This is an extraordinary timepiece that we rarely have the pleasure to offer for sale. This piece was made for Tiffany and is an extraordinary example of the watchmaker's art circa 1910. Not only is this Agassiz an extremely high-grade watch for its day, but it also has its original matching, neck chain that is executed in the same beautiful blue enamel that encases the watch. The way the enamel, platinum, and gold compliment one another is testament to the ultimate skill of the jeweler, casemaker, and the watchmaker. The small size of the watch is a huge technological achievement for its day. Today, we can only marvel at the skill of these craftsmen from bygone days. Take a look at the guilloche work beneath the translucent blue enamel. There is a delicate tracery that centers the case and highlights the central diamond encrusted platinum filigree. This wonderful timepiece also has a swiveling bow so that it may be displayed with either, the dial or the diamonds facing forward. Additionally the bow has its own inset diamonds. Counting the bow and the case there is a total of 30 diamonds. The watch measures only 22mm in diameter, not including the stem and bow... an incredible size that is quite easily worn around the neck. The 18K yellow gold chain has nine blue enamel links and a central blue enamel rondel that connects the two neck chains to the central leader. The dial is in excellent original condition showing the "Agassiz" name and "Swiss" below the 6 o'clock position. The blued steel hands contrast easily with the beautifully aged cream colored dial. These hands are the so called "Breguet Lunette" style that have a very attractive look. At the edge of the bezel there is an arcaded 18K yellow gold reveal that has white enamel as its background. This design is also evident on the reverse and on the pendant. The case middle is in yellow gold and is set off by the blue enamel case band.
All-in-all this is one of the most spectacular ladies pendant watches we have had in a long time. We have only one so don't miss it! Remember all of our timepieces come with our famous one-year warranty for parts and labor so that you may buy with confidence.
This is one of those pieces that makes you just say, "WOW!" In all of our years in the business (over 42 now), we have never seen a better, more complete, or higher grade "Art Nouveau" ladies' watch than this one. When you hold this piece in your hand, you can feel how well made it is. Ladies 18k gold, enamel pieces are very scarce by themselves, but the Nouveau pieces are almost non-existent in this quality. Make sure you examine this watch in the "Zoom-In" photos to understand how lovely it really is. I know that you have heard the expression that, "the pictures really don't do it justice," but in this case it is absolutely true! It is a piece to die for! The movement in this watch is not just any movement, is a seventeen jewel, high-grade timepiece that was made for Tiffany by Vacheron and Constantine (makers to royalty). Watches for women, at this time, circa 1899, were normally only 7 jewel since it was thought that women did not have to have as accurate a timepiece as a man (how times have changed). The case bezel and back are in a very unusual "flange style" configuration where the case middle is recessed. The fact that these parts fit perfectly is a testament to the watchmaker's art. The incised recesses on the surface of the case contain the enamel work in small cloisonné that add grace and beauty to the overall design, but also protect the enamel from wear and/or abuse. The foliate designs that were the hallmark of the Art Nouveau period are evident all over this magnificent watch. The matching pin to one of these Nouveau watches is almost never found with the original watch... but here it is! Notice the delicate use of grape-like rubies in contrast to the green enamel. The pin also has two portraits that have been executed in gold depicting two cherubs. The pin attaches to the watch conventionally via a hook to the bow. The bow swivels to allow the wearer to revolve the watch easily to display either side to the viewer. This is a watch that has been carefully designed with the most discerning client in mind. Our master watchmaker thinks that it may be a one-of-a-kind custom made piece for a very special person.
Watches like this don't cross our path often, but when they do, we make every attempt to secure them for our valued customers. This one can be yours! Remember all of our timepieces come with our famous one-year warranty for parts and labor so that you may buy with confidence.
This is a finely made Swiss 16 jewel open face pocket watch that was surely carried by a fine gentleman back in the day! It has a lever escapement and is pendant set. The watch is a Swiss size - 16.5 lignes, comparable to an American 12 size. As there is no name on the dial, or the movement, we would call this an ebauche - probably made for export to a small family jewelry shop in England or America! If you wanted your own brand of watch to retail you could contract with one of the major Swiss manufacturers to produce a minimum number that would allow you to market a brand with your name on the dial or you could choose to have no name on it...which is the case here. You, as a retailer, could be assured of quality engineering, a constant parts supply, and a watch that you could be proud to sell. This Swiss pocket watch, circa 1921, has a metal dial with a wonderful patina on it! It has aged perfectly over the years to that great vintage appearance that only time can create. The 18k solid gold case is plain polished and in mint condition. Overall a simply elegant timepiece which can be yours for generations to come. Remember all of our timepieces come with our famous one-year warranty for parts and labor so that you may buy with confidence.
Gruen was legendary for excellence in watchmaking and the "Pentagon" is evidence of that reputation. Unusual shapes were reserved for special timepieces that the company wanted to highlight. The "Pentagon" has a slimness and elegance that begs to be put in your pocket. The silvered dial bears the Gruen mark as well as the "Veri-Thin" and "Precision" designation. The gold hands have skeletonized diamond shaped ends that point to embossed Arabic numerals. The pentagonal shape is repeated in the shape of the recessed seconds bit. The case is yellow gold filled, plain polish that terminates in an arched bow. The 17 jewel movement is ticking, and keeping time like the day it was made. The only service that this watch required when we received it, was cleaning, oiling, and regulating. This is a testament to how well it was cared for over the years and to Gruen's quality. If you want a pocket watch that you can be proud to carry this is the one! Remember all of our timepieces come with our famous one-year parts and labor warranty.
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.