Showing posts with label antique watch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label antique watch. Show all posts

Thursday, September 15, 2016

1933 Waltham


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 1933 when they were in stiff competition for the hearts of Americans. It is a handsome piece to behold housed in a large (for the era) yellow gold filled, rectangular case with tonneau sides case. The yellow gold filled case measures 25mm wide by 42mm from lug to lug. The movement is a spotless 17 jewel engine that our watchmakers have fully restored to like-new condition mechanically. 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.


Price: $1150
Year: 1933
SKU: w2704
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Thursday, August 18, 2016

Our Restoration Process

What makes us different than many other watch and clock sellers that you see on the internet, is our level of commitment to the restoration process. We purposely set our standards high so that our customers can rely upon Father Time Antiques to deliver only the best available in the Vintage and Antique watch market. The first step in the process is to select only the watches and clocks that are in the best "as found" condition. In order to do this we work with contacts all over the globe who are constantly on the look out for prime pieces that we can restore and then offer to our customer base. We also attend regional, and national, watch and clock shows under the aegis of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors organization. We have been members of this seminal organization since 1980 and have done business with dealers around the world for over 36 years. We also comb the internet looking for those choice pieces that have not been on the market for many generations and, because we are a "bricks and mortar" store, we can also acquire timepieces over the counter from private collections and past customers.


Once we have acquired a choice watch or clock the process begins in earnest. The piece is inspected by our head watch maker and he decides what will be needed to fully restore the particular timepiece. Then it is completely disassembled and visually inspected under a ten power loupe with great attention to wear, finish, proper function, alignment, originality of parts, and strength. He produces a timing tape, as a diagnostic, if the watch is functional, so that it can be compared with the final timing tape once the restoration has been completed. The piece is then estimated for cost and time to complete. Then the parts are sourced and ordered. We only use original parts for those timepieces for which parts are available, and for those watches or clocks that do not have available parts we can fabricate parts. Parts sourcing is a full time job that our Store Manager, Chuck, has on his plate everyday. We sometimes have to scour the globe to find an elusive part to restore a precious watch or clock. I can remember parts coming from every corner of the globe this year. This extensive search can take several weeks (in most cases), to several months in the extreme.

While parts are being sourced our clock maker and watch maker are busy polishing and restoring cases, replacing crystals, refinishing dials, and cleaning movements so, that the minute the correct parts arrive, they can begin the task of bringing the timepiece back to life. Whether the timepiece is one of ours, or a customer's, they all receive only the highest quality of restoration that we can deliver.

























When parts have been acquired we start the restoration process in earnest. First the parts are examined to determine if they are correct for the particular timepiece at hand, and then they are positioned in the movement to determine proper fit. Then the movement is completely disassembled including all cap jewels, plates, screws, bridges, mainsprings, levers, springs, staffs, gears, pinions, and any other removable part. The various components are carefully separated and compartmentalized for cleaning. The cleaning process uses various chemicals to remove old oils and dirt that may have accumulated in the movement. Once the first cycle of the cleaning process has been completed the hole jewels and caps jewels are inspected for a spotless appearance. Many times very old, hardened oil, will still leave a residue, even after cleaning, especially on the surface of the caps jewels and in the hole jewel recesses. The watchmaker will then use French pegwood to manually remove this residue and then the chemical cleaning process is repeated to make sure the jewels are spotless. Once the watchmaker is happy with the the cleaning process he starts the assembly of the movement. First the front plate of the movement is positioned in a movement holder to support the assembly procedure and then he begins the assembly of the gear train, gear by gear. Once the train is in place (in the front plate), he positions and aligns the back plate and then he checks the freedom of movement of the gear train by apply a small force with his tweezers to the main wheel. If the train moves freely he can proceed to the next step of installing the mainspring and its barrel. The mainspring is first inspected for wear and loss of strength and, if found wanting, is replaced with a new original specification spring. The spring is then lubricated over its entire length and installed in the barrel bottom. Now the mainspring arbor is installed with attention to the proper positioning of the hook and engagement of the arbor. Then the barrel lid is positioned and closed tight. The mainspring, in its barrel, is now ready for installation into the movement. Once the barrel has been installed the watch maker's attention is on the assembly and proper adjustment of the escapement. Then the entire movement is properly oiled and wound. This is the moment of truth. If the watch or clock has been properly assembled, and all the parts are in their proper positions, the timepiece will start to tick. The next few steps in the restoration process really separates the amateur from the professional. The proper adjustment of the hairspring, the balance staff, the roller jewel, banking pins, and regulator are all critical. In a watch the first step is to properly poise the balance wheel, especially if the restoration required the installation of a new balance staff. The watch maker accomplishes this by placing the pivots of the balance wheel on a poising tool. The parallel ruby jaws of this tool provide a level and perfectly smooth surface for the pivots to rest on. If there is a heavy spot on the perimeter of the balance wheel it will cause the wheel to revolve on the poising tool indicating where the heavy part of the wheel may be. Just like balancing a tire on an automobile with small lead weights that can affect the true running of the tire, the watch maker uses very small weights to bring the balance wheel into a poised state. He uses tiny little gold washers that are place under the heads of the screws on the perimeter of the balance wheel. These washers are rated in terms of seconds per day as to how they affect the overall timing rate of the watch. The proof of the pudding is the fact that no matter how it is placed on the poising tool, after being properly balanced, it will not favor a heavier or lighter portion of the wheel. Once the balance wheel is properly poised the watch maker can place it into the watch and put it into action. Now the task becomes regulation. By placing the watch into the jaws of the Vibrograph he can immediately tell if the watch is running fast or slow and make the proper adjustment to the regulator. He can also tell if the banking is correct and if the watch is in-beat.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

