The Omega "Chronostop" is a very interesting landmark in Omega's long lineage of fantastic chronographs. They were introduced in the 1960s and had a great run through the 1970s. It is a very unusual chronograph, in that is only has one push button and there is no recorded minutes, recorded hours, or constant seconds. This makes it a very utilitarian tool watch at a very attractive price point. Chronostops offered a 60-second stopwatch feature that is activated by a single pusher, located just above the crown. The first push starts the sweep hand. The second push stops it and resets it to 12 (once released). This makes it extremely simple to time some event and get an instant read-out and then it resets for the next competitor, race car, horse, or pulse. These watches are very useful tools for athletes, drivers, and medical professionals, and sold well during their production run.
Most Chronostops can be easily worn by all but the largest wrists. The stainless steel case is in great condition and measures 35 mm in width (not including the crown), by 39 mm lug to lug, by 12 mm thick (including the crystal). Our head watchmaker has the manually-wound Omega Calibre 865 movement developed specifically for this model working just as it did back 1969. This Chronostop is in the best condition for one of these awesome watches that we have ever had the pleasure to own... don't miss it!
Eterna has a long history, starting back in 1856, when Dr. Joseph Girard and Urs Schild founded an ebauche factory (one that makes basic movements for other companies to brand) in Grenchen. They were known for luxury watches and forward-looking innovation in the industry. By the 1900s, wristwatches were appearing on the wrists of early adopters and the fashion started to take off. Schild Freres, as they were then known, were producing wristwatches from the adaptation of smaller pocket watches for the wrist. This was a fairly new idea that would start to gain ground after "Johnny" came marching home from WWI. By 1905. they had changed their name to Eterna and by 1908. had patented the very first "Wrist Alarm". It was launched in 1914, at the Swiss National Exhibition in Bern, Switzerland and they were off to the races.
This killer Eterna we are offering has the most marvelous charcoal dial and is a great contrast against the rose gold filled case. It also has a screw-down, stainless steel back for wearing longevity and hypo-allergenic properties. It is one of the most interesting "Bumper" Automatics (winding while on your wrist) and is running like the day it came from Switzerland. The case measures 34 mm in diameter (without the crown), by 44 mm lug to lug, by 11 mm thick (including the crystal). What really makes it different is that the dial markings are Roman numerals at the cardinal points and "diamond" markers at all the other chapters. There is also a delineated minute track just outside of the chapter ring. The "skeletonized", lumed, "blued steel" hands no longer glow but, they are all intact and original. The central sweep hand is also "blued steel." The screw-down steel back shows the "Anti-Magnetic", "Shock-Absorber," and "Waterproof" designations. Yes, this one has it all! Our one-year warranty, for parts and labor, will allow you to put this one on your wrist with complete confidence.
Many manufacturers were involved in the war effort during WWII and, while Gruen did not have a military contract for watches, they did supply pilot's watches with 24-hour dials for Pan American World Airways. This production was initiated circa 1943. During the war, Pan Am stopped all commercial operations and flew only for the U.S. Military. They had overseas bases and a network of airports that was highly valued in the war effort. In the early 1940s, a wristwatch with a central sweep second hand was a rarity, and one with a 24 hour dial was also unusual, but Gruen's reasoning was that men were coming home from the war and they had been used to referencing the 24-hour day for military purposes. Pilots also were used to this form of reference so they decided to introduce this Pan Am model which has a central sweep second hand, Arabic numerals from 1 to 12, and an inner chapter ring that referenced hours 13 to 24. Air travel was not common at this time and it held a certain glamorous allure for the common man. Gruen decided to feature advertisements with photos of the Pan Am set against a background of the famous Pan Am Clipper which was a flying-boat type of aircraft. This was hot stuff back in the day. Many manufacturers used the appeal of the military timepiece to tickle the fancy of the American public and Gruen was no exception. They planned to carrot-dangle the unobtainable Pan Am while it was still something the public could not purchase, knowing that after the war there would be considerable demand once it was released to everyone.
It wasn't until October of 1945 that they finally offered the watch for public sale. Airline travel was just becoming something that was within the reach of those adventurous travelers and Gruen wanted to provide just the right accessory for that airline customer. They reasoned that once folks were used to using military time that this would be a no-brainer. Jewelers were advised to stock-up on these wonderful timepieces in order to meet the demand as "Johnny came marching home". Their prescience was rewarded with vigorous sales and this provides us today with watches, that once restored, can live on as a piece of history.
The watch we are presenting for your approval here is one that our watch makers have lovingly restored to fully functional condition. It is one of the early models, and we think, one of the most desirable configurations for any of the Pan Am Series. It is housed in a rose gold filled case that measures 32 mm in diameter (without the crown), by 39 mm lug to lug, by 10 mm thick (including the crystal).
It sports a stainless steel back, for wearing longevity, with a hypo-allergenic surface against the wrist. The 17 jewel movement is Gruen's legendary 420s that is ticking along just as it did when crossing the Atlantic during the war. Now, take a look at the wonderful, original dial, its condition speaks of what it has endured and yet still looks great today. Many of these dials have been refinished over their lifetime but not this one... it is all original. Don't miss it!
