Caravelle is Bulova's other line of watches that were made in Switzerland and are a bit more unusual. This one is in great condition and is very handsome on the wrist. It is a 17 jewel, automatic (self-winding) watch with a date window at the three o'clock position. The brushed stainless steel cushion case measures 35 mm wide (not including the crown), by 40.5 mm lug to lug, by 12 mm thick (including the crystal).
The dial is a pale cream color with a brushed texture finish. The "12" and "6" Arabic numerals are applied stainless steel, while the other chapter markers are applied stainless rectangular pieces with blue inserts. A dot of lume on the outer minute track at each chapter is echoed through the stripe of lume in the rectangular hands. While the lume no longer glows, it adds to the overall effect. There is a tactile quality that makes you want to put it on your wrist. I think that the red sweep seconds hand really gilds the lily. Lastly, the crown carries Caravelle's "C" mark as a subtle finishing detail.
Suffice it to say, we really like this perfect vintage watch from the early 1970s. Our head watchmaker has the movement winding, setting, and keeping time just as it did over 50 years ago. It can be yours along with our one-year warranty for parts and labor. Don't miss it!
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. Their pocket watches became known for great design and reliability throughout the consumer market and in railroad circles. This particular watch is born of that tradition and has all the elements of a pocket watch, but made for the wrist. It is a very early iteration, circa 1896, and it sports a wonderful porcelain dial that speaks to the pocket watch heritage. The movement is a very reliable 7 jewel, three-quarter plate, that our head watchmaker has running like the proverbial top. The stainless, "starwhite," three-part case is in great condition showing only very minor wear. The porcelain dial is wonderful with Roman numerals at the chapters and red 5-minute markers at each chapter. There is a small seconds bit at the 6 o'clock position that revolves the entire time the watch is wound. Typical for these very early wristwatches: it has a set of blued steel hands that give the faintest glint of purple when angled to the light. Also typical is the large winding crown for easy manipulation. It is one handsome puppy and an early one to boot... don't miss it as we have only one. Our one-year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with confidence.
Zodiac is a century-old company started by the Calame family in Switzerland and has been a respected trademark for all that time. They competed directly with Omega and Movado and, although Zodiac is not well known in the states, it is recognized as a top quality company in Europe! Many Americans know the Zodiac "Sea Wolf," which was a very popular sports watch that they introduced in the early 1950s. This particular Zodiac "Sea Wolf" from 1968 is a really nice example. It is housed in a stainless steel case containing a 17 jewel, automatic movement with a spectacular gloss black dial with handsome bar markers at the chapters! The stainless steel case measures 35 mm in diameter (not including the crown), by 42.5 mm lug to lug, by 11 mm thick (including the crystal). The rotating outer bezel allows you to see at a glance the elapsed time from when it was set opposite the minute hand. It is in great condition and waiting for your wrist.
Our master watchmakers have this wonderful automatic "tool watch" running, winding and setting just as it should, while producing a perfect pattern on the timing machine.
This Zodiac is all original and in excellent condition and it could be yours. So, don't let it swim away! Our famous one-year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with confidence!
Tuning fork watches were introduced by Bulova in the 1960s, and they were the most accurate watches of their era. Other companies like Omega also jumped on the bandwagon and they produced this wonderful 300 hz "Chronometer" rated, stainless steel wristwatch. It is reference 198.001, made circa 1974. It is a watch that hums when held to your ear. The date feature at the three o'clock position gilds the lily. The watch is in great condition and our head watchmaker has it humming along just as it did back in 1974. These watches were most often sold in gold-colored cases and the stainless steel watches, like this one, are scarce. It still has its original factory finish with a brushed stainless expansion band and its original Omega marked crystal. The case measures 38 mm wide (not including the crown), by 42 mm lug to lug, by 11 mm thick (including the crystal). The silvered dial is in fantastic original condition to complete package. What's not to like? Our one-year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with confidence... don't miss it!
This Illinois wristwatch is one of the iconic watches that really resonated with the American public. Illinois claimed that it was "America's best selling strap watch." This bold statement was made in December of 1929, but they hedged their statement by saying that while "we do not have statistics on all of the strap watches sold in the United States, we do have the figures on the Illinois New Yorker - as a result we unhesitatingly entitle it "America's best selling strap watch." A big boast, but probably pretty close to the truth. Illinois' mavens touted it as: "A masculine strap watch for men who prefer the newer designs. With its fine Illinois 17 jewel movement, the New Yorker is a genuine timekeeper." Needless to say, it was a big hit.