18k Patek Phillipe



Nobody felt like a Misfit if they were wearing this in 1961! We are always asked what is the best watch company in the world and our answer, without a doubt, is always Patek Philippe!

This is one of their legendary wristwatches, vintage 1961. It is a Gentleman's Wristwatch (ref. 2488), featuring a caliber 10'''-200, circular nickel-finished lever movement no. 956,433, 18 jewels, movement stamped with the Seal of Geneva, with original silvered brushed dial with applied gold batons markers at the chapters, subsidiary seconds, and rectangular-shaped case. Case, dial and movement signed Patek Philippe. Now that we have all of the particulars out of the way, can we jump up and down about how beautiful this one is? Not only does it come from the world's best maker of mechanical wristwatches, but it is in fantastic condition. The classic lines, the subtle silvered dial, the case shape, and the exquisite way it keeps time are all here in this wonderful wristwatch. It was a Polish watchmaker named Anton Patek that started making pocket watches in 1839 in Geneva Switzerland, along with his partner Franciszek Czapek who was also a Pole. They parted ways in 1844, and by 1845 Patek joined with the French inventor of the key-less winding mechanism, Adrien Philippe to form Patek Philippe & Co in 1851. Patek Philippe was responsible for the minute repeater, the split second hand, the chronograph, and the perpetual calendar in watches. Not too shabby an accomplishment! Countless royalty and heads of state have worn the Patek, folks like Queen Victoria, and Prince Albert, Princess Louise of Denmark, Victor Emmanuel of Italy, and the Sultan of Egypt, Hussein Kamel just to name a few. Patek was constantly on the cutting edge of horology and consistently brought down world records for the top price fetched at auction. Suffice it to say that this company has been at the pinnacle of fine watchmaking since day one. Now here is your chance to grab one for yourself! Fully restored and warrantied for one year.

Price: $9895
Year: 1961
SKU: w2488
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Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Dominion

This watch is transparently patriotic! Ok, we just had to acquire this really fun watch from 1976. Granted it is not one of our finer watches but we just couldn't resist because it is such a hoot! It has a 17 jewel movement that is keeping great time and the transparent Lucite case proudly shows off the movement. We have pared it with a colorful Nato strap for your wearing enjoyment. If you just want a fun watch for going out on the town, this one won't break the bank. Cheers!