This is a very interesting hunting case pocket watch made by Reuge, who was famous for the manufacture of Swiss music boxes. This pocket watch has a Swiss movement for timekeeping and a Swiss musical movement that plays anytime the front lid is opened. You thereby have a lovely tune to view the time by. Musical pocket watches are few and far between and this is one that won't break the bank. This is due to the fact that it is much more modern (circa 1970's) than many of the much older watches. $30,000.00 is not an exorbitant price to pay for an antique one. So, ours is a good compromise. The case, which measures 52mm in diameter, by 73mm (from the case bottom to the top of the bow), by 15mm thick (with both lids closed). It is yellow gold plated and the back sports an external key for winding the music box. The 17 jewel Swiss movement is wound by means of the conventional crown. As an extra, added attraction, there is an oval window that allows the owner to view the gears of the music box when it is in operation. Our head watchmaker has it running perfectly and sounding like it did the day it arrived on our shores from Switzerland. It is quite unusual... don't miss it.
If you would like a really elegant, solid gold, dress watch then take a look at this spectacular Longines from the early 1950s. Longines was at the top of their game and was highly respected in the US, as well as the rest of the world. They have a sterling reputation for quality and excellence. The "Hourglass" shape of the case is stunning, as is the domed, highly curved crystal. The silvered dial has stylized Roman numerals at the cardinal positions, while the other chapters exhibit elongated "arrowhead" markers... all in gold. There is a seconds bit just above the six o'clock position, with a recess that mimics the overall shape of the case. The 17 jewel movement is running like it did decades ago. The 14k solid gold case measures 20-25mm wide (at its widest) by 39mm lug to lug, by 11mm thick (including the crystal). We have fitted it with a classy, black, patent leather band that completes the tuxedo look. You can't go wrong with this one because our one-year warranty for parts and labor, will allow you to buy with confidence. Don't miss it!
In the Victorian Era, a woman was not properly accessorized unless she had a great looking cameo in her arsenal. The most valued cameos were those that had solid gold bezels, like this one. Not only is it solid gold, but 18k to boot! What really makes it stellar, however, is the classical-themed Athenian lady that is hand-carved in relief. Her hair, clothing, and regal demeanor set the tone and the wonderful colors of the hand-carved shell lend all the right attributes to make this a very desirable example.
This particular cameo also has the best of both worlds when it comes to wearing it -- it has the standard pin back, but it also has an articulated loop at the top that allows it to be worn as a necklace pendant. When turned down, it disappears so it can't be seen when being worn as a pin. The gold bezel surround is substantial and is hand engraved at its edge. A rope banding where the bezel joins the oval back finishes off the piece with a little extra classical style.
It measures approximately 39mm wide, by 50mm tall, by 12mm thick (not including the pin back). It is a real stunner that can be yours! Don't miss it!
This is quite an unusual convertible combination of a necklace and a bracelet. By attaching or detaching the longer necklace neck-piece, one can convert the bracelet to a necklace, or vice-versa. A very clever set... indeed! It is executed in 12K solid rose gold and is very attractive when worn. The combination of the emeralds, the mother-of-pearl, and the white sapphires makes for an unusual piece and a stunning look. The first photo shows the necklace configuration, while the second photo displays the central array, the third photo shows the bracelet configuration, and finally the two complimentary pieces side-by-side. If you are desirous of an unusual necklace/bracelet combination then this may be the set for you!
The Ansonia Clock company has a stellar reputation for quality and we whole-heartedly endorse that sentiment. They started making brass movement clocks in 1850 when the change from wooden clock works was in transition. They were quite successful and held a good segment of the market until about 1914 when the novelty clock became subject to fierce competition. This was Ansonia's strongest selling line, and, rather than maintain profit, Ansonia attempted to gain volume by offering clocks at "old pricing".
This tactic racked up huge debts, and by 1920 the number of models was down to 136 from a previous 440 models, and then 47 by 1927. In 1926 the company sold its Brooklyn warehouse, but this could not stem the inevitable. In 1929 the majority of the timekeeping machinery and tooling was sold to the Soviet government's US trading company Amtorg, just before the stock market crash.
This particular Ansonia was made during their heyday and what a beauty it is. The entire case, which measures 11.5" tall by 8.5" wide, by 4.25" deep, is beautifully gold gilded. There is a central, three dimensional, Putti holding a floral bough just below the dial. The porcelain dial is double sunk and displays one of Ansonia's "Exposed Escapements" that our head clock maker has ticking like the proverbial top. This escapement action is fascinating to observe and Ansonia installed this type of movement in their best clocks. Even the escapement bridge is gilded for maximum effect. This is a very "Art Nouveau" Clock that really gives one a sense of the design esthetic at the turn of the last century. The photos say it all and coupled with our one year warranty for parts and labor this is a clock that will please for generations to come.
