Early 20th Century Watches

What an incredible offering. How about an English Waltham Trench Watch with a rare "Blue Roman Numeral" dial from the famous Bates and Bacon watch case manufacturing company. Examine...

An art deco curvex wristwatch in platinum with gemstones. This is an absolutely gorgeous wristwatch, created in Austria during the art deco period, back in the late 1920's. The case...

A stunning Ladies true vintage 14k white gold croton diamond watch. The vintage patina look is something that is desired by majority of vintage je...

A fine and rare Art Deco vintage wristwatch by Rolex made in 1927. This rare shaped ladies diamond Rolex was made in the height of the Art Deco pe...

This striking Cartier watch clip epitomizes the Art Deco style. Sophisticated and chic, this fashionable timepiece features a dial and clip of onyx, while s...

Circa 1920s Cartier Pocket Watch, 45 M.M. Platinum 3 Piece case with Diamond set case perimeter, approximately 2 Carats. Jeweled Nickel lever mech...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Tonneau METAL / MATERIAL: White Gold-filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1925 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 28mm X Diameter 35mm MOVEMEN...

Rolex. A Rose Gold Plated Keyless Lever Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1920s. Dial: The excellent white enamel dial with Arabic numerals outer minute track and subsidiary seconds dial at...

Omega Pocket Watch Movement & Dial in original case ~~~ Case back is performed in brass, signed "OMEGA Bienne Geneve" Case measures 47mm Case back opens to reveal original Omeg...

Introducing a work of art and a testament to exquisite craftsmanship, this Platinum Art Deco Watch. Adorned with exquisite natural diamonds, this timepiece stands as a statement of s...

Guilloché (in English usually "Guilloche") is an engraving technique in in which a very precise, intricate pattern is mechanically etched into an underlying material with very fine d...

Enjoy viewing the beautiful acid etched 15 jewel movement through the added display skeleton backside as this classic 1901 American Waltham Pocket Watch Model...

My shop was recently selected to supply vintage American watches for a premier movie starring some major actors and a world famous director. They were looking for authentic watches t...

This masterfully crafted pocket watch dates back to the Edwardian era and is truly stunning. A bow of 18 carat yellow gold with green enamel detailing holds the pocket watch in place...

An Art Deco diamond, and white gold watch, comprising thirty-five round cut diamonds, set in 18 karat white gold, with an 18 karat white gold watch case, and black calf leather strap...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Omega Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Trench Watch / Campaign Style METAL / MATERIAL: Sterling Silver CIRCA / YEAR: 1915 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 36mm Length X 39mm Diame...

Introducing a stunning 1923 14kt yellow gold Waltham pocket watch, boasting a 44mm case adorned with exquisite engravings and a striking black and white enamel leaf design. Meticulou...

I really think I am a kid at heart. I get so excited to bring another rarity to istDibs. Part of the reason might be that it can take up to a year to complete a project. When it fina...

A gorgeous vintage 14ct gold ladies wristwatch. It has a yellow gold case with a champagne tone dial with gold Arabic numerals and hands and a raised crystal. Made by the renowned ...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Audemars Piguet STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Stley METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 36mm Length X 24mm Width MO...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Omega Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oversized Pocket Wrist Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Nickel CIRCA / YEAR: 1915 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 54mm X Diameter 47mm MOVEM...

An Art Deco platinum, white gold, and diamond watch, comprising ninety round cut diamonds, set in platinum, with a platinum watch case, and an 18 karat white gold strap and safety ch...

Stunning ornate art deco ladies diamond and platinum watch with sapphire accent in the shape of leaves on the case and channel set on the band. The sides of the case have ornate scr...

Introducing the VanBuren 1920's Ladies Cocktail Watch, a stunning piece of Art Deco elegance. This vintage treasure features a gold-plated case and steel bracelet, adorned with intri...

Elgin 1921 railroad pocket watch with a 59mm case made of silverode and is 20mm thick. Heavy watch with a clean plastic crystal. The case has a minor blemish and a light hand carving...

Circa Late 1920's Patek Philippe Pocket Watch, 45 M.M 18k Yellow Gold 3 piece case with Black and Green Enamel, 18 Jewel Nickle Lever, mechanical, manual wind movement, Silver satin ...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Vacheron & Constantin STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1900's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 51mm MOVEMENT / C...

A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.75 carat diamond and 18k yellow gold, platinum set watch; part of our diverse diamond watch collections. This stunning antique watch has be...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Omega Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Tonneau Shape METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Rose Gold DIMENSIONS: Length 53mm X Width 33mm CIRCA: 1920's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual...

