<P<Li>As My Pal Cautious Carl Says, Buy a Nice Watch from Mike .He Was Telling

Of all the watches that I collect or sell, this is perhaps the only firm that needs little introduction…having built its business over the last century on high quality, innovation and style. The Rolex Watch Co. of Switzerland, its name (some say) short for “horlogerie exquise” was founded in 1908 by Hans Wilsdorf of Germany and brother-in-law Alfred Davis, first setting up shop in London. The early firm of “Wilsdorf & Davis” dealt primarily with the watch manufacturer Hermann Aegler to supply its movements but by 1919 Wilsdorf had established Manufacture des Montres Rolex - a time when the mechanisms were crafted in Bienne and the watches were hand-finished in Geneva. On average, more than 200 technicians are involved in producing a single Rolex wristwatch, quite remarkable.

I am pleased to offer for sale the following men’s timepiece from the firm, a stainless steel cased Oysterdate model from 1953. Note the Red number calendar on this Model 6266 – very nice.

Quadruple-signed for Rolex (case, crown, dial and mechanism, it measures 36.5mm end to end and 30.5mm in width (33mm with original Rolex-signed screw-down crown). This works out to be 1-7/16 inches long by 1-3/16 inches wide, not counting the crown, a size commonly referred to as “3/4 size” men’s watch or a “Boy’s Size” by today’s standards but a fairly normal gent’s size back then. My watchmaker David has fully serviced its original 17 jewel, 2 adjustment manual wind patented “Superbalance” mechanism and it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time.

The ivory color, matte enamel finished dial has been professionally restored by Kirk Rich (the best in the country) and is in pristine condition. It features a 60 second outer track calibrated to 1/5 of a second, raised gold hour markers with luminous dots, RED number date window at the 3 position, original gold Lance-style hands with luminous fill and a ‘sweep’ blue steelcenter seconds hand. Signed ROLEX OYSTERDATE below the raised gold Rolex Crown and PRECISION above the 6 marker. It is further signed SWISS at the base of the dial. Please note that this watch does not have a “quickset” date so you do have to advance the day a fully 24 hours manually if you get behind a few days after not wearing.

The genuine Rolex hardened acrylic domed crystal is clear and in excellent condition. The case is solid stainless steel and in excellent PLUS shape with absolutely no wear, truly like new. It is stamped BREVET + between the top lugs and 966,226 between the bottom lugs, the latter being the watch’s serial number. The original screw-down Rolex Oyster-signed crown is stainless steel and in excellent shape, operating as it should.

Turning the watch over I note that the back lid is milled (coin) edged and in excellent condition – lightly etched Modele Depose - Registered Design. Peeking inside I find a fully signed and beautiful Rolex 17 Jewel movement, signed MONTRES ROLEX SA – GENEVA SWISS, ADJUSTED 2 TWO POSITIONS – 17 JEWELS SEVENTEEN – PATENTED SUPERBALANCE. Next to the balance wheel it is stamped 08868. The inside of the case lid is fully stamped and hallmarked MONTRES ROLEX S.A. – GENEVA, SWISS - 6266 – IV.53. I believe the last markings mean it was made in the fourth quarter of 1953.

This fine timepiece has been cleaned, oiled and regulated to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time. It comes fitted on a new 17mm black deBeer Paris hand crafted lizard grain band with matching steel buckle so it’s ready to be worn and enjoyed. All in all an early Oyster Date that’s perfect for the gent wanting a smaller size watch or for a woman’s wrist as well.

The history of the Girard-Perregaux Watch Company begins in 1791, when the watchmakers Bautte and Mouline founded a factory in Geneva to manufacture watches. In 1856 the watchmaker constant Girard married Marie Perregaux and the unified firm of “Girard – Perregaux” came into being. In 1906 Perregaux acquired the earlier firm of Bautte and Mouline, and today the firm is located in La Chaux- de-Fonds. They have always made a name for themselves in the realm of wristwatches through their unique creativity and high quality mechanisms, one of a select few who produce many of its movements entirely in-house. Today, Girard Perregaux watches are among the most expensive timepieces money can buy.

I am pleased to offer for sale the following vintage timepiece from the firm, a men’s late 1950s “Gyromatic” (self-winding) model in excellent original condition – probably worn a dozen times in its entire life. Before I say anything else I want to note that I have not seen a Gyromatic model quite like this before – it features a 14kt solid yellow gold bezel ring and 14kt yellow gold “capped” lugs with stainless body and back lid. This is much like some Omega models from the same period but I have never had a G-P like it.

