Gruen was a premier watch manufacturer and was perhaps one of the companies that you wanted to emulate if you were in the business of making wristwatches. Everything they put their hand to was first rate. They were the inventors of the "Curvex," a revolutionary curved watch from the late 1930s. Gruen held the patent on the curved movement, but they also made made fine timepieces that contained flat movements, as well. This Gruen is one of those. It has the slightly curved shape and gives the appearance of a curved watch, but with a flat movement. This is a very handsome Gruen that looks fabulous.
The yellow gold filled case with a stainless steel case back measures 22 mm in width (not including the crown), by 25 mm lug to lug, by 9 mm thick (including the crystal). It has a spectacular rose gold dial with yellow gold, applied, Arabic numerals that gives this watch great eye appeal and makes it a real winner! The movement is a 17 jewels workhorse that will give you a lifetime of service, if you take care of it. Our one-year warranty, for parts and labor, will give you the peace of mind that this wonderful Gruen wristwatch will perform just as good as it did in 1945.
In Victorian times, if you didn't own a cameo brooch you were out of fashion. Today, they are the delight of many jewelry collectors. This particular cameo is very unusual because not only is it beautifully carved from conch shell, but it also has a real three-dimensional diamond necklace that gives it great eye appeal. This feature is highlighted by the delicate frame in 14k solid white gold. The shape of the frame echoes the shape of the diamond necklace around the lady's neck.
The piece measures 34 mm side-to-side, by 40 mm top-to-bottom, by 12 mm thick. Not only can it be worn as a brooch, but it also has a fold-down bale that will allow you to wear it as a pendant on a necklace - a tribute to its subject matter! The cameo carving stands proud of the surface in a very dramatic way and the background is an interesting gradient of warm tones of the translucent shell. It is simply a fantastic piece--a true antique at well over 100 years old! It can be yours... don't miss it!
Art Nouveau lovers pay attention! This is, by far, one of the nicest brooches we had ever had after being in business for over 40 years. It is simply a spectacular example from 1900 in sterling silver with inset diamonds and a featured amethyst and natural pearl. It measures 45 mm wide, by 39 mm in height, by 10 mm thick but it seems to really soar visually within that sterling silver framework. The "butterfly" shape is beautifully executed and it displays a lovely 6 mm by 5 mm ovoid pearl in the head position. The wings are diamond-studded with over 30 diamonds and the central body is the 14 mm by 10 mm expertly faceted amethyst. This is a pin to die for! Don't miss it.
Elgin, the worlds largest manufacturer of pocket watches, produced an excellent product, from dress watches to Railroad timekeepers. Everything they turned their hand to they did with exceeding attention to detail and reliability. They were also responsible for some innovative advancements in the art of horology.
Take a gander at this wonderful 14K solid gold, box hinge, multicolor, with a prized Elgin "Convertible" as its engine. Made circa 1882, this watch was part of the cutting edge technology that made Elgin great. Other firms had "box hinge" cases, and some with multicolor cases, but Elgin held the patents for the "Convertible" movement. This 3/4 plate, nickel movement has the ability to be used in either a hunting case, or an open face case, due to its unique ability to change its winding stem position from the 3 o'clock position, to the 12 o'clock position. When you take a look at the movement you will see the unusual dished wheel at the center of the movement. This is the tell-tale clue that lets you know you have an Elgin "Convertible" in your hand. It is a 15 jewel, nickel movement (the best grade).
So, here we have a very unusual movement that is scarce, but now take a look at the 14K solid, multicolor case. It is a "box hinge" that measures 49 mm in diameter, by 79 mm (from the case bottom to the top of the bow), by 15 mm thick with the lid closed. Yes, it is massive, but now look at the design on the case lids. Nothing short of spectacular! There is a nautical scene depicting a lighthouse warning two ships of the rocky shore. The beacon at the top is a mine-cut diamond that simulates the shining light while the lighthouse has rose and pink gold accents while the ground under it is rendered in green gold. Wow what a scene! A wreath of entwined green gold leaves surround the cover's edge. On the back, we are treated to one of the most elaborate personalization that we have ever seen. It is so intricate that we are hard pressed to determine what the initials are, but we can tell you that they are impressive. This lid also has the green gold wreath of leaves that matches the front cover.
