Rancheros are near impossible to find now in the correct case, with the correct movement! Because the original configuration is so desirable we are seeing a lot of pretenders coming into the market. This one is all original and has all the proper markings to make it a true Omega "Ranchero". And what a desirable timepiece it is! As you may know, we here at Father Time are high on Omega wristwatches and are especially pumped by this current addition to our inventory. This is a watch to conjure with! Take a look at the "Zoom-In" photos to really appreciate this killer wristwatch.
The stainless steel case, measuring 36 mm in diameter (not including the crown), by 44 mm lug to lug, by 12 mm thick (including the crystal), is in very nice condition and it has the proper "Waterproof" marking and reference number. It now sports a very nice new "distressed" leather band which we think complements the simple beauty of this time-only watch. The dial adds so much to the personality of this piece, and we are unsure whether it has just aged perfectly or whether it was professionally refinished many years ago. The patina has given the markers and hands the look of aged tobacco and, contrasted against the flat black of the dial, the silver edges of the "broad arrow" hands stand out even more.
Just beneath the 12 is the Greek letter symbol that is the Omega logo and, of course, the Omega name. Underneath the name is the "Ranchero" designation in a neat script and beneath that you can see the "30mm.", denoting the movement size. The pointed hour markers are interspersed with thin minute hash marks. For the 12, 3, and 9 Arabic numerals call out the quarter hours. Just above the 6 o'clock position is the sunken seconds bit that mimics the case shape. The 17 jewel movement is clean and functioning perfectly and bears the proper Cal. 267 designation. All these details are spectacular but it is the overall mystique of this "Ranchero" that calls to the prospective owner. Whomever ultimately wears this handsome watch WILL be noticed for their great taste and their understanding of fine timepieces. Remember all of our timepieces come with our famous one year warranty for parts and labor so that you may buy with confidence.
This Gruen is one of the most desirable "Curvexes" ever made--second only to the "Majesty". The two similar models, called the "Majesty" and "The General", are respectively 52mm and 50 or 48 mm long -- the longest "Curvexes" in Gruen's history. Some call them the "Bone to Bone" watches as they stretch from one wrist bone to the other.
This watch, "The General", at 50 mm long, was very popular with movie stars of the 1930's, and is dramatic in its high-arching curve and graceful bowed, tonneau case. This particular watch has all of the dramatic curve of the "Majesty" (just 2 mm shorter) but with the gently curved case sides that make it look even more striking. It measures 22 mm wide (not including the crown), by 50 mm lug to lug, by 9 mm thick at its central point (including the crystal).
The original dial is dramatic, displaying ornate applied gold Arabic numerals on what was once a silver-colored background, but has now turned to a mellow gold color with patina. For the purists out there, this watch has great character! It shows a seconds bit above the 6 o'clock position that echoes the case shape, above which is written the word "Precision". The 14k yellow gold-filled case is in excellent condition and has no personalization to detract. The hands are "lunette" style and add a bit of panache to the entire piece.
The spotless movement displays 17 jewels and is in excellent running condition for a watch made circa 1940. It is winding, setting, and keeping time just as it should. Like all of our watches, it comes with a full one year warranty.
Elgin produced watches in Elgin, Illinois (a Chicago suburb), for over 100 years. They were the largest and most prolific of the American manufacturers and the "Lord Elgin" was their premiere product. It was produced in 19, 21, and 23 jewels. This particular Elgin "Black Knight" is very cool watch in more ways than one. First and foremost, the 21 jewel movement is a thing of mechanical beauty. Second, the "fish scale" black dial is an unusual textural element that adds a lot of interest, highlighted by the original conical crystal. Third, the stylized numerals are very unusual, and fourth, the curved hooded lugs are a very handsome finishing touch!
We also have the original box which is a thing of joy all by itself. It is lined with burgundy velvet and satin. It still even has the original "Black Knight" label and "What you should know about your Elgin" pamphlet to complete the set. A rare find these days!