Triple-signed, its case measures 39mm lug tip to lug tip and 34mm in width (36.5mm including the crown). This works out to be 1-1/2 inches long by just shy of 1-3/8 inches in width, without the winding crown. It is powered by its original and higher grade, 17 jewel rotor automatic Girard-Perregaux mechanism that has been fully serviced by my skilled watchmaker David to ensure it is running well and keeping accurate time.

The 100% original silver, brushed satin enamel finished dial is in flawless condition – guaranteed untouched since it left the Girard-Perregaux factory more than half a century ago. I can assure you that my photos do not do this one justice as it is PERFECT in all respects and has its satin finishing gives it a sparkle in the light. Features include a 60 second outer track, applied gold hour markers, original gold slim Dauphine-style hands with luminous (tritium) fill and a ‘sweep’ gold center seconds hand. Signed Girard-Perregaux below the 12 and GYROMATIC above the 6 marker. At the base of the dial it is signed SWISS T.

The hardened acrylic armored crystal is in excellent, clear condition with no flaws. The GP-signed case is solid stainless steel with a 14kt yellow gold bezel ring and 14 karat yellow gold “capped” lugs. It is in excellent PLUS shape with absolutely no wear. –The matching yellow gold winding crown, while unmarked, is I believe original. It winds and sets as it should.

Turning the watch over I see that the screw-down, stainless back lid is in excellent shape, stamped 8774V – Stainless Steel. Inside I find a high quality rotor automatic, mechanism that is signed Girard-Perregaux – Gyromatic, Seventeen 17 Jewels, Swiss – GXM. The serial number is #315,687. The inside case lid is stampedGIRARD PERREGAUX 1791 – SWISS – STAINLESS STEEL.

This timepiece has been fully disassembled, cleaned, oiled & regulated to ensure it winds and sets effortlessly, keeping accurate time. Like any vintage automatic watch you should always manually wind it 6 to 12 turns before putting it on your wrist. It is fitted on a new 18mm black hand crafted deBeer Paris lizard grain strap with matching buckle, a high quality band for a high quality watch. I have owned and sold a number of Gyromatic models over the years but this one strikes me as rather unusual, unique model – I hope its new owner will appreciate its design and truly spotless, original condition.

Founded by Aaron Dennison and E. Howard, the highly regarded Waltham Watch Company of Waltham, Mass. is arguably the founder of large scale U.S. horology, in business from 1850 to 1959 making high quality pocket watches, clocks and wristwatches known the world over. The company adopted the American Waltham name in 1859, having already used such names as Warren, Tracy, Appleton and Boston.

I am pleased to offer for sale the following antique timepiece from the firm, a men’s 10ktYellow Gold filled hinged case model in excellent condition. This is Transitional Period timepiece and its mechanism and dial date to 1892, most likely beginning life as a small hunting- case pocket watch or pendant watch but re-cased about 20 years later (1910s) to be worn as a wristwatch.

This practice was common in the early part of the 20th century; by 1920 the market for men’s watches was transitioning from pocket to wrist styles and the supply could not keep up with demand. A fellow who wanted to be fashionable and sport one of the new “wrist” watches would take a watch to his jeweler (or send back to the factory) to have a new case fitted.

Its wire lug, hinged back case measures 37mm lug tip to lug tip and 33mm in width (36mm with domed crown). This works out to be 1-1/2 inches including the lugs and just over 1-1/4 inches wide, not including the winding crown. My watchmaker David has fully serviced its original gold finished, engraved Waltham mechanism, ensuring it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time.

The original white porcelain enamel dial is in pristine condition and completely without flaw. This means NO hairlines or edge chips, it is perfect. Features include a 60 minute outer track border (numbered), elegant black Roman numerals, original blue steel Spade tip hands and a recessed, round sub-seconds dial with 60 second outer chapter and ‘sweep’ original blue steel seconds hand. Signed American Waltham below the XII.

The solid glass crystal is as I obtained the watch and in excellent, clear condition. The three-piece, hinged back case is a Keystone “James Boss” example that is 10 Karat Yellow Gold filled and in excellent PLUS shape, absolutely no wear. The original domed gold winding crown is excellent as well, winding and setting as it should with a tight stem sleeve (this keeps the stem/crown in place, as part of the case).

