1950s Pocket Watches

Caravelle pocket watch with cocktail hour mystery dial, 17 jewels, movement #11-UAC, Bulova division and Swiss-made 1950. In good working order,...

SLIDING DOORS – THE MOVADO ERMETO WATCH Very often, decorative objects or so-called luxury items can be accused of having a surplus of form over function. To be clear, there is nothing wrong with this and in many ways we applaud it! Collecting and enjoying beautiful objects that exist merely for the sake of existing is central to the Bulang and Sons rason d’etre. The watches we will be discussing today are, however, the epitome of when form and function collide perfectly to create a useful and yet aesthetically very pleasing object. The Modvado Ermeto watch first saw light in 1926 and had an impressive run of 59 years until it ceased production in 1985. Tactile and handsome in equal measure, the Ermeto watch was designed to be used in the same way as a pocket watch and afforded the watch full protection, much like a full-hunter pocket watch. Overlooked by collectors for many years, we have fallen in love with these quirky pieces and want to share our love of one of Movado’s most enduring timepieces with you all today. Off the radar is the Movado Ermeto watch, a name that is derived from the Greek for “hermetically sealed”. Holding the watch in your hand you can easily see why the name is perfect, as the watch is case between two sliding outer sleeves, almost like a shell. The two ‘shells’ can be slid apart to reveal the watch within and then closed to cover and protect the concealed timepiece. Whilst now technically hermetically sealed like a Rolex Oyster case, the watch was well protected from dust, water spills and shocks when closed. The concept was not unlike the Jaeger-LeCoutre Reverso or Cartier Tank Basculante in so far as the face of the watch was protected. The Ermeto, however, took the idea a step further to offer all-round protection. The Ermeto was originally available in four different sizes depending on your preference. The largest was the Pullman at 100mm wide and 70mm high. Then came the Master at a more modest 54 by 37mm size and the Normal that was 48 by 34mm – both very similar in size. The final size was marketed at ladies and was referred to as the Baby, was 43 by 26mm and was intended to be worn on a chain around the neck or placed in a purse. Whilst the closing case was perfect for keeping your watch safe and sound, the sliding doors had a fully functioning purpose. The wound the watch! Opening and closing the watch six times was enough to fully wind the watch for a 24-hour period. It was after one year of production, that in 1927 Movado’s founder’s brother invented the mechanism to wind the watch using the case. The system was simple in execution but genius in design. Each case side was fitted with a rack that engaged a pinion to wind the stem of the crown. The simple sliding of the case therefore roatted the winding crown, thus negating the need for the user to do so. The movements that Movado used...

This amazing and very well made hidden pocket watch features a solid 18k yellow gold 1904 Liberty coin case crafted in France by Mauboussin in collaboration with Trabert & Hoeffer. T...

A travel purse square clock designed by Boucheron. Beautiful and finely detailed travel purse clock, created in Paris France by the house of Boucheron, b...

Here we have a gorgeous, vintage, dual locket pocket watch. It features a 17 jewel, Swiss-made, mechanical movement by Utinam that keeps accurate time. The movement is uniquely mounted in the rotating cylindrical top section of the locket. The locket features a hook that catches the crown and aligns the watch dial to the center when it is opened. The front and back sides of the the locket display an etched splash pattern with 8 raised bezel set rubies that are approximately 1.3mm in diameter. The locket and watch remain in excellent condition and the watch keeps accurate time. The locket retains both interior gold frames making it 100% usable as a dual locket. One side of the inside of the locket is engraved with "To Daddy - With Love - Ange". The non-detachable chain remains in good overall condition with 2 visible repair spots. Enjoy! Watchmaker: UTI (Utinam) Movement: Utinam - Caliber 39Pi-42 - Mechanical - 17 Jewels - Adjusted to 3 Positions - Swiss Made Movement Setting: Stem Winding and Setting Movement Serial No.: None Case Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Case Type: Open Face Case Serial No.: 27029 Gross Weight: 47.67 Grams (Including Movement) Case Dimensions: 39.90 x 27.25 x 13.95 mm Chain: Kreisler - Solid 14k Yellow Gold - Snake Link - 2.4mm Thick - 17 Inches Long Engraving(s): "To Daddy - With Love - Ange" Condition: A vintage Swiss-made pocket watch locket...

Beautiful open-face watch. 18K yellow gold with rich tomato red guilloche enamel Black roman numerals. Lovely gold tracery on the face. The reverse side has a delicate gold baske...

Vintage 1950s 34mm Buler mens watch in very good condition and working. The case is 9mm thick and marked on the back model #1197, antimagnetic, and Swiss-made. The movement is 17 jew...

Our very rare and attractive Rolex Prince Imperial pocket watch features a 9k yellow gold case of c.45mm x 40mm. Of note is the original dial, wi...

18kt yellow gold De Ville Tresor Cartier 1950s Watch. Model: 2685 Case: 35.5mm Diameter, 10mm thick, plexiglass crystal (very slight wear, not noticeable to naked-eye), white face. Inside the case: 11429813 2685 Movement: good working condition (inspected & oiled), Omega 266, 17-jewel, #14553293 Strap...

Circa 1950s Longines Pocket Watch, 44 M.M. 14K Yellow Gold 3 piece case, 17 Jewel mechanical, Manual wind movement. Silver satin dial with raise...

FACTORY / HOUSE: LeCoultre Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Moderne Syle METAL / MATERIAL: Gilt Bronze and Lacquer Finish CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 7 1/2" X 7 1/4" X 1...

Circa 1950 Patek Philippe Reference 600 Pocket Watch, 43 M.M. 18K Yellow Gold 3 piece case, 18 Jewel mechanical, manual wind movement, Original Silver Satin Dial with Applied Gold m...