If you take a look at the "Zoom-In" photos you can almost see the point at the top of the crystal in the side shot. This pointed crystal gives the watch a very futuristic look. You will also notice that there is a symbol just below the Elgin name and this means the watch is fitted with an unbreakable "Durapower" mainspring....quite a feat back in the day. In short this is one killer wristwatch from the 1950s.
The case is 14k yellow gold filled (as stamped on the back) and measures 28 mm in diameter by 38 mm lug to lug, by 11 mm thick (to the top of the conical crystal). This handsome timepiece is in fantastic original condition, running like the proverbial top, and just waiting for a man's wrist to adorn. Remember all of our timepieces come with our famous one year warranty for parts and labor, so that you may buy with confidence.
Do you want a well-made entry level vintage wristwatch that won't break the bank? Then this may be the watch for you! It is from the Clinton Watch Company who started out life in 1922. Clinton was founded by Hyman Wein, a Russian immigrant residing in Chicago in 1922 and named after an area in Chicago, and a county in Illinois.
The movements were not made in-house, but rather reliable, imported Swiss movements which were then assembled and sold in the U.S. under the Clinton name. Their factory was located on South Wabash Avenue, and they assembled watches there as well as in the US Virgin Islands. In 1981, Clinton acquired Benrus and adopted their name, forgoing the "Clinton" brand for good. This may be why it is a lesser-known brand today.
The watch on offer here has a very nice Swiss, 17 jewel, manual wind, shock resistant movement that is running like a top. It is housed in a chrome over brass case that measures 35 mm in diameter (without the crown), by 40 mm lug to lug, by 10 mm thick (including the crystal). The case is showing some brassing at the lugs but is otherwise in good condition. The dial has a very nice silvered finish and the dagger hands are centered by a sweep second hand. All the even chapters are in Arabic Numerals while the odds are stylized, pointed, double markers. Here's a chance to get a piece of early Chicago history and one that speaks of its age. Our one year warranty will allow you to buy with confidence.
Back in 1917 two brothers, Werner and Ernst Schlup, decided to become watchmakers....a decision that would not only affect themselves but many of us in the future. They started out in their family home in Lengnau, Switzerland. They were energetic entrepreneurs and quickly negotiated agreements with a variety of importers from all parts of the globe. At the close of World War II their name was always associated with Swiss-made quality which gave them the impetus to launch their own brand. Rado ("wheel" in Esperanto) was born...and they never looked back. Their motto was "If we can imagine it, we can make it."
The atelier then moved from their family home to new digs at a purpose-built factory. First came the Rado "Green Horse" in 1957, then the Rado "DiaStar" in 1962, and in 1975 Rado's first diving watch, the "Captain Cook." Needless to say, by the time this "voyager" was made, circa 1977, Rado was a real force in the market.
This Rado is a 26 jewel, stainless steel, automatic with an unusual vertical day/date window located at the 6 o'clock position. The stainless steel case measures 35 mm in diameter (not including the crown), by 41 mm lug to lug, by 11 mm thick (including the crystal). The black dial is spectacular and is contrasted by the Red Anchor Logo just beneath the 12 that oscillates with every move of your wrist. The day of the week is displayed in silver with Sunday being red. The date is in silver against a black background and it will change at midnight, but it can also be easily set by pushing in on the crown--a very nice feature!
The overall shape of the case is very retro 70s and makes for a striking appearance on the wrist. This watch is in such great condition that you will want to put it on your wrist immediately. Our head watchmaker only needed to clean it to bring it into perfect timing compliance. Don't miss it...we have only one!
This is a very useful tool watch that bears the name "Astronaut Mark II". It has a 'Two Time Zone' hand where your home time or GMT can be read on an additional white hand. Not only do you know what time it is, but there is also a date window at the 12 o'clock position and a very prominent red sweep second hand that is centrally located. The case is stainless steel for wearing longevity and it measures 34mm in width, by 40mm lug to lug, by 12mm thick (including the crystal) and it has an original "Accutron" marked 17mm black band. What makes it even more dramatic is the red and black contrast of the dial, the silver markers, and the red date!