Turning the watch over I find that the back lid is 10k gold filled and in excellent condition with absolutely no flaws or engravings. Inside I discover a gold finished Seven [7] Jewel ¾ Bridge lever escapement movement with finely engraved regulator bridge and blued steel screws. It is signed “American Waltham Watch Co., Safety Barrel.” The serial number is #5,886,447 – dating it to ca 1892. The inside of the case lid is Keystone Watch Case Co., J. Boss, 10k Gold Filled with case number below. J. Boss was James Boss, the inventor of the gold filled case who worked for Keystone for some time. This timepiece has been disassembled, cleaned, oiled and regulated to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time. It comes fitted on a good length black 12mm pigskin strap with fold-over ends and gold buckle – especially designed for fixed lug watches. All in all an excellent and original “transitional” timepiece that is equally suited to man’s or woman’s wrist.

There are nice old watches and then there are rare, investment-grade old watches. The following ladies Art Deco timepiece falls into the latter category, made by the respected E. Huegenin Watch Co. of Switzerland for Tiffany & Co. of New York and dating to ca 1922. This watch is Pure Sterling Silver and it comes complete with its original fabric, grosgrain ribbon strap with filigree engraved buckle (seen in photo below).

The classic Cushion- form watch case was made by Cresarrow (a name synonymous with Tiffany & Co.) and it measures 31mm lug tip to lug tip and 25mm in width (26.7mm with original silver crown. This works out to be just shy of 1-1/4 inches long by 1 inch wide, not including the original crown. It is attached to a new deBeer Paris lizard grain band that will fit a wrist 5-3/4 inches to 7-1/2 inches in size. Powering this timepiece is a high-grade 15 Jewel, 3 Adjustments E. Huegenin mechanism that is of equal quality to IWC or C.H. Meylan. It has been fully serviced by my trusted watchmaker David prior to auction, ensuring it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time.

The cream color, matte enamel finished over sterling silver dial is in excellent condition – the original that has been correctly restored to its original status. It features a checkered 60 minute outer track border, Art Deco style numerals and original blue steel Skeleton hands. Signed Tiffany & Co. below the 12 and Switzerland at the base of the dial.

The solid glass crystal is in excellent shape with no flaws. The two-piece, cushion form case is sterling silver and in excellent condition, an early example of a wristwatch case that uses spring bars as opposed to having “fixed” or wire lugs. It was made for Tiffany by the Cresarrow Watch &Case Company, established in 1890 by N.E.Whiteside and Henry Blank and located at 19 Liberty Street in Newark, New Jersey. Cresarrow were arguably the best case makers ever to exist in America, providing many of the cases for early wristwatches by Patek Philippe and Vacheron & Constantin. They were best known for their jewelry work in platinum and had very close business ties with Tiffany & Co. for over half a century.

The original silver winding crown, albeit just slightly askew, is in excellent shape, winding and settings smoothly.

Turning the watch over I note that the solid sterling silver back lid is in excellent condition, one small ding, and free of any other wear or personal engravings. Peeking inside I find a clean Fifteen Jewel, Three Adjustment, manual wind movement that is signed E. HUGUENIN – 15 JEWELS, 3 ADJMTS., SWISS with low serial number #696,606. The inside of the case lid is clearly stamped STERLINGwith the Cresarrow hallmark (an arrow running through the letter ‘C’) and case number #21,514 as shown.

Completely disassembled, cleaned, oiled and regulated just last week, this investment-grade timepiece winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time. It comes fitted on a new 16mm lizard grain deBeer Paris leather strap but the winner also gets its original grosgrain strap with filigree clasp (as shown) that can be put on using the same spring bars that are currently on the watch. This grosgrain band will fit a wrist from 5 inches to almost 7 inches in size. Folks, this is a timepiece that is superb in every way – high grade mechanism, highest quality Cresarrow case and a true early 1920s Tiffany & Company timepiece – while it deserves to be in a museum it can also be worn every day – appreciating in value while you enjoy owning it. Thanks for taking the time to read my description!

Timepieces from the Charles Tissot Watch Co. of Switzerland are among my favorite Swiss watches, very high quality and nicely designed. The firm was founded in Le Locle, Switzerland in 1853 by Charles Félicien Tissot and his son Charles-Emile. It is famous for its “Tsars Watch” (Russian Imperial Guard, 1904), “Banana” Exploding Tank (1915), the first antimagnetic watch (1930), and the Navigator (released 1953).

In 1925, the Omega Watch Co. hired Paul Tissot as its commercial director; in 1930 the two firms merged under the official name Societe Suisse pour l'lndustrie Horlogere (SSIH), with headquarters in Geneva. Later, Lemania would join this group.

The following model is the result of the partnership and, as watch historian Bruce Shawkey correctly points out (in the Nat’l Association of Watch & Clock Collectors August 2003 Bulletin), Tissot were not the lower price option to Omega but, rather, a complementary brand of equal stature.

