch design. This was a time of exaggerated fins on automobiles and ducktail hairdos. So, Elgin designers wanted a watch that would take your imagination. They produced a series of what they called "Direct Readers". One was round and plain polish in what you might call a "Chevron" configuration, one was in a round dimpled case called the "Golf Ball", and this rectangular one, which later became "The Elvis". This was due to many photos of him wearing this ground-breaking, jump hour wristwatch. The condition of this particular watch is one of the nicest Elvis watches we have had in over 10 years. The yellow gold filled case measures 26 mm in width (not including the crown), by 36 mm lug to lug, by 9 mm thick. The surface of the watch has three planes that are slightly curved emphasizing the unique look. Our head watchmaker has it winding, setting, and jumping just as it did in 1957. When you peer through the triangular window, just below the watch center, you will see a large number (the hour) with a disc of smaller numbers underneath the hour. This is the "Wandering Minutes" track that rotates to indicate the passing of the minutes. When the 60-minute mark is reached the next hour "jumps" into the window for yet another hour on display. The crucial test of the proper service for one of these watches is the sharp jumping of the hour disc when the hour changes. Ours jumps to attention just like it should. This one is quite spiffy! If you are an Elvis fan or just want a watch that you won't see walking up and down the street, don't miss this one. It is special. Our one year warranty, for parts and labor, will allow you to buy with confidence.
If you were a soldier, you relied on your wristwatch to coordinate maneuvers and to make sure you weren't late for mess. It became your constant companion and a device on which you could rely. As a consequence of hard service, especially during combat, many of these military watches are in bad shape today. But, that is not the case here. This amazing Elgin has retained all of its lume and its original black dial finish in perfect order. The Arabic numerals and hands have aged to that desirable "coffee color" that all collectors want. The chrome plated case measures 32 mm in diameter (not including the crown), by 40 mm lug to lug, by 12 mm thick (including the crystal). When you zoom in on the photos, you can clearly see the ordinance designations on the back of this hearty watch. It is a 15 jewel, U.S. Army, type A-11 (so marked on the back of the watch), made circa 1944. The photos of the movement let you see what great condition it is in and no water ingress. No sloppy maintenance, just a clean, healthy movement. It is winding, setting, and keeping time just as it did in the mid 1940s. It also has a neat military feature that of a "Hack Second's" which means that if you pull out the crown, the sweep second hand is stopped, so that on your commander's mark, you and all your other team members can push in their crowns to start their watches in sync with everyone else. This is a mandatory procedure for coordinating maneuvers. If you want a look that not everyone has, this may be the watch for you! Our one-year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with peace of mind.
Coro costume jewelry is a good name to look for, and this Coro "Duette" Pin is a real stunner! It was made to be worn as a two-horse pin or separately as "sweater pins". On the back of the piece is a structural base that the two pins attach to so that they may be worn together, but separated when you want to wear them apart from one another. It is what allowed Coro to patent their "Duette" design! The entire piece is fashioned from sterling silver that has a gold overlay, and is so marked. It is from the mid 1950s and is a very unusual piece with a great look!
Rhinestones give the horses their eye-catching sparkle, with marquise shaped red gems for their ears and bright blue ones for the eyes. Clear round and baguette rhinestones form the mane and continue downward to outline the bottom points. Simple sculpted features for the nose, black painted shadows, and red painted lips finish off the horses with some personality!
When paired together, the piece measures approximately 2.25" tall by 1.75" wide, by 5/8" thick (not including the pin back).
Suffice it to say that we have never, in over 40 years, had a scarab pin as nice as this one. It is a fabulous Victorian brooch that is executed in 18K solid gold and which contains actual Scarabs. The iridescence of the scarabs backs are really amazing and, contrasted with the beautiful gold work of the mounting, it makes for a phenomenal piece. It measures 41 mm wide, by 41 mm tall, by 10 mm thick and it has a tiny chain that allows it to be worn as a necklace, or a watch pin... very versatile. Everyone who claps eyes on it is amazed and fascinated. Maybe it has an ancient Egyptian curse on it! It is certainly worthy of a place in a "Indiana Jones" film. What a unique piece!