 

Price: $250
Year: 1976
SKU: w2931
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Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Hamilton Oval

The Hamilton watch company was founded in 1892 but they didn't produce their first watch until 1893. The first watch was designed by one of the companies founding members - H.J. Cain. Their pocket watches commanded immediate respect and became prominent timepieces for railroad engineers as well as the general public. The "Broadway Limited" was introduced in their first year of business! These watches were so respected that they became the official watch of the American Expeditionary Forces world-wide! A special wristwatch version was made and supplied General Pershing and his men in WWI . Admiral Byrd relied on the same watch on both his Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. Auguste Piccard used a Hamilton timepiece on his balloon ascent into the stratosphere in the early 1930's. The first American to summit Mount Everest - Jim Whittaker -was wearing a Hamilton in 1963! Suffice it to say that Hamilton made the best American Watches...bar none!

 


This rare, gentleman's Hamilton, called the "Oval", was made circa 1929. It is a caliber 987 that has a 17 jewel movement which is housed in a white gold filled, oval case, that has an engraved bezel. It is in excellent condition. The case measures 30 mm side to side (not including the crown) by 36 mm lug to lug. Hamilton made them with both a plain polish bezel and this one, with the more desirable, engraved bezel. This watch also has a spectacular two-tone dial that echoes the case shape, as does the perimeter of the seconds bit. The blued steel hands and the Arabic Numerals are filled with lume so that the numbers and the hands have a glow-in-the-dark effect when the lights are out. This is the sort of gentleman's watch that will attract attention when you put it on your wrist. It is a real classic that you don't often find for sale. Our head watch maker has lovingly restored this one for generations to come. It is winding, setting, and running, like the day it came from the factory in Lancaster, Pa. where the Hamilton Factory was located. Our famous one year warranty, for parts and labor, assures your satisfaction.

 


Price: $3895
SKU: w2921
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Monday, April 11, 2016

Benrus

Benrus watches are often underestimated. They made really nice watches, as you can see here, but are often overlooked in favor of more expensive watches. We think this is a tragedy since Benrus watches are great looking and well-made. This particular Benrus has a round Stainless Steel case, measuring 34 mm in diameter (not including the crown) (an American quarter measures 24 mm in diameter) by 41 mm lug to lug. This nice case houses an even nicer 17 jewel movement that is in great condition. Now take a look at the dial, it is a "Pie Pan" silvered classic that has White Gold Elongated Arrowhead markers at the chapters with great looking Art Deco Numerals at the twelve, nine and at the six, with the date window appearing at the 3 o'clock position.

This particular Benrus is indicative of iconic mid century American wristwatches. Yes, it was someone's prized possession but very gently used over its lifetime,and now our master watchmakers have restored it to like-new performance. It is running, winding, setting and keeping time like the day it arrived on these shores from Switzerland. This is a fully restored and warrantied watch that you can buy for very little dough. This is a gentleman's watch that would look great on your wrist. Remember all of our timepieces come with our famous one year warranty for parts and labor so that you may buy with confidence!

 

Price: $875
Year: 1960
SKU: w2923
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Monday, March 7, 2016

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust



The ubiquitous stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual is a watch that is highly sought after! This one is a gentleman's 27 jewel, the case is all stainless steel, and in pristine condition. Rolex's Oyster Perpetual line is what made the company famous and one look at this watch will tell you why. This watch was made in 1981 and it could not be in better condition. It looks like it was just taken out of the showcase to show a customer. The case has a smooth polish bezel that is gleaming. The bezel compliments a wonderful silvered dial. The stainless steel case is 34mm wide and 40mm in length and it sports an original stainless steel Oyster band that is as nice as the watch itself. I know I've said this before but the photos really do not capture the elegance of this piece. I think that it is the classic look of this straight forward stainless steel Rolex that makes it interesting. Like all of Rolex's Oyster Perpetuals this one has a fantastic 27 jewel automatic movement, bearing the hi beat Ref. 3035. Our watchmakers have it running like new so that you can wear this watch on a daily basis with complete confidence. Remember we warranty all of our timepieces, parts and labor, for a full year. James Bond would be happy to wear this one to the casino. You might catch a glimpse of it when he raises his martini to his lips and his sleeve is retracted to reveal this killer watch! 


Price: $2950
Year: 1981
SKU: w2913
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Friday, February 26, 2016

Hanhart Chronograph "Caliber 41"



This is the "Holy Grail" of military Chronographs, and the only one we have had the pleasure to own after being in the business since 1979. It is the real deal! This is a Hanhart military chronograph that was made just for pilots in WWII !