I am pleased to offer for sale the following men's Tissot timepiece, a vintage stainless steel automatic wind model that dates to the late 1950s and is in excellent original condition. Yes, the BLACK dial that you see is 100% untouched and just as it left the factory and this watch is quadruple-signed, including a flush-set TISSOT signed winding crown.

Its clean stainless case measures 39.5mm lug tip to lug tip and 32mm in width (including the flush-fit Tissot crown). In inches this works out to be 1-9/16” long by just over 1-1/4” wide. It is powered by its original 17 jewel, rotor automatic mechanism, fully serviced by my talented watchmaker David to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time.

The 100% original black, enamel finished dial is in pristine condition – guaranteed UNTOUCHED since it left the factory over half a century ago. It features a silver 60 second outer track , raised silver hour markers and number 12, original silver steel Dauphine-style hands and a center ‘sweep’ seconds hand. Signed TISSOT below the 12 and AUTOMATIC above the 6 marker. It is further signed SWISS at the base of the dial.

The hardened acrylic and in excellent condition with no flaws. The two-piece, Tissot- signed case is Stainless Steel and in excellent condition. The matching original stainless steel winding crown is signed Tissot and is in very good shape, winding and setting smoothly.

Turning the watch over I note that the screw-down back domed lid is signed Tissot – Shock Absorber, Waterproof, Antimagnetic. Condition is great – nicer than my photos. Removing this lid reveals a clean rotor automatic mechanism that is signed CHs Tissot & Fils – Seventeen 17 Jewels, Swiss with serial number #3,858,590. The caliber number is found below the balance and it reads 23.3 R-21. The inside case lid is stamped Tissot – Fab. Suisse, Swiss Made - CHs. Tissot & Fils, Acier Inoxydable – 6230.3.

This timepiece has been disassembled, cleaned, oiled and regulated to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time. It is fitted on a new 16mm black deBeer Paris lizard grain band with matching steel buckle. All in all a great looking, ready to wear ORIGINAL mid-century modern timepiece – I like Tissot models every bit as much as Omega and this one will not disappoint.

Founded in 1892, the Hamilton Watch Company of Lancaster, PA would not officially start its watch production until March 1894, having first chosen the name Columbian Watch Co. but this name was already copyrighted by the Waterbury Co. The name "Hamilton" was derived from Lancaster’s founding father, Mr. Andrew Hamilton, a Scottish-born attorney who was instrumental in the growth of Lancaster.

By 1908 Hamilton was producing a lady’s pendant watch and during the WWI period a small line of military style watches were available for men. Hamilton never looked back, arguably producing the highest quality American made watches from the 1920s through the 1960s.

I am pleased to offer for sale the following ladies vintage ladies watch from the Hamilton firm, a Solid Platinum & 16 Diamond late Art Deco beauty that dates to 1948. This is the first time I have ever seen this model and it is fully signed Hamilton on the dial, case, winding crown and mechanism – something you rarely see with platinum Hamilton ladies watches. Better yet this watch comes with its original Hamilton Bakelite display case and guarantee Certificate – both in excellent condition, as shown.

Quadruple-signed, it measures 31mm lug tip to lug tip and 15mm in width (17mm with signed Hamilton crown). This works out to be just shy of 1-1/4 inches long by 5/8 of an inch wide, including the crown and it is fitted on a cord bracelet strap with deployment clasp that measures a total length of 7-1/2 inches (easily adjusted smaller).

It is powered by its original 911 grade, 17 jewel manual wind mechanism that has been fully serviced by my expert watchmaker David to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time.

The ivory color, matte enamel finished dial is in excellent condition. It features black enamel numerals and original Lance-style hands. Signed HAMILTON below the 12.

The gently curved solid glass crystal is in excellent, clear condition with no flaws. The Hamilton-signed case is also in excellent condition, a wonderful late Art Deco beauty crafted of Solid Platinum (10% Iridium, 90% Platinum) and featuring 16 Genuine Diamonds of high clarity that simply SPARKLE. Please note that this case is hinged at the rear – the first time I have seen a cocktail watch like this that was hinged – this is something that you typically see only with watches from the 1920s – not the 1940s. The matching white gold color Hamilton-signed winding crown is in excellent shape, operating smoothly.