This Illinois (made fifteen years earlier) was one of the precursors of the modern wristwatch. With the integrated seconds bit at 6 o'clock and its large crown, it drew attention from anyone that saw it. This particular Illinois is one that has a different position on the wrist because the manufacturers were still unsure as to how the public would wear them and what was the most convenient viewing angle. The purpose of the design, however, becomes apparent when the watch is worn on the inside of the wrist and its eccentric orientation comes into its own as a "driving watch". It is oriented so that when your arm was outstretched the 12 is looking right at you. It was only in later years that you needed to bend your wrist to orient the 12 in the manner we are used to today. Yes, this is a pioneering design that you will not see walking up and down the street.
It is in great condition and looks so good on the wrist you won't want to take it off. It is housed in a beautifully engraved, solid 14k gold case that measures 28.5 mm wide (not including the crown), by 35 mm lug to lug, by 8 mm thick (including the crystal). This is a size that can be worn by anyone. The gold dial displays Roman numerals and Breguet-style, blued steel hands. It is engraved with the three initials of the original owner on the reverse and comes with its original 14k gold-filled link band.
If you are a fan of the Illinois factory, like me, you will love the look of this one. Our head watchmaker assures me that it is winding, setting, and keeping time just as it did in 1914. This is one scarce, early wristwatch, that can be yours. Our one-year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with confidence. Don't miss it!
Founded in 1884, Breitling had a long track record as a premier watchmaker. Founder Léon Breitling had impressed his watchmaking contemporaries with innovative design and rugged "tool watches" for aviators. Many of Breitling’s chronographs were worn by military forces and police officers giving them the stamp of approval.
After World War I, Breitling made a big push to become the watch of choice for aviation crews, during the tenure of Leon's grandson, Willy, as company head. The Swiss watchmaker focused on manufacturing watches that allowed pilots to quickly calculate flight speed and distance. During this innovative time, Breitling debuted the "Navitimer" collection which featured a slide rotating bezel that made the crucial in-flight calculations (like fuel consumption and air speed) even easier for pilots. Ultimately, Breitling won the bid to supply watches to the Royal Air Force.
The Breitling Superocean is a classic that has only improved over time (no pun intended) with each iteration. This blue A17040 model was produced from 1995-2002, and it is in great shape and looks great on the wrist. It has a 25 jewel automatic movement with a stainless steel case measuring 42 mm in diameter (without the crown), by 47 mm lug to lug, by 15 mm thick (including the crystal). It is paired with its original "Professional 1" bracelet with subtle polished & brushed link finishes and a diver's clasp.
Breitling helped define the classic diver's watch with the Superocean starting back in 1957 for military and professional divers, but the style and brand soon became very popular with the general public. Here is a really nice example that can be yours for about half of retail. Our one-year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with confidence.
The American Waltham Watch Company (later Waltham) is one of America's oldest watchmakers. They held forth in Roxbury and 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. They were 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 and consequently there are not many extant from this period. This Waltham, however, was made circa 1957 as one of the last available. It is a handsome piece to behold housed in a large (for the era) yellow gold filled, round case with a stainless steel back for wearing longevity. The yellow case measures 35 mm in diameter (not including the crown), by 42.5 mm from lug to lug, by 10.5 mm thick (including the crystal). The movement is a spotless 17 jewel engine that our watchmakers have fully restored to like-new condition mechanically. It sports a yellow gold filled expansion band of the period to complete the look. You could own this scarce watch and be the pride of the neighborhood. 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 special watch made by the Swiss Parker Watch Company circa 1935. It was made to be given to an employee that had given "distinguished service" during his or her employment at the car company, Chevrolet. This particular watch was presented in 1935 to William Esfleer. It is an 18 jewel movement that is running like the proverbial top. The chrome case measures 27 mm wide (not including the crown), by 35 mm lug to lug, by 9.5 mm thick (including the crystal). It is in great shape and it looks like it may have been worn only on special occasions. The Art Deco styling is undeniable. There are stylized "arrowhead" markers at the chapters and the seconds bit at 6 o'clock echoes the crystal shape. Three gold hands tell us the time, while the "Chevrolet" logo proudly displays itself just beneath the 12 o'clock position. Everything about this interesting watch says it's a wonderful vintage piece. The dial has that perfect patina that only comes with age and proper care. If you are a car buff or you know one that would appreciate a very unusual vintage watch then grab this one! Our one-year warranty will allow you to buy with confidence.