The Swiss-German watch brand Hanhart is a leader in the world market, for highly precise, mechanical chronographs and they are specialists in instrument watches that are used in the air, on land and at sea. Hanhart combines cutting-edge Swiss and German engineering with the long-standing tradition and expertise of its own manufactory, which has its origins in the watch business established by Johann A. Hanhart in Diessenhofen, Switzerland, in 1882.

In 1924 Hanhart brought to market the world’s first affordable mechanical stopwatch. The great success of this stopwatch laid the foundations for further innovative technical developments, such as the complicated split-second stopwatch or an ultrafast oscillator with a balance wheel frequency of 360,000 vibrations per hour, which enabled Hanhart to become one of the first manufacturers of watches capable of measuring hundredths of a second.

Then in 1938 a new era began – the first Hanhart chronograph model, the mono-pusher “Calibre 40”, went into production. This was followed in 1940 by the legendary pilot’s chronographs “Calibre 41”. This watch is one of those legendary chronographs

The "Calibre 41" was introduced in 1940 and is distinguished by the red button at the 4 o'clock position. The reset button was colored red to make sure the pilot didn't accidentally push it and thereby eliminate any accumulated time that was being recorded! This watch has a 1944 date clearly marked under the dial! There is a lot of hyperbole about military watches but nobody disputes the character of this watch! This Hanhart has been been lovingly restored by our master watch maker to perfect running condition . The dial is all original, with its original lume. We left the case original because we have seen so many that have been buffed to death. We wanted to leave the watch as original as possible so that it will be the perfect representation of watches from the "Great War" for those who come behind us. The hands had to be restored but they look exactly as they did when the watch was new. The 17 jewel movement is in perfect running order. This is a watch for the most serious of collectors and it can be yours! Remember all of our timepieces come with our famous one year warranty for parts and labor so that you may by with confidence.

Price: $8890
Year: 1944
SKU: w2915
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Thursday, January 7, 2016

Lord Elgin "Shockmaster"

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 premier product. It was produced in 19, 21, and 23 jewels. This particular Elgin is a 21 jewel beauty that is very cool watch in more ways than one. First the 21 jewel movement is a thing of mechanical beauty and second the original "rilled" dial has a great patina due to age that is magnificent, third the stylized "arrowhead" markers are very unusual with Arabic Numerals at the cardinal points, and forth the curved lugs are very handsome. If you take a look at the "Zoom-In" photos you can see the light coffee colored patina at the dial center. This pointed gives the watch a very vintage 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 yellow gold filled measuring 32mm in diameter by 42mm lug to lug, and is running like the proverbial top. The case back is inscribed with the original owners name from his friends at E.M.D. Also notice how nice the red tipped sweep second hand is...it really set this one off. This handsome timepiece is in fantastic original condition 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.



Price: $895
Year: 1952
SKU: w2900

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Thursday, December 10, 2015

Zenith De Luca "El Primero"

 

The Zenith De Luca "El Primero" is widely known as the worlds best automatic chronograph. "De Luca" is actually a nickname, the name of Zenith's chief agent for Italy at the time, who inspired the original design. Beginning in 1988, this was Zenith's first major new series after the resurrection of the El Primero. The original series ("De Luca I") is characterized by 40mm steel cases with uni-directional rotating black diver's bezel (matte finish until the 4th generation when it became glossy), and either black or white dials with contrasting sub-dials. The first series generation came with brown leather straps. The steel De Luca bracelet was optional. In 1990, Zenith initiated three different style iterations with the De Lucas. The second generation of the De Luca I series underwent a significant transformation in dial design, for both white and black versions. The hour markers morphed to round, and "Mercedes" style hands were adopted. This particular De Luca, circa 1990, has what we feel is the most desirable of their dial choices. It is what is sometimes called a "Panda Dial" but we prefer to just call it fantastic. Any watch head will tell you that a chronograph is an essential item in any serious manufacturer's product line but Rolex did not have an automatic chronograph movement of their own at the time, so they contracted with Zenith to be their go-to-company for an automatic chrono. Rolex was delighted to be able to employ the Zenith movement since their line did not include a chrono from the mid 80's to mid 90's. The quality of the Zenith movement was untouchable and Rolex was not worried about competition because Zenith was not big enough to threaten the Rolex prowess in the market place. When the Daytona was launched with the El Primero movement, it was only available in limited numbers due to limited production of the movement. This limited supply created an unprecedented demand and resulted in a 5 year waiting list. Prices were at a premium selling at £6,000 each ($9660.00 at the time) when the retail price was a more humble £3,600 ($5796.00). Today there is quite a bit of cross-over between the Rolex Daytona, the Submariner, and the De Luca even to the point of sporting a "Mercedes" hour hand. I like the "Lollipop" sweep second hand as well. It really has every style perk going for it, not to mention the fantastic mechanical 31 jewel, automatic movement. What's not to like here...nothing! One of the interesting features, other than the cosmetics, is the position of the date window and the 4:30 position. Everyone here at Father time had to hook their drool cup up over their ears when this watch came into our hands. Yes it is a bit more expensive than your average bear, but boy is it worth it! Make sure you take a gander at the "Zoom In" photos so you can judge for yourself how nice this one is....don't let someone else snap it up. Remember all of our watches come with our famous one year warranty for parts and labor so that you may buy with confidence!