Turning the watch over I see that the back lid is in excellent shape - no personal engravings or wear and stamped HAMILTON as shown. Peeking inside (hinge works perfectly) I find a clean manual wind movement that is signed Hamilton USA – 17 Jewels [Grade] 911 with serial number T493668, dating it to ca 1948 as per Hamilton production records. The inside of the back lid is stamped HAMILTON W. CO. – LANCASTER, PA - .100 IRID., .900 PLAT with case number below.

This lovely timepiece has been disassembled, cleaned, oiled and regulated just last week by my expert watchmaker to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time. It is fitted with a black cord bracelet strap in excellent shape, making the total length 7-1/2 inches and I can easily adjust the size for the winner - just let me know and there’s no charge. Well folks, I wonder who is going to be wearing this beautiful vintage Hamilton in just a short time? I rarely come across platinum models and this one is unique for being quadruple signed and with a hinged case (it’s a winner!).

Founded by Ernest Francillon and Auguste Agassiz in the year 1832, the Longines Watch Co. of Switzerland was established in the “Long Meadows” (translated: Longines) near the town of St. Imier. Winner of countless horology awards, their wristwatches are among the best in the world, on par with the “big boys” of the Swiss watch making profession including its chief rival Omega.

I am pleased to offer for sale the following vintage Longines timepiece, a men’s 10kt Yellow Gold filled, black dial Model No. 1053 that dates to ca 1957. When I think of mid-century watch designs this is a classic – its slim, elegant case as in style today as it was over half a century ago.

Quadrple-signed, this watch measures 38mm lug tip to lug tip and 33m in width (34.5mm with signed gold Longines crown). This works out to be 1-1/2 inches long by just over 1-1/4 inches wide, not counting the original crown. It is also a slim design, 8.5mm including the gently domed crystal. It is powered by its original and higher grade 17 jewel, 23Z manual wind Longines mechanism that has been fully serviced by my trusted watchmaker David to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time.

The black enamel finished dial is in mint condition, professionally restored to its correct status and looking very sharp. It features applied gold hour markers, gold metal Baton-style hands and a slightly recessed sub-seconds dial with ‘sweep’ gold seconds hand. Signed LONGINES below the 12 marker with gold trademark winged hourglass. It is further signed SWISS at the base of the dial.

The acrylic crystal is new old stock and in excellent condition with no flaws. The case is a two-piece design that is10 Karat Yellow Gold Filled and it is in excellent shape. The matching yellow gold winding crown is signed with the Longines trademark and is in excellent order, winding and setting smoothly.

Turning the watch over I find that the 10k gold filled back lid is in excellent overall condition – a few pin pricks but absolutely no wear or personal engravings. It is stamped “10k Gold Filled” at the very edge. Inside I find a clean and fully serviced manual wind mechanism, signed Longines Watch Co., Seventeen 17 Jewels – Swiss, [Grade] 23Z with serial number #10,414,652. This number corresponds with a ca 1957 production date. The inside case is stamped LONGINES WITTNAUER WATCH CO. INC. – NEW YORK, GENEVA, MONTREAL – S&W – 10K GOLD FILLED. The model number is 1053.

This fine watch has been cleaned, oiled and regulated to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time. Comes fitted with a new 18mm black hand crafted lizard grain strap by deBeer Paris with matching gold finished buckle. All in all a great looking, ready to wear mid-century Swiss timepiece from one of the world’s better watch firms – I think you’ll be very pleased.

In its glory years from the 1920s through the 1940s, the Gruen Watch Company of USA & Switzerland was one of the leaders in wristwatch design and quality, even collaborating with Rolex (i.e., the Aegler movement duo-dial doctor’s watch) from its factories in Switzerland. Prior to WWII, Gruen was better known in the USA than Rolex, which at that time was concentrating on the British and Commonwealth countries (hence lots of early Rolexes coming out of Australia and the UK). Hans Wilsdorf and Gruen were friends and neighbors in Switzerland (their factories were just yards away), and even agreed to market their watches as Rolex Gruen in Europe, but the Great Depression (and more urgent matters) prevented this.

Make no mistake about this one folks, this is a truly excellent and original ladies “Cocktail” model from the Gruen firm, dating to ca 1940 and crafted of 14kt Solid Rose Gold. Note the fancy lugs as well – complete with Eight Genuine Rubies while in contrasting white gold settings there are 2 genuine diamonds!

Triple-signed for Gruen (dial, case and mechanism), it measures 27mm end to end and 14mm in width (15.5mm with original ROSE gold crown). In inches this works out to be 1-1/8” long by 5/8” wide, including the original crown and it is attached to a vintage cord bracelet strap that is currently sized to fit a wrist up to 7-1/2 inches (I can make this any size for the winner, no charge). My trusted watchmaker David has fully serviced its original Precision series “Veri-Thin” mechanism and it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time.