Here we have a very elegant Ladies' Swiss (Geneve) key-wind pocket watch with inlaid enamel. It is an 8 jewel, key-wind, key-set, cylinder movement, executed in 18K solid gold... and what a beauty it is! The watch measures 33mm in diameter, by 45mm from the case bottom to the top of the bow, by 10mm thick. The "Geneve" designation is an indication of high quality and the ability to pass stringent testing. The inner dust cover is inscribed "Geneve Cylindre Rubis", indicating this designation and the fact that it has ruby jewels. Make sure you notice the extraordinary inlaid enamel in a three leaf foliate design on the back cover. There is some minor loss of enamel, but it is quite spectacular for such an old piece. It still has its original "Bullseye" crystal which is in great shape. The Geneva Finger Bridge movement is in fantastic condition and setting, winding, and keeping time just as it did over 143 years ago. Our one-year warranty will allow you to buy with confidence.
The Victorian era was a time of excessive ornamentation and it was said that "too much was not enough". The Victorian Parlor Clock (or "Kitchen Clock" as they are called in the trade) was the perfect example of over-the-top design. These "Parlor Clocks" were decorated with applied gingerbread designs and were quite affordable for the common man. This particular "Parlor Clock" was made by the E. Ingraham Clock Company, circa 1892. It is all-original, eight day, time and strike, on coiled gong. The oak case measure 24" tall, by 15.5" in width, by 5" deep and our head clockmaker has it running just as it did over 126 years ago! The E. Ingraham Company was founded circa 1860 and Elias Ingraham, who was primarily a case maker with the Brewster & Ingrahams Company struck to make his own clocks. They had originally bought movements from a variety of sources, but by 1865 decided to bring it all in-house and make their own. Eventually, Elias' son, Edward, took over the reins of the business and developed a patent for the application of black japanning of wooden cases. This was to prove extremely popular with the public and Ingraham became the leading maker of "Black Mantle Clocks." Here, we offer a very nice Ingraham for you to put on your mantle. Our one year warranty, for parts and labor, will allow you to buy with confidence.
Waltham was the second largest watch company in the world, after Elgin, and they were a force to be reckoned with! The American Waltham Watch Company (later Waltham) is one of America's oldest watchmakers. They held forth in Roxbury, 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. The travel clocks, like this one, are even harder to find in good, running condition. Waltham was 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. This Waltham, however, was made circa 1926, when they were in stiff competition for the hearts of Americans. It is in the form that was used for both car clocks and, like this one, for travel clocks that could be transported and then set-up on a night stand for easy viewing. When they were used in automobiles, the clock would grasp the dashboard, just as it does the travel case (between the front and rear bezels), and the crown would protrude just below the edge of the dashboard, for convenient winding. The travel case size measures 4.12" by 4.25"by 1" thick. The actual clock case measures 37mm in diameter, by 81mm, from the bottom of the case to the top of the crown, by 21mm thick. The back of the travel case is stamped Germany - U.S. Zone. The all-original dial and hands are in great shape, with a wonderful patina. It has its original lume on the Arabic numerals and the skeletonized hands, but the numbers no longer glow. There is, however, a faint glow from the hands. It is a very utilitarian clock that can be used on a desk, in the bedroom, or virtually anywhere you travel. It is an eight-day (so marked on the dial) which means it runs and keeps time for a full week, with a day's winding in reserve. Our head watchmaker has it setting, winding, and keeping time just as it did way back in 1926.
The Waterbury Clock Company is an old one that was incorporated in the city of Waterbury, Connecticut, on March 5, 1857, but their origins harken back to January 14, 1843, when its parent company, the Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing Company, was founded.
Benedict & Burnham were manufacturers of sheet brass, and anything else that involved brass which they could fabricate. The industry was moving to all-brass movement plates by mid-1800s and brass clock movements were being used in millions of clocks manufactured by such companies as Seth Thomas, Gilbert Clock Co., Ansonia Clock Company and virtually all other clock manufacturers. It was natural for Benedict & Burnham to expand their influence by making clock movements themselves so that they had a hand in fabrication, from raw material, right on through the finished product. This particular Waterbury, made in New Haven, Connecticut was know as the "Galesburg", circa 1906. It has survived several lifetimes of use with great panache. Our head clockmaker has it running just as Waterbury intended. It is such an impressive and handsome clock that you can't help but feast your eyes on it. The solid oak case is in fantastic condition and it is highlighted by the tree finials that stand atop the crown molding. These finial shapes are repeated by no less than seven iterations, just opposite the 9 and the 3, again opposite the top of the pendulum bob, just below the bottom edge, and finally at the very bottom of the clock. The Roman numeral dial has a ring of brass at its center and an outer bezel, also made from brass. This brass matches the pendulum bob and even the gong base which is visible just under the six o'clock position at the back of the case. It strikes the hours and half hours on a very resonant gong coil that lets you know of its presence. There are two winding arbors for time & strike and it is an eight day movement. The dial is 8" in diameter and the case is 52" tall, by 14.75" wide, by 5.5" deep. Yes, it is an impressive long-case wall clock that you can be proud to own. Our one year warranty, for parts & labor, will allow you to buy with confidence.