 

Price: $5895
Year: 1990
SKU: w2911

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

One of the nicest original Omega Ranchero's we have ever had!

In "The Wild One" when someone asks Johnny what he is rebelling against he says "Whadda ya got!"

Either ya get cool or ya don't! This dial has a patina that leaves no doubt that this Omega "Ranchero" is completely original and "cool" as hell.

These 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....the Omega "Ranchero". 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 44mm lug to lug by 36mm in diameter not including the crown, is in very nice condition and it has the proper "Waterproof" markings and reference number. The original dial has such a great patina that we all had to hook-up our drool cups over our ears before we took a look. The original "Broad Arrow" hand set makes it look even cooler. 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", 17 jewel, movement designation. The hour markers are a great looking coffee-with-cream color and are interspersed with thin minute hash marks. At the 12, 3, and 9 while 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 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.

This is the only "Ranchero" (Circa 1958) of this caliber (Omega 267) that we have had the pleasure to own in a long time and we hope that we may make you it's caretaker for the next lifetime. Remember all of our timepieces come with our famous one year warranty for parts and labor so that you may buy with confidence.

Price: $4250
SKU: w2904

Thursday, October 29, 2015

A very dramatic Omega 30-T2!

The trend today is what we, in-the-trade, call "Oversize" watches, meaning that anything over 32mm in diameter is considered large by vintage standards. Today, however, this seems minuscule due to the alarm clock size watches that we have seen on wrists all over the country. Back in the day the watch manufacturers were constantly pushing their designers to make watches slimmer, and more wrist-conforming so that watches could easily slide under the cuff of a man's dress shirt. Younger men and women who did not live through the 1950's and 1960's have no idea what was in vogue at that time, and the mantra today is " bigger is better", but this does not comport well with vintage standards. In order to meet that demand we have scoured the South American market for oversize Omegas that were sent there by the company from Switzerland, back in the day.


We here in North America only saw these larger watches if one of our friends or family members traveled down there and brought one back because this size was not in vogue in the North American market. This particular Omega sports a very striking matte-black dial that exhibits a high contrast with the light lume on the Roman Numerals. It still has a nice glow in the dark. The white dagger hands look great as does the oversize seconds bit at the 6 o'clock position. The case is stainless steel that measures 34mm wide by 40mm lug to lug. Our head watch maker has the 15 jewel , 30T2 movement winding, setting, and keeping time just as it did back in 1944 when it was made in Switzerland. Remember all of our timepieces come with our famous one year warranty for parts and labor so that you may buy with confidence.

Price: $2495
SKU: w2903

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Friday, October 2, 2015

Movado Oversize


This is a real neat Movado Oversize, manual wind, measuring 37mm in diameter (without the crown) by 44mm lug to lug (for comparison an American Quarter measures 26mm in diameter). The rhodium plated case houses a real clean 17 jewel movement that our head watchmaker has running, setting, and winding just like it did when it came from the Movado factory back in the 1940's. It also sports a large sweep second hand that allows the wearer to easily see the seconds slipping by. But what makes my heart skip a beat is the mirrored Arabic numerals. Not only are they reflective, but they give the watch a very vintage appearance that you just don't see in today's wrist armor. There is a visual and tactile quality about the watch that is difficult to express but when you see it in-person you will understand. It is an oversize (by vintage standards) and makes quite a statement on the wrist. The near pristine condition is a big plus as well. We have paired it with a dark croco band that gives it a very rich look and will provide the longevity that you expect from a quality band. Don't miss this fantastic Movado....it 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.