The ivory colored, matte enamel finished dial is in excellent condition, even nicer than my photos show. It features a 60 minute outer chapter, raised gold Breguet-style numerals and original blue steel hands. Signed GRUEN below the 12 and PRECISION above the 6. It is further signed SWITZERLAND at the base of the dial.

The curved acrylic crystal is in excellent condition and without flaw. The 14 Karat Solid Rose Gold case is a beauty, complete with fancy solid white gold capped lugs set with genuine diamonds. Note the lugs themselves, each with four genuine baguette rubies making for a total of eight. Condition of this case and jewel settings is excellent. The original rose gold winding crown is in excellent order as well, operating smoothly.

Turning the watch over I note that the back lid is signed K&O – 14K and is free of any personal engravings or wear. Peeking inside I discover a clean higher grade mechanism signed Gruen Watch Co., Precision - Seventeen 17 Jewels – Switzerland GXC, Veri-Thin, Patented.

The inside of the case lid is signed as follows: Cased and Timed in USA by Gruen Watch Co., 14K Gold – K&O with case number below. The initials “K&O” stand for Katz & Ogush, providers of many solid gold cases to Gruen from the late 1930s to the early 1950s. Shortly after this watch was made Benjamin Katz would become the president of the Gruen Watch Co. (succeeding Fred Gruen) and his old partner Ogush continued on as the “William B. Ogush Watch Case Co.” (these cases are stamped WBO).

This watch has been cleaned, oiled and regulated to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time. It comes fitted on a vintage black cord bracelet strap with rose gold cord rings and a light yellow gold finished clasp as I don’t have rose clasps. As noted earlier, the current overall length is 7- 1/2 inches but I can adjust this smaller (or larger) for the winner at no charge. This stunning watch epitomizes what a late Art Deco cocktail watch is all about and Gruen didn’t make many – only my second similar watch in the last dozen years.

If you are in the market for a nice, high quality Swiss made timepiece with a classic look this may be a very nice option. It is a men’s 18kt Yellow Gold electroplated “PORTFOLIO” model from Tiffany & Company, arguably the most respected name in jewelry. The company was founded in 1837 by Charles Lewis Tiffany in New York City (at 259 Broadway) and still a leading brand today.

This watch dates to the early 2000s and is in excellent, unused condition – complete with its original, unworn genuine lizard band (marked Tiffany & Co.), felt storage pouch and signed outer box, as shown. The only thing stopping me to say it’s mint is that there is a little scratch mark from opening the case to put a fresh Swiss Renata battery in but I can safely say this is a New Old Stock condition watch.

Triple-signed, its curved case measures 38mm lug tip to lug tip and 30mm in width (32mm with original crown). This works out to be 1-1/2 inches long by 1-1/4 inches wide, including the crown, a mid-size watch that while a men’s model is also suited for a woman who prefers a watch that’s a bit larger. It has had a new battery installed into its original Swiss Made 7 jewel ETA precision quartz mechanism, ensuring it sets smoothly and keeps precision accurate time.

The 100% original white, enamel dial is in mint condition. It features black Roman numerals, black lacquered steel hands and is signed PORTFOLIO TIFFANY & CO. below the 12. It is further signed SWISS MADE at the base of the dial.

The mineral glass crystal is in mint condition. The two-piece, Tiffany-signed case is comprised of an 18kt yellow gold electroplated bezel (over base metal) and a stainless steel back lid. Both are in perfect shape. The original yellow gold setting crown is spotless as well, winding and setting smoothly.

Turning the watch over I find that the stainless back lid is in excellent shape (just a small nick where opened for battery change), and signed Portfolio by Tiffany & Co. – Stainless Steel Back- Base Metal Bezel Gold Electroplated 10M – Swiss Made – Water Resistant. Inside is its original 7 jewel, Swiss precision ETA 955 – 412 caliber quartz mechanism, complete with new battery installed this past week.

This fine watch sets smoothly while keeping very accurate time. Comes fitted with its original and unworn 18mm black genuine lizard Tiffany & Co. strap with gold tone buckle. This watch will ship in its original felt Tiffany & Co. pouch and matching outer box, as shown. All in all an elegantly designed, high quality watch from one of the world’s finest jewelers – thanks for dropping by!