Add to all of this what we discover on the inner lid... a central photo frame for your significant other's picture. The photo of the original owner's wife is still in place in that frame... what a gem of history for this timepiece. Our head watchmaker has it running like the day it left Elgin, over 140 years ago. This monument to Victorian timekeeping can be yours... don't miss it!
It was way back in 1886 that Edmond Mathey-Tissot began making complicated pocket watches in Les Ponts-de-Martel. He became known for watches of high quality, in some of the most complicated pocket watches made at that time, especially repeaters that chime the time on demand. He also began producing highly-rated chronometers and, during the Second Boer War, was a supplier to the military and that demanded his expansion of the manufacture. It is said that a Scottish nobleman ordered 2500 watches to give to every member of his son's regiment, with officers receiving solid gold repeaters and the other enlisted men receiving silver repeaters. Wow! What a gift!
In 1914, Mathey-Tissot was represented at the Kew Observatory Competition by six Observatory Chronometers capable of split-second timing, all six being rated 'Class A' with the comment "specially good." The same year, Mathey-Tissot gained the Grand Prix at the Swiss National Exhibition. During WWI, the company supplied the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with precision chronographs in large quantities, while General Pershing, commanding the U.S. Expeditionary Forces, chose the watch to award to members of his own staff. Both before and after WWII, the company continued to supply the U.S. Army and the Royal Navy. By 1937, the E. Mathey-Tissot & Co. was a protected trademark in the U.S.
So, as you can see, the company has an excellent pedigree and the watch we are offering here is the beneficiary of that long line of excellence. It is an 18K solid gold gentlemen's wristwatch that has 17 jewels, and which measures 33 mm in diameter (not including the crown), by 40 mm lug to lug, by 8 mm thick (including the crystal). The silvered dial has a very nice patina and slender gold bar markers at the 12, 3, 6, and nine o'clock position, but what makes it spectacular are the "lightning bolt" gold markers at all the other chapters. It is simply fantastic. There is a large seconds bit at the six o'clock position that lets you know the watch is running smoothly. This is an 18K solid gold watch made during a time when most dress watches in America were only 14K. Our head watchmaker has it winding, setting and keeping time just as it did when it was new, back in 1960. Our one-year warranty, for parts and labor, will allow you to wear this watch for years to come with complete confidence.
Talk about a high-end, killer pocket watch... this is it! Hamilton (the most respected maker in America) made this beautiful "Railway Special" pocket watch, circa 1936, and what a watch it is! The 23 jewel movement is an engineering marvel to behold. Our head watchmaker has it running, winding and keeping time just as it did over 83 years ago. When you see it in operation, you can only marvel at its precision and accuracy. It is housed in a yellow gold-filled screw-back, screw-bezel case, measuring 51 mm in diameter, by 64 mm from the case bottom to the top of the bow, by 15 mm thick (including the crystal). The porcelain dial is double sunk and in good condition, with a minor hairline on the inner dial between the 1 and 2. The bold Arabic numerals and hefty blued-steel hands allowed the train engineer to see the time very easily. There is also a very nice seconds bit at the six o'clock position. The case sports a "non-pull-out" bow and a real rugged case. The damascening pattern on the movement is quite handsome and in perfect condition. The timing pattern on our vibrograph machine is second to none, showing a perfect record in all positions. If you are looking for a spectacular, high-grade, railroad pocket watch, then this may be the one for you. All of our timepieces come with a one year warranty for parts and labor so that you may buy with confidence.
This is a very unusual pocket watch made for the Latin American market. It is called a "Retrograde Jump Hour". As the minute hand reaches what would normally be the three o'clock position, it jumps backwards to what would normally be the 9 o'clock position and, as it does so, the Roman numeral in the window just below the 12 o'clock position also jumps to the new hour. It's quite a spectacle to view and, back in the day (circa 1906), it was just astounding. This watch is in perfect working condition and is fully restored. The watch is a 19 lignes, 15 jewel movement housed in a yellow gold-filled case that measures 50 mm in diameter, by 69 mm (from the case bottom to the top of the bow), by 13 mm thick (including the crystal). Interestingly, this watch was also used as a promotional piece that advertised "Cigarillos Excelsior" and is so marked on the dial. When you open the case back and take a gander at the dust cover, you will see the Nouveau font that was used during the Art Nouveau period (1890-1910). The case back is beautifully engraved with a Nouveau design and it has, at its center, an un-engraved cartouche just waiting for your family initials. This is a scarce watch that is in excellent condition and one that delights the senses every time you gaze at its unusual dial configuration. Our one-year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to purchase this handsome watch with complete confidence... don't miss it!