Price: $2595
SKU: w2901



Friday, September 25, 2015

Illinois 60 Hour Bunn Special

This Illinois 16 size open face Pocket Watch is simply spectacular. The 21 jewel movement is unsurpassed for this era and the "Bunn Special" iterations are some of the most desirable Railroad watches ever made! The case is yellow gold filled and is what is called a "Railroad" case with a non-pull out, bar over crown bow. These cases were designed to have a screw back & screw bezel thereby preventing dust and debris from entering the movement. The user would simply unscrew the front bezel to access the lever for setting, and, if he wanted to see the movement he would unscrew the back of the case. When you take a look at the\"Zoom-In" photos of the movement you can see that it is as clean as the proverbial whistle. Our master watchmakers have it timed to within an inch of its life and it is performing like new. Make sure you notice the interesting damaskeening pattern on the plates. Pride of workmanship is everywhere on this watch. The double sunk, porcelain dial is spectacular displaying red dot 5 minute indicators. 

The Illinois Watch Company had its beginnings in several other incarnations starting in December of 1870 at Springfield, Illinois. Thetwo founders were John Whitfield Bunn and John C. Adams. They started the Springfield Watch Company by attracting several other investors until they had amassed the princely sum of $100,000.00 which in those days was no small task. William B. Miller was to be their first secretary as they started production and a journey over what was to be a bumpy financial road. By 1877, after some difficulty, the company was reorganized and renamed the Illinois Springfield Watch Company and Erastus Newton Bates was choosen to lead them out of the financial difficulties they had encountered, but by July of 1878 they were once again faced with a re-organization and the named changed once again to the Illinois Watch Company, the final iteration that we know today. The chief executive was Jacob Bunn Sr. (1814-1897) and he was an all round entrepreneur with his fingers in finance, newspapers, land development, coal, banking, railroads, wholesale groceries, politics and even the manufacture of rope. The Bunn brothers, John & Jacob, were close friends with Abraham Lincoln and whose political career was financed and managed by them. The growth of the enterprise grew steadily from this point on under the management of the Bunn brothers. The fortunes of the company were starting to rise and by 1880 they had over 400 employees up from 260 in 1879, and ultimately 1200 at their apex. Production was up as well from 33,285 in 1879 to 47,065 by 1880. Just ten years later they could boast offices in New York, San Francisco, and Chicago. With the advent of the Railroad Commission, in 1893, Illinois became one of the leading forces behind the design and manufacture of the highly accurate railroad timepieces that became world standards for accuracy and reliability. If you are longing for a very accurate, high-grade, railroad watch then this may be the one for you. It is fully restored and warrantied for a year for parts and labor so that you may buy with confidence.

Price: $1750
SKU: PW1644
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Friday, September 18, 2015

Benrus Manual Wind

Benrus is often underestimated. They made really nice watches, as you can see here, but are often overlooked in favor of more expensive watches. We think this is a tragedy since Benrus watches are great looking and well-made. This particular Benrus has a yellow gold-filled round case, with stainless steel back measuring 30 mm in diameter (not including the crown) by 38 mm lug to lug. This nice case houses an even nicer 21 jewel movement that is in great condition. Now take a look at the dial, it is a silvered classic
that has Roman Numerals at the even chapters and pointed bar markers at the other positions with a small seconds bit at the 6 o'clock position.This particular Benrus is indicative of mid century American wristwatches. Yes, it was someone's prized possession and gently used over its lifetime and now our master watchmakers have restored it to like-new performance. It is running, winding, and keeping time like the day it arrived on these shores from Switzerland. This is a fully restored and warrantied watch that you can buy for very little dough. Remember all of our timepieces come with our famous one year warranty for parts and labor so that you may buy with confidence!

Price: $650
SKU: w2728
Order or Inquire