In its glory years from the 1920s through the 1940s, the Gruen Watch Company of USA & Switzerland was one of the leaders in wristwatch design and quality, even collaborating with Rolex (i.e., the Aegler movement duo-dial doctor’s watch) from its factories in Switzerland. Prior to WWII, Gruen was better known in the USA than Rolex, which at that time was concentrating on the British and Commonwealth countries (hence lots of early Rolexes coming out of Australia and the UK). Hans Wilsdorf and Gruen were friends and neighbors in Switzerland (their factories were just yards away), and even agreed to market their watches as Rolex Gruen in Europe, but the Great Depression and more urgent matters prevented this.

I am pleased to offer for sale the following ladies vintage timepiece, a ca 1928 “Cartouche Model 267” Gruen in a finely engraved 14kt Solid White Gold case. Note the inlaid black enameling on the bezel and a grosgrain ribbon band with original white gold filigree clasp - it’s the details that count.

This timepiece was sold by Motch of New York City, an optician and jeweler (est. 1857) located at 513 – 615 Madison Avenue. I know this as it came in its original case and it still has its original “Cartouche Model” Gruen Factory Guarantee, full of interesting information about Gruen timepieces.

This triple signed watch features a curvilinear case that measures 30mm end to end and 19mm in width (21.5mm with original winding crown). In inches this works out to be 1-3/16” long by ¾” wide (crown not included) and with its grosgrain cloth strap it will fit a wrist from 5-1/2 inches to 8 inches around thanks to its “sliding” (adjustable) Gruen signed filigree engraved clasp. Powering this watch is its original 15 jewel, 4 adjustment Gruen Swiss manual wind mechanism, fully serviced by my talented watchmaker David to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time.

The silver, enamel finished dial is in MINT condition, professionally restored to its correct original status and detail. This is a fancier than usual Gruen dial and I think the black enameled design work above and below the numbers nicely complements the bezel’s inlaid enameling.

It features black enameled numerals, a 60 minute inner track border and original blue steel Spade-style hands. Signed GRUEN below the 12 and embossed Switzerland at the base of the dial, beneath the bezel.

The solid glass crystal is in mint condition, a new old stock example. The case is 14 Karat Solid White Gold and in excellent PLUS shape, a uniquely curved design with inlaid black enameling on all sides of the bezel. The 100% original winding crown (just as shown on this model in the Gruen Guild Masterbook) is a matching white gold and in excellent condition, winding and setting smoothly.

Turning the watch over I see that the back lid is in excellent PLUS condition with a finely engraved Florentine border and absolutely no marks or engravings. Taking a peek inside I find a clean and higher end manual wind mechanism, signed FIFTEEN 15 JEWELS, FOUR 4 ADJ. – GRUEN GUILD, SWITZERLAND with caliber number 153 next to the balance wheel. The inside of the case lid is stamped GRUEN – 14K CINCINNATI, OS71 with case number below.

This original Art Deco beauty has been disassembled, cleaned, oiled and regulated to ensure it winds and sets very smoothly while keeping accurate time. It is fitted on a new black cloth ribbon band with its original Gruen-signed white gold color filigree clasp attached. This will fit a wrist 5-1/2 inches to just over 8 inches in size – basically ANY SIZE ladies wrist thanks to its sliding two part clasp. This watch will ship with its original blue hinged display box (some normal age as shown) and original Gruen Cartouche Guarantee Sheet that has lots of interesting, fun information on both sides! All in all a superior example of a Roaring 20s Gruen that wants to be shown off on some lucky Flapper’s wrist. My dog Cautious Carl approves of this one too, a triple bark seal of approval!

I have long been impressed with the high quality and fine design of watches offered by the Epos Watch Company, a smaller “boutique” watch making firm located in Bienne, Switzerland. I have owned an EPOS divers submariner model for many years and it is still like new as well being timeless in its design.

The following pre-owned timepiece (honestly worn about five times total) was part of its “Collection Originale”, originally retailing for $2,350 and imported into the United States by (the late) Roger Bartley of GNT Incorporated who I had dealing with at the time. This 25 jewel, Swiss automatic wind watch has the size and weight of a Franck Muller timepiece and its dial is every bit as beautiful – an “Exploding Number” example that has an Art Nouveau look to it (in this case, much like offerings by Dubey and Schaldenbrand).

Its solid stainless steel case measures 3.4 ounces with strap and measures 52mm lug tip to lug tip and 36mm in width (39.5mm with original crown). This is just over 2 inches long by just over 1-3/8 inches wide, not including the crown. The thickness of the watch is 14mm (9/16”). Powering this watch is its EPOS twenty five jewel, rotor automatic mechanism that takes off running with a turn of the wrist and keeps accurate time.