The "Accutron" is the world's first "tuning fork" watch, the most accurate watch of its day. The story is told that in the 1960s the American government wanted to keep this timing technology out of the hands of the Russians. So, they asked Bulova to keep it a secret a little longer since we were using this very accurate timekeeper in our space program. When you take a look at the informational pamphlet that Bulova put out to introduce this new idea to jewelers and watchmakers, it has a very space-age, cutting-edge look (for the day). In the pamphlet, it is explained that the seconds are parsed into very discrete segments by the vibrations of a small tuning fork at the heart of the movement. Bulova advertised it as the "watch that hums"! The general public was very much into innovative and stylish watches and Bulova made this very interesting "Astronaut" for space traveling men or women to strap on their wrists. So the next time you are "over the moon" make sure you are wearing this wonderful Accutron Astronaut! Our one year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with confidence!
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 a wonderful stainless steel automatic from 1951 and it bears a personalization on the back that reads "Pete from Hal 1954". If only these watches could tell us the tale of where they had been, and what they had seen. The square case measures 32 mm (not including the crown) by 32 mm, by 13 mm thick (including the crystal). It houses a wonderful 17 jewel, automatic movement tha our head watchmaker has winding, setting, and keeping time just as it should. The dial is a handsome silvered beauty that really makes the look of this excellent timepiece. It has such a presence on the wrist that everyone who sees it will marvel at its appearance. It all could be yours. Remember our one year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with confidence.
The Wakmann Watch Company was a distributor of luxury watches in Portugal circa 1943 but made the move to New York in 1946, and began both importing and manufacturing high-end quality watches with an emphasis on chronograph production. Their reputation grew when the American public realized that their watches were well made and very reliable. Their mantra was to provide "high-quality professional timepieces, combining modern design choices with dependable distribution to deliver quality products, backed by innovation, research and improved technologies".
At this time there were substantial duties imposed on imported watches in order to bolster the American manufacturers. Wakmann saw an opportunity in their industry by partnering with Breitling, who supplied them with watch components, which were then assembled and sold within the US. Their success would lead to them supplying timepieces to the US military and other professional applications, and an eventual Breitling buyout. Wakmann already manufactured aircraft cockpit clocks that complied with various US military specifications and was an official US supplier to the war effort, and continued to supply clocks to Douglass, Lockheed and several other airline companies post-war.
This wonderful military wristwatch has such a great look that you will want to strap it on the minute you get your hand on it. It has a 17 jewel automatic movement with incabloc shock protection that is running like a champ. The stainless steel case measures 38 mm in diameter (not including the crown), by 44 mm lug to lug, by 12 mm thick (including the crystal). The dial and hands have aged to that perfect mellow patina that is so desirable. It also sports a date window at the 3 o'clock position with numbers that alternate in red and black. The wonderful "lollipop" sweep second hand catches your eye immediately. This is a watch that you will be proud to wear. Our head watchmaker has it winding, setting, and keeping time just as it did around 75 years ago when it made its debut. Don't miss it...it is the only one like this that we have had the pleasure to own in our 43 years in business!
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 the rectangular shape that later became famous as "The Elvis", one was in a round dimpled case called the "Golf Ball", and this one is the round and smooth version in what you might call a "Chevron" configuration.
The yellow gold filled case measures 32 mm in diameter (not including the crown) by 9 mm thick. The surface of the watch has a smooth finish that is very reminiscent of "Space Age" styling of the late 1950's. It is a delight to wear and display on your wrist, and your friends will be wanting to get a closer look at how it functions.
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 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.
The Tudor trademark was registered in 1926 by Swiss watchmaking company Veuve de Philippe Hüther on behalf of Hans Wilsdorf, founder of Rolex watches. In 1936, Wilsdorf took it over and went on to found the company Montres Tudor SA in 1946.
Tudor's purpose was to offer a more affordable watch than Rolex while maintaining Rolex-like quality. Tudor watches were originally equipped with off-the-shelf movements paired with Rolex cases and bracelets, allowing Tudor to provide reliability and quality while achieving its price goals.
Tudor debuted its Oyster collection in the mid-forties, featuring a waterproof Oyster case previously exclusive to Rolex. In 1952, Tudor released its first self-winding model, the Prince, which used a Rolex self-winding mechanism. 26 Tudor Oyster Princes, like this one, were included in the 1952 British scientific expedition to Greenland.