Rarely do we get a ladies vintage Rolex but, every once in a while, even a blind squirrel finds a nut - and what a nut it is! This is the elegant "Lady Princess" Rolex. It is executed in 18k solid white gold and displays some spectacular diamonds that grace the curved lugs. The 17 jewel movement is winding, setting, and keeping time just as it did over 84 years ago, thanks to the expertise of our master watchmakers. The case measures 11 mm wide (not including the crown), by 38 mm lug to lug, by 6 mm thick (including the crystal). This gives it a very elegant proportion to match the beauty of the 18k case and fantastic rectangular movement. The lugs curve downward and contain the portal for the black, cord band that allows a perfect fit for the wearer. Make sure you zoom-in on the photos to see how the diamonds in the lugs shine... they are stunning. The watch is in excellent condition, was lovingly cared for over the years, and has all of its original parts. Yes, its pricey but, this is the pinnacle of a ladies Rolex, circa 1935... and it can be yours. Our one-year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with confidence. Don't miss it... we have only one and are not likely to find another.
This is a Swiss key-wind, key-set, open face, pocket watch made circa 1890, dedicated (inside the back cover) in 1909 to commemorate a loved one. The case which measures 50 mm in diameter, by 73 mm from the case bottom to the top of the bow, by 20 mm thick is executed in sterling silver with a sterling dial that has raised gold Roman numerals. The dial is a handsome creation that has a wonderfully engraved center with alternate smooth and engraved banding with a neat seconds bit at the six o'clock position. The dark blue hands give it a great contrasting look that makes it easily read. The case has such great design appeal, and is in such great condition, that you will be amazed when you hold it in your hand. Our head watchmaker has it winding, setting, and keeping time just as it did over 110 years ago. If you take good care of it this wonderful pocket watch can be an heirloom for your family for the next hundred years.
The "Pie-Crust" ladies pendant watches were all the rage, circa 1895, and they are still popular, today. Elgin, the world's largest watch manufacturer made this beauty in that year. It is a seven jewel, three-quarter plate (gilded brass) movement in a yellow gold-filled, hunting case that measures 38 mm in diameter, by 54 mm (from the case bottom to the top of the bow), by 11 mm thick. It is an "O" size that is perfect for wearing on a slide chain or on a watch pin. Our head watchmaker has it winding, setting, and keeping time just as it did back in 1895. The watch sports an excellent, white, porcelain dial with Roman numerals and a seconds bit at the 6 o'clock position. The blued steel hands have spade shaped ends that indicate the hours and the minutes easily. What really makes this one stand out is the "pie crust" case edge... it is spectacular... don't miss it.
We here at Father Time have a close relationship with Elgin watches just like you do with your home town 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 7 jewel, three-quarter plate, gilded movement in a yellow gold-filled, "O" size hunting case measuring 37 mm in diameter, by 51 mm from the bottom of the case to the top of the bow, by 12 mm thick. The watch has been lovingly cared for since 1896 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 engraving is on the case lid and back. The central design is that of a star with concentric circles of smaller stars surrounding the central one. It is quite unusual and dramatic. It is a very nice hunter that can be yours. Our one-year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to enjoy it worry-free!
Waltham was the second largest American Brand (after Elgin) and they made great watches. This Ladies 3 "O" size is a case in point. It is a 19 Jewel (very high grade at the time) and solid 14k gold to boot. The 3 "O" size was the smallest standard size for a pendant watch and it proved to be very popular. It measures 34 mm in diameter, by 46 mm (from the bottom of the case to the top of the bow), by 10 mm thick. The case is a wonderful classic design with concentric center circles font and back and delicate engine turning that adorns both lids. Additionally the case middle has a rilled "Coin Edge" design for easy handling. The white porcelain dial displays Arabic Numerals with red five minute markings and the movement is as nice as they get. This size is easy to wear on a slide chain or on a pin. Our head watchmaker has it running just as it did back at the Waltham factory when it started its life in 1907. It is a beauty that is in excellent condition... mechanically and cosmetically! You won't need your "porcine companion pal" to attract attention when you go out in public, this Waltham will do the trick.