The black enamel dial is in mint condition – complete with “exploding” numerals, a 60 minute stylized outer track in white enamel with RED Art Nouveau numbers, original silver steel Leaf-style hands and a ‘sweep’ red center seconds hand. Signed epos below the 12 and Automatic below the quick-change DATE window. It is further signed Swiss Made at the base of the dial.

The original and genuine sapphire crystal is in excellent, as new condition. The case is a polished stainless steel example in a classic “Tonneau” form – it too is in excellent, as new condition. The steel winding crown operates the quick-change date as well. Both functions work as they should.

Turning the wach over I see that the display back is held in place with four screws and features a sapphire crystal in the center to reveal the mechanism. This back lid is stamped 3332 – All Stainless Steel – Swiss Made – Sapphire Crystal 3ATM The mechanism itself features a Geneva finish on the rotor and is stamped EPOS as shown. This is a 2824-2 ETA base caliber, calibrated and fine tuned by EPOS at its Bienne workshop and it keeps very accurate time.

This watch comes complete with its original 20mm black leather Epos-signed strap with Epos-signed stainless steel buckle. It will comfortably fit a wrist 6-3/4 to8-1/4 inches in size. It also comes with its original wood display case, outer box and Epos warranty booklet for a complete package. They don’t make this model anymore and I doubt that they made more than a couple hundred of this model – meaning if you like the look I suggest you place a bid – it’s a beautiful piece.

In its glory years from the 1920s through the 1940s, the Gruen Watch Company of USA & Switzerland was one of the leaders in wristwatch design and quality, even collaborating with Rolex (i.e., the Aegler movement duo-dial doctor’s watch) from its factories in Switzerland. Prior to WWII, Gruen was better known in the USA than Rolex, which at that time was concentrating on the British and Commonwealth countries (hence lots of early Rolexes coming out of Australia and the UK). Hans Wilsdorf and Gruen were friends and neighbors in Switzerland (their factories were just yards away), and even agreed to market their watches as Rolex Gruen in Europe, but the Great Depression (and more urgent matters) prevented this.

I am pleased to offer for sale the following Curvex model from Gruen, a ca 1951 “DUKE” model in a curved 10kt Yellow Gold Filled case. This is a 370 caliber model, meaning it was part of the last series of Curvex models made, and this one is in excellent ORIGINAL condition, right down to its “peaked” glass crystal. That’s right, the dial has not been touched since it left the factory, the winding crown is the original Gruen- signed example and that fancy lug case has never been engraved or even polished. In fact, the only thing new is the watch strap.

This quadruple-signed timepiece measures 37mm lug tip to lug tip and 23mm in width (24.5mm with Gruen-signed crown). In inches this works out to be 1-1/2” by 1” including the crown. Its original 370 caliber Curvex mechanism has been fully serviced prior to auction and it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time.

The 100% original silver enamel finished dial is in excellent condition – guaranteed to be untouched since it left the factory 60 years ago. It features raised gold Breguet-style numerals, a 60 minute outer track border, original gold metal Leaf style hands and a separate seconds dial with 60 second outer chapter and ‘sweep’ original gold seconds hand. Signed GRUEN CURVEX below the 12 and PRECISION above the seconds dial. It is further signed SWITZERLAND at the base of the dial.

The original fancy “peaked” solid glass crystal is in excellent with absolutely no flaws. The 10 Karat Yellow Gold filled case is nicely curved in profile, and complete with sculpted, stepped lugs – easier to explain by looking at them I think! This case is in excellent PLUS condition with absolutely no wear – hard to photograph without reflections and shadows. The original Gruen-signed crown is a matching gold finish and in excellent shape, operating smoothly.

Turning the watch over I see that the back lid is in excellent PLUS shape and free of any wear or engravings and retaining its original brushed, satin finish just as it left the factory with. It is stamped Gruen 10k Gold Filled at one edge. Inside I find a truly curved, rectangular movement signed Gruen Watch Co. Precision – Curvex Pat., Switzerland - [Caliber] 370, GXC. The inside of the case is signed Cased and Timed in USA by Gruen Watch Co., – 10k Gold Filled – L&K, 370-643 with case number below. Note that the #370 caliber is stamped on the inner lid along with the dial model (#643) as well.

This “Duke” model Curvex has been cleaned, oiled & regulated so it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time. It comes fitted with a new 16mm black alligator calf leather strap - ready to be worn and enjoyed. Folks, I can’t emphasize enough how much I like this watch and just how original and untouched it is – if you think the photographs look nice you should see and wear this one in person, it’s a knockout.