Gruen is one of our favorite brands here at Father Time and this watch is representative of why we are enamored of this company. First, the shape is a classic square with a slight cushion shape to the case. Secondly, the dial is the model of subtle design. It sports a "gunsight crosshair" configuration with a slightly-recessed seconds bit at the six o'clock position that has a "gunsight crosshair" configuration of its own. The chapters have elongated "arrowhead" markers which are slightly longer at the cardinal points and which are the perfect compliment to the "dagger" hands. The pale, yellow, gold-filled case (with stainless steel back for wearing longevity) measures 31 mm wide (not including the crown), by 39 mm lug to lug, by 10 mm thick (including the crystal). The 17 jewel movement is winding, setting, and keeping time just as it did way back in 1965. It is a great timekeeper that you can rely on everyday. Here is a really nice example of Gruen's production that won't break the bank. Our one-year warranty, for parts and labor, will allow you to own it with confidence.
Hamilton, the best American manufacturer of wristwatches, made the "Clark" model back in 1936 and the classic styling of the watch has made it a popular watch ever since! The case is 14 yellow gold-filled, and it has slightly curved, rilled lugs that give it a certain panache. The case measures 21 mm wide (not including the crown) by 43 mm lug-to-lug by 9 mm thick (including the crystal) and it has a very nice 19 jewel movement that is running perfectly. Our head watchmaker has it winding, setting, and keeping time just like it did before I was born! The sterling silver dial with 18k gold markers has a creamy finish that is all original. It has a great looking, "tonneau" shaped seconds bit at the 6 o'clock position that mimics the case shape and Arabic numerals at all the chapters but the six. The case back bears the initials ("JJF") of the original owner. If they could only talk ...just think of the stories they would tell. Here's a cool Hamilton that comes from the best manufacturer in America. Long rectangular, curved wristwatches were all the rage in the mid to late 1930's and, if you didn't own one, you just weren't 'The Cat's Meow"! You have the chance to experience Hamilton's great engineering and wonderful design, if you pull the trigger and call us to reserve this 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. This one can be yours!
Longines has been a leader in the Swiss watchmaking pantheon since 1832 and it is often seen as a timing sponsor of many athletic events, including the Olympics. Their watches are sublime. This gentlemen's Longines from 1960 is in great condition and it makes a very elegant statement on the wrist. The round shape is a classic and the dial has aged perfectly. The chapters are simple bar markers with a double bar at the twelve o'clock position and a seconds bit with a gunsight crosshair demarcation. Every passing minute is represented by a simple dot. The 10k yellow gold-filled case measures 33 mm in diameter (not including the crown), 37 mm lug to lug, by 11 mm thick (including the crystal). Make sure you take a gander at the photo of the movement... it is as clean as a whistle. The movement is a 17 jewel workhorse that our head clockmaker has winding, setting, and ticking like the day it was made and our one-year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with confidence. "Why not step up to a Longines?"
This is a very nice 15 jewel Wittnauer rectangular wristwatch from 1950. It is a yellow gold-filled gentlemen's watch that could easily be worn by a woman. The yellow gold-filled case measures 21 mm wide (not including the crown), by 37 mm lug to lug, by 8.5 mm thick (including the crystal)... a great size for the smaller wrist. It is in excellent condition and our head watchmaker has it winding, setting, and keeping time just as the factory specs dictated it should, over 71 years ago. The silvered, two-tone dial is all original and is sporting some very desirable patina that all aficionados like. The seconds bit hand is blued steel to give it a contrast with the gold hands and Arabic numerals at all the chapters. Also, notice that the shape of the seconds bit surround and the silvered dial center mimic the overall case shape... a nice design touch.
The A. Wittnauer Co. was the exclusive sales agent for Longines, starting in 1880, initiating a marriage that would stand the test of 114 years. In 1936, the Wittnauer family sold their interests, and the brand was renamed the Longines-Wittnauer Co., a name that became so burnished in the public lexicon, that most people assume Longines and Wittnauer watches are one and the same. In fact, they produced different movements that were very individual to their brand. Wittnauer was a Swiss company that made very nice watches, and this one is exceptionally nice. Our one-year warranty, for parts and labor, will allow you to buy with confidence... don't miss it.