Beautiful Antique Art Deco J. E. Caldwell Old Euro Diamond and Pearl Evening Watch. This gorgeous J.E. Caldwell watch is crafted in platinum. This gorge...

Vintage 1905 gold plated Elgin pocket watch that's 49mm in diameter and 14mm thick. The case is in good condition with a clean plastic crystal. The movement is working, 15 jewels, an...

Introducing an exquisite piece of horological history, the IWC Pocket Watch from the year 1915. This timeless timepiece boasts a 52mm 800 silver case, reflecting the craftsmanship an...

What an incredible offering. How about an English Waltham Trench Watch with a rare shadow box military dial from the famous Dennison watch case manufact...

Vintage silver wrist watch in art deco style in geometric designe with 6 large old mine cut diamonds 3.7mm each stone diameter flanked with smaller ...

Boasting an impressive and dazzling diamond studded design, expertly crafted in precious platinum, this exquisite Art Deco ladies watch is the perfect timeless accessory for any spec...

Art Deco, circa 1920s platinum dress watch by Patek Philippe, featuring platinum case, adorned with rose and single cut diamonds, approx. 0.50ctw,...

Superb~ In splendid condition, this bracelet watch features calibre cut onyx, earth-mine emeralds, and sparkling diamond housed in an engraved platinum setting. Please review the d...

Vintage Watch Corner I’d know for bringing pristine Art Deco time pieces. Well, this offering is a very hard to find piece. John Harwood had a s...

My shop was recently selected to supply vintage American watches for a premier movie starring some major actors and a world-famous director. They were looking for authentic watches that would represent the time period from 1915-1926. I was selected because of my attention to detail and originality. It is a true story of events that took place during the 1920’s. What an honor for Vintage Watch Corner. I will share one Actor name, Robert Di Niro. This offering would of been perfect for the movie, it was not available at the time of the movies filming. As of three weeks ago I was picked up for another movie that was originally made in 1936, they are doing a remake. I am supplying the watches for that movie. Everyone once and awhile I get a treasure. This offering is originates from 1918, yes, that is correct 1918. There are several distinct characteristics that make this a real treasure to collect, keep reading if you are curious. The watches size is the special attribute. It is very hard to find 6 size wrist watches from the WW1 / Trench watch era. A genuine Bold Military dial that has been professionally refinished to its original status; this is the highlight of this listing. Luminous material has been applied. Don’t wait! Very hard to find an original WW1 Dial! This offering is super hard to find. You could wait years before another one comes up for sale. Take close notes, save the pictures, it will be a long time before you see another one. NOTE: To have a 6 size with a genuine WW1 / Trench watch dial is extraordinary. They are very difficult to find. This is the first one in about 10 years! For collectors who are reading this listing, they know how hard it is to find one in pristine condition. Let alone one with a higher caliber movement, 15 Jewels. The case measures approximately 40MM, unheard of during this era! Very Very Rare! I have gently hand polished this case with Simichrome, it is a polish that does wonders for silver, nickel, oresilver, silveroid etc. This watch was serviced November 2023. It runs beautifully as of this listing., It has a new crystal installed as well, I finished the watch with a 18MM black “Buffalo” leather open ended Trench Watch band with a stainless-steel buckle to match the case Please keep in mind the watches that are 100+ years young do not keep time like modern watches. The do not have modern seals to acts a s a dust or moisture barrier. Look at the pictures to compare against another watch. One has to know a bit of background to understand Trench / Wire Lug watches History about Trench Watches What is a “Trench Watch”? They were created using 3/0 and 0 size and very rarely 6 size pocket watch movements and installing into watch cases that were meant to worn on the wrist. The watch movement companies would send their movements to independent jewelers, who in turn would select the cases (as described below) to house the movement. So, the ordering process might go like this. A customer walks into a jeweler, with the help of the jeweler, the customer selects a 15 jeweled movement, then they go on to the case selection. The jeweler may recommend a higher end case manufactures like Depollier, Philadelphia, Fays etc and then it is the style of case as many manufactures had several different styles. Once a complete selection was made, the jeweler put it together and delivered the watch. That is how many Trench Watches (wrist watches) were born in the early 1900’s. The movements often came from women pocket watches because the wristwatch as we know was just being discovered. It is not uncommon to see various movements used in different cases, with various years. Remember the wristwatch was just being developed. They often have some of the following characteristics: Fixed or Wire Lug, some rare style have Swing Lugs: No traditional spring bar attachment as found in today’s watches. Case Material: Solid Gold / Sterling Silver {925} / Nickel / Silverode or Gold Filled were used. {This case lid snaps snug on the case. This is important to note as many cases were badly damaged by their owners over the past 100 years. This watch case has been taken care of throughout its 100 years, it is in remarkable shape} *For more practical purposes, a special alloy was developed which went by several different names, such as, “Silveroid, Silverore, Silverode or Silverine. “Silveroid” appears to have become the standard name for this metal that consisted of 45% nickel, 54% copper and 1% manganese. This metal was fairly hard wearing and could withstand the rigors of everyday use, for instance on the Railroads. Case Manufactures: There were many case manufacturers that made cases for Trench Watches. Some of the more well know were: Dennison (English Manufacturer) Illinois (not affiliated with the Illinois Watch Company) J Depollier and Sons, Wadsworth, Fahys, Philadelphia, Fortune and many more WW1 was 1914 to 1918, that is the time frame of many Trench Watches. Grade: 295 Manufacturer: Elgin Manufacturer Location: Elgin, Illinois Movement Serial Number: 20427929 Grade: 295 Model: 2 Class: 115 Estimated Production Year: 1918 Run Quantity: 2,000 Total Production: 210,000 Size: 6 size Jewels: 15 Jewel Movement Configuration: Hunting Movement Finish: Nickel Movement Setting: Pendant Plate: 3/4 Plate Barrel: Going Train: Quick Regulator: Plain Hairspring: Breguet Escapement Type: Straight-line Adjusted: No Railroad Grade: No U.S. Patents: 77078 Data Research: 1904 Elgin...

