As you may know, Elgin was the largest producer of timepieces in America and they were in business for 100 years at the factory in Elgin, Illinois. They produced a wonderful line of clocks, pocket watches, and wristwatches, many of which are still in use, today. This is not only a testament to their technical prowess but also to their classic styling. This particular gentleman's Elgin is the "DeLuxe," as you can see from the name on the dial. Just underneath the name is a symbol that indicates it is fitted with a Durapower mainspring that was "unbreakable." Elgin had developed an alloy that allowed for strength and great flexibility, thereby doing away with the more brittle blued steel mainsprings of earlier years. This one is quite elegant, not only because of its silvered dial and stylized gold numerals, interspersed with gold dots, but also because of the way the case bezel articulates in several different planes. It is a 17 jewel movement in a gold-filled case sporting a seconds bit at the 6 o'clock position, the shape of which mimics the overall tonneau case shape. The case back tells a bit of its history. It says "Ignatz Ameru 25th Anniversary 4-23-50 Service & Meter Dept. C.E. Co." The case measures 25 mm in width (not including the crown) by 37 mm lug to lug, by 10 mm thick (including the domed crystal). We have fitted it with a brown 16 mm croco grain band to complete the look. The watch is in wonderful condition and is a size that can easily be worn by a man or a woman. Our head watchmaker has it running like the day it was made back in 1948. You can buy this watch with complete confidence due to our one-year warranty for parts and labor.
"The name 'Accutron' denotes a men's wrist timepiece, among other Bulova electronic products. It is the first and only watch-size timepiece, including those powered by a battery, which does not use a balance wheel and hairspring. Instead, the 'Accutron' mechanism has a tuning fork as the timekeeping element... a much more accurate timekeeping device. The tuning fork is driven with energy form a tiny power cell, or battery, by means of an electronic circuit. The vibratory motion of the tuning fork is converted into rotary motion for turning the time-indicating hands, by means of a simple but incredibly small mechanism."
The paragraph above was the opening salvo from Bulova in a pamphlet that was distributed to dealers and retailers all over America, back when the "Accutron" was first introduced, circa 1960. There was nothing even remotely like it in the market – a "tuning fork" watch – and they needed to let everyone know how revolutionary it was. This one is not only an "Accutron," but it is also a "Spaceview." The stainless steel case measures 39 mm lug to lug, by 34 mm wide, by 13 mm thick (including the crystal). It makes a real statement on the wrist. Made in 1965, it has the look of the "space age." The story is told that the American government wanted to keep this 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 avant-garde, cutting-edge look (for its 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 so taken with the idea they wanted to see how it worked and Bulova obliged. They had store displays that showed the interior of the watch exposed and this caused people to want a watch on their wrist that had the same look. As a result, the "Spaceview" was born! Like all Accutrons, this one is back-set, at the rear of the stainless steel case. What's special about this one is the yellow hands and the condition – which is fantastic. Our head watchmaker has it humming just the way it did back in 1965. It could be humming on your wrist! We warranty all of our watches for one year, for parts and labor, so that you may buy with confidence.
If you are looking for a real statement piece then this may be the watch for you. There will be no mistaking what you are all about if you are wearing this watch! It is a Japanese quartz watch that was obviously made for a rocker at heart, circa 2001. It even has the extrapolation of the guitar neck and frets built into the band. Your friends will be grabbing your wrist to take a gander at this outrageous watch. Not only is the watch in the shape of a guitar but the case also mimics a real guitar case. The silvered dial is easily read with black baton hands to contrast. The guitar/watch body measures 34 mm wide (without the crown), by 55 mm long from the bottom to the longest part of the guitar body, by 8 mm thick. Jimi would have to have it! What a hoot!
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 no exception. This particular model has what is termed a "Perpetual Calendar." It is an automatic (self-winding) seventeen jewel Japanese movement that is exceptionally large for its era. The stainless steel case measures 42 mm in diameter (not including the crowns), by 45 mm lug to lug, by 12 mm thick (including the crystal). This is quite the wrist candy during a time when most watches were under 36 mm. What makes it special is not only the size but the "calendar" feature that allows the wearer to rotate two discs underneath the main dial. The information on these discs show the dates and the years. By aligning them with the current year, day, and date, one can view all the correct data for that year and the next, etc. This interesting movement is housed in a great looking stainless steel case with a matching stainless steel band. The case back is a screw-down configuration that keeps out water and debris that the owner might encounter during daily wear. The dark blue dial just gleams and the day and date windows are easy to read at a glance. One of the unique features on this handsome watch is the push button on the case band at the 2 o'clock position. A simple push of the index finger will allow you to select the current date without the tedious task of having to revolve the hands in order to align the proper date. Our head watchmaker has it winding, setting, and keeping time just as it did 50 years ago. Our one-year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with confidence.
When I was a boy (before there was dirt), Thor Heyerdahl was a big deal. He was the "Indiana Jones" of his day and on April 28, 1947, Heyerdahl and five other adventurers, to prove a theory about the ability of the ancients to make extensive ocean going voyages (and to quiet his detractors), hand built a raft and sailed from Peru across the Pacific Ocean to the Polynesian island of Puka Puka. A voyage over 4300 miles of open ocean. He named this raft the "Kon-Tiki" and in the 1950s I was an eager reader of the book by the same name.