The adoption of the Oyster case and self-winding rotor facilitated Tudor's move into the production of tool watches. The French Navy was involved in field research for a Tudor diving watch from the 1960s to the mid-1980s.
This "Tudor Prince Oysterdate" is in a stainless steel case that measures 34 mm in diameter (without the crown), by 41 mm lug to lug, by 10 mm thick (including the crystal). It is in great condition and looks fantastic on the wrist. Our head watchmaker has it winding, setting, and keeping time just as it did when it came to these shores way back in 1952.
If you want Rolex quality at an affordable price, then this may be the watch for you...don't miss it! Our one year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to purchase this wonderful watch without any worries.
Movado is a Swiss manufacturer known for its "Museum Watch". Designed in 1947, by Bauhaus-influenced artist Nathan George Horwitt, the watch dial has a very simple design where the dial is defined by a solitary dot at 12, symbolizing the sun at high noon, but Movado also made some very nice watches that are of superior quality...this is one of those. It is a gentleman's wristwatch from the "Roaring Twenties". Some Movado watch models have Esperanto names such as Bela ("beautiful"), Belamodo ("beautiful fashion"), Fiero ("pride"), Brila ("brilliant"), Linio ("line"), and Verto. The company's name means "movement" in Esperanto.
This wonderful Movado is one we have never before seen after being in business for over 42 years. It is a Two-Tone Case in 14K yellow and white gold, with stepped case edges. The vertical surfaces are yellow gold and the horizontal surfaces are white gold. This gives it a great looking contrast that just cannot be conveyed in the photos. It sports its original dial finish that has a perfect patina and a great vintage look. The case measures 25 mm side to side (not including the crown), by 43 mm Lug to lug, by 10 mm thick (including the crystal).
The 15 movement is in excellent running condition and our head watchmaker has it setting, winding, and keeping time just as it did when it came from the Movado Factory way back in 1925. This is a very special watch that could be on your wrist! Our one year warranty, for parts and labor, will allow you to purchase it with complete confidence. We have only one so do'nt miss it!
Hamilton had military contracts with not only the American government, but also the British Ministry of Defense. In 1973, they made this wonderful Hamilton W10 for the British Army with a 17 jewel movement with a "hacking seconds" feature. This is a device that interrupts the motion of the balance wheel when you pull out the crown, thereby stopping the timekeeping ability of the watch. Once the signal is given to "synchronize your watches soldiers," everyone would push in the crown on their watches to instantly start-up at the same second so that the maneuvers could be coordinated with split-second accuracy.
The case back markings on this watch designate it as "W10-6645-99" watch made for the British Army and bearing the British Military "broad arrow" insignia. The "523-8290" NATO code and the issue number "24263/73" are also present, indicating this watch was made in 1973, the first year that Hamilton made this model. They only continued to produce these watches through 1976, when the contract went to another brand. It is still in great condition, so it has not been used or abused since that time! The case fits the production standards for the robust steel tonneau-shaped housing measuring 36 mm in diameter (not including the crown), by 41 mm lug-to-lug, by 10 mm thick (including the crystal) with fixed spring bars and a matte finish.
We have had our head watchmaker put it in excellent running condition, so that it will be ready for your next adventure. It is fitted with a Hamilton Caliber 649 17 jewel movement, based off the ETA 2750 model featuring the hacking seconds mechanism and Incabloc shock protection. It was a real workhorse meant to stand up to the rigors of the military.
The black dial bears the Hamilton name beneath the triangle denoting the 12 o'clock position. The circled "T" beneath it indicates the use of tritium lume (although no longer glowing) and the "Broad Arrow" above the 6 indicates that it was the property of the Crown. At the very bottom "Swiss Made" indicates the origin of the movement. Make sure you notice the "gladiator style" sword hands... they give it a real warrior look. We have fitted it with a classic black NATO strap, just like the original. What's not to like here? Nothing! This handsome watch can be yours... just give us a call to reserve it for you. Our one-year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with complete abandon!