Thank you for stopping by. There are watch cases that are increasingly hard to source for my “Trench Watch” projects. They are the cases that are often referred as Trench Watch cases...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Illinois Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: New Yorker METAL / MATERIAL: White Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1928 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 27mm X Width 34mm MOVEMENT / CA...

Delve into a legacy of craftsmanship with the Patek Philippe Gondolo Tiffany watch from 1911. This distinguished timepiece captivates with its large tank-style case, exquisitely forg...

P. Moser 875 silver pocket watch that has a 51mm case, 13.5mm thick, with a clean plastic crystal. The manual movement is working with serial number 176469. Overall, this pocket watc...

Antique 15kt gold open-face pocket watch. Made in England, London, Circa 1900-1910 Fully hallmarked 15KT Gold with London Import Hallmarks. The timekeeping accuracy of the watches h...

Circa 1900 Beautiful Antique Elgin Pocket Watch has Ornate Cobalt Blue Hands and dedicated seconds dial 14k Solid Gold Case with Beautiful Engraving on both sides Black Arabic Numer...

Hamilton Gold Filled Pocket Watch, 21 jewels, Size 16 Hamilton gold filled pocket watch with hunting case. Grade 971, Size 16, 3/4 plate , 21 jewels, 5 ...

Introducing the exquisite Tavannes Antique Watch from 1910 – a true embodiment of timeless elegance. Encased in sterling silver with a distinctive egg-shaped design, this vintage mas...

18K GOLD pocket watch, with white enamel dial in fantastic condition Signed OMEGA, with gold numbering and seconds hand at 6 o'clock Sabonette type case with 3 lids all in 18K GOLD...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Vacheron & Constantin STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Diamond Bracelet Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum Head / 18Kt. Bracelet CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: L...

John & Will Mitchell London & Glasgow Pocket Watch Movement Porcelain Dial 42mm x 8mm movement # 6325 in working order

FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tonneau Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Width 2...

Illinois pocket watch, 21 jewels, Bunn Special, open face, gold-filled case. Lever time set. Model 14, size 16, 3/4 plate movement, Six position temperature adjustments. The serial n...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Dueber Hampden Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Diadem METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1919 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Width 29m...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Roskopf Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Campaign / Trench Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1900's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Diameter...

Circa 1920s Tiffany & Company retailed Platinum and Diamond Ladies Wrist Watch, 18 x 18 M.M. Cushion shape case with Hand Engraving work and single cut Diamonds set into the bezel. F...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Pulse Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1925 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34mm X Width 13mm MOVEMENT ...

Circa 1920s Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Company Ladies Wrist Watch, 26 X 9 M.M. 2 Piece Platinum Case set with European cut Diamonds totaling 1 Carat, the case sides and back are fu...

Authenticity Guarantee, Audemars Piguet Carnegie classic ladies watch in 18K yellow gold, 16cm diamond bezel. Reference number: 14941. This watch has a folding butterfly clasp. Quart...