On that voyage, Heyerdahl and the crew wore Eterna wristwatches. In 1958, Eterna created the "Kon-Tiki" line in honor of Heyerdahl. It is a great Chronograph "tool watch," which is driven by a 17 jewel, automatic movement that features the trademark five ball-bearing rotor system for excellent timekeeping. The stainless steel case with the "Kon-Tiki" logo on the back, measures 39 mm in diameter (not including the crown), by 44 mm lug to lug, by 13 mm thick (including the crystal).
This particular watch was made circa 1989, in the fine tradition of the "Kon-Tiki" line and it is in great condition. The black dial provides a good contrast for the hands to make it a very readable watch. You can see the "recorded minutes" subsidiary dial just below the 12 o'clock position, and the "recorded hours" sub dial at the 6 o'clock position, and the "Constant Seconds" sub dial at the 9 o'clock position. Along the dial edge of this Swiss beauty there is a "Tachymeter Scale" for calculating speed. The stainless steel bezel just gleams and the red sweep seconds hand ties it all together. The stainless steel link band is in great shape and looks fantastic.
What's not to like here? ... Nothing! Our one-year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to buy with confidence.
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 that is "chronometer" rated, indicating that it has passed rigid standards for accuracy. It is, in fact, at the pinnacle of mechanical watches in a world where few qualify for this mark.
Some Movado watch models have Esperanto names such as Bela ("beautiful"), Belamodo ("beautiful fashion"), Fiero ("pride"), Brila ("brilliant"), Linio ("line"), and Verto ("crown"). The company's name means "movement" in Esperanto.
This Movado has a 15 jewel movement in a sterling silver oversize case with a very nice silver grey dial that has stylized Art Deco, Arabic numerals that once glowed in the dark, along with the skeletonized blued steel hands. There is a perfectly square seconds bit at the 6 o'clock position completing the look. The "Chronometer" designation indicates that it had to pass very strict standards for timekeeping and that it was issued a certificate from COSC (an acronym) which stands for Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres — aka the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute. Essentially, this body is responsible for certifying the precision and accuracy of high-precision wristwatches made in Switzerland, typically found on luxury watch brands. What it means to you is that this is a very reliable timepiece that will be a joy to own. The case, which measures 25 mm in width(not including the crown), by 36 mm lug to lug, by 10 mm thick (including the crystal), is a beauty to behold. To gild the lily, we have fitted it with a black genuine lizard band. Our one-year warranty, for parts and labor, will allow you to buy with confidence.
Mido was founded in 1918 by George G. Schaeren in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. Mido comes from the Spanish phrase "Yo mido" meaning "I measure". In the 1920s, Mido introduced ladies' watches with color-enameled shaped cases and modern straps as well as timepieces for gentlemen in art deco style. Mido found a market in the flourishing automotive market by producing watches in the shape of radiator grills of a wide range of brands such as Buick, Bugatti, Fiat, Ford, Excelsior, Hispano-Suiza, etc.
In 1934, Mido launched the Multifort design, the first Mido to use a self-winding automatic movement. It was shock-resistant, anti-magnetic and water-resistant. In that same year Mido launched watches with unbreakable mainsprings. This was also the very first time that any watch manufacturer utilized this type of spring within the marketplace. During this time period, Mido used a robot as its ambassador as a symbol of progress and robustness. A comic strip from this era featured the Mido Robot and its adventures.
In 1945, Mido became the first manufacturer to introduce a central-read chronograph wherein the stopwatch function had all its hands arranged at the center. In 1954, the firm launched the world's most efficient winding mechanism. Mido released its Commander model in 1959, which utilized a one-piece case design. In 1967, Mido was distinguished as the maker of the world's thinnest ladies watch. In 1970, Mido launched the Aquadura Crown Sealing system, which makes use of an all-natural cork which is handled and formed to insure its water resistant qualities. This technique is utilized to seal the crown, the most susceptible place on a watch to water leakage.
During the nineties, the Mido World Timer was launched. This was a practical display that can show the local time anywhere on the planet. The user must bring the desired city to the 12 o’clock position and press the crown to check the local time. Mido is recognized as one of the top 10 producers of certified chrononmeters. With 61,358 automatic movements produced in 2013, Mido is currently ranked number four in the production of chronometers in the Swiss watch industry. Today, Mido is a part of the Swatch Group, headquartered in Le Locle, Switzerland. It also has a branch office in Shanghai, China.
The Mido we are presenting to you here is in such nice condition that it looks brand new even though it is from the 1960s. Our head watchmaker has it winding setting and keeping time just as it did over 60 years ago... yes it is a real killer and a watch that won't break the bank. When he handed me the watch after its testing period he could not resist telling me how nice it was and he especially drew my attention to the smooth stainless steel band and its wonderful tactile quality. It is a joy to put on your wrist. The case measures 36 mm in diameter (not including the crown), by 37 mm lug to lug, by 10 mm thick (including the crystal). You will love this watch!
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 to the case and crystal that gives the appearance of a curved watch, but with a flat movement. This is a very handsome Gruen that would look fabulous on a man or lady today.
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). The stainless steel back is for wearing longevity, assuring it won't wear through with daily use. The "Veri-Thin" designation references the fact that this is a slim watch, owing to its specially engineered movement, and will easily fit under shirt cuffs. Its matching "Gruen" marked crown sets off the look.
This watch also has a spectacular rose gold dial with yellow gold applied Arabic numerals that really catch the eye! The sub-seconds bit at the 6 o'clock position is a rectangular shape that echoes the case shape. Inside is circle track with radiating lines, making the seconds easier to read. Above the seconds bit is the word "Precision", a marking frequently used by Gruen to indicate the quality of their movements.
The movement is a Swiss 17 jewel 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 well 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.