1940s Wrist Watches

A beautiful retro Covered Dial watch bracelet featuring a panel of sapphires that opens to reveal a dial. Circa 1940s.

FACTORY / HOUSE: Optima Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 4016 METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / ...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back / Reference 2940 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel / 14Kt. Solid Pink Gold Bezel ...

Introducing the Longines 1940's Sei Tacche Military Style Watch – a vintage 33mm stainless steel timepiece with a round case. The beige dial, featuring f...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: White Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Width 24mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewel / Caliber 750 B DIAL / HANDS: Original with Arabic Numerals / ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather, 17mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT Through the American civil war and two World Wars, and beyond, Waltham's legacy and spirit lives on in this wonderful vintage watch. It is truly a representation of the idea of American Exceptionalism. The wonderfully crafted design is timeless. Even after 100 years or more, this watch can dependably be worn, used and counted on to get you there on time, every time. It is versatile enough to be worn for all types of occasions and various clothes. Wear it with a suit or even for more casual occasions but, certainly, feel confident that you are wearing a piece of history. The Waltham Watch Company was an American watch manufacturing house founded in 1850 in Roxbury, Massachusetts. It was the first American company to mass-produce watches using interchangeable parts. The company's watches were known for their quality and affordability, and they quickly became popular with consumers. Waltham played a major role in the development of the American watch industry as well as establishing the concept of “mass produced” products. By the way, Henry Ford was a watchmaker, and he was inspired to build cars the same way Waltham Watches were produced, for the masses with interchangeable parts. Waltham’s success helped to make the United States a major player in the global watch market as well as promote the idea of “industrialization.” Before the Waltham Watch Company, watches were generally produced by hand, in “cottage” industries. They were owned by the wealthier class or the “working class” that needed to know the time. The company's affordable watches made them accessible to a wider range of people and helped to change the way people thought about time. Prior to this, people used their local Church bells to direct them in their daily lives. The Company continued to grow and prosper throughout the 19th century. During the American Civil War, they supplied watches to the military, and of course they grew because of this association. In 1885, they moved their headquarters to Waltham, Massachusetts, and changed their name to the American Waltham Watch Company. Waltham was a major exhibitor at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The company's exhibit at the exposition was housed in a large pavilion that was designed to resemble a factory. The pavilion was filled with watches of all shapes and sizes, as well as machinery used in the manufacturing process. The exhibit was a major success, and it helped to raise the profile of Waltham watches around the world. Amongst the visitors at the exhibition was a contingent from Switzerland. When they realized what Waltham was doing, they quickly understood that their methods were outdated and soon enough they would be a country unable to compete. They also went to the Waltham factory for a visit after the exhibition. It is said that they purchased a few of Waltham’s higher grade movements. The director of the factory said he would have them “adjusted” before they left, but they said it was not necessary. When they arrived back in Switzerland, they checked them and were shocked at the level of quality and accuracy. This prompted them to buy some of the equipment that Waltham was using so they could start building better watches that were less expensive and more accurate. Some of that machinery ended up in the small town of Schaffhausen and became The International Watch Company. They are still in business today making exceptional watches. The military, for any nation, is a powerful source of revenue for industrial contracts. So, any industry would prosper during war and Waltham continued to be a supplier to the military for over 100 years. Through WW 1...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Movado Watch Company for Tiffany & Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 44169 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Rose Gold / Gold Filled Bracelet CIRCA / YEAR: 1940...

This Vertex Military MOD WWW Dirty Dozen is one of the so called 12 ‘Dirty Dozen’ watches created for the British military of Defence around 1944/45. Although this Vertex is not the ...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Bucherer Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Dress Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum & 18Kt. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 31mm X Width 10mm ...

A Magnificent Ladies Spencer Retro Natural Diamond and 14k White Gold Mechanical Watch, Circa 1940. Set with 122 natural single cut natural diamonds approximately 3.66 carats, F-G ...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Knapp & Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 32mm Length X 26mm Width MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Silvered with Art Deco Arabic...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Jules Jurgensen STYLE / REFERENCE: Round / Mid Century METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Diameter 29mm MOVEMENT...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Aerotel Watch Company / by Breitling STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Chronograph METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm ...

Circa 1940s Mathey Tissot Wrist Watch, 38 M.M. X 20 M.M. Rectangular 14K Rose Gold 2 piece case, 17 Jewel Mechanical Manual wind nickle lever...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Fortis Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Square METAL / MATERIAL: 18k Pink Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm X Width 28mm MOVEMENT / CA...

An impressive vintage Art Deco 0.95 carat diamond and black onyx, platinum cocktail watch by 'Hamilton'; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This impressive vintage Art Deco diamond watch has been crafted in platinum. The watch has a rectangular dial with plain black Arabic hour numerals displayed within rectangular designs, the outer one marked as the chapter ring. The Art Deco watch is fitted with shaped, blued steel hands, and the face clearly displays the text 'Hamilton'. The crown/winder of this manual wind watch is plain and unembellished. The watch bezel and lugs are embellished with thirty-six pavé set eight-cut diamonds, and ornamented with two shaped black onyx panels. This fine vintage diamond cocktail watch is fitted with a platinum gold bootlace style strap which secures to the reverse with a plain flip clasp. The watch is fitted with a Swiss 17 jewels...

17 Jewels Alki Mechanical Movement 50-8, Swiss Made, with 1/20 12k Gold Filled Henry Pommier Coil Bracelet, Case measures about 15 x 18.5mm. Watch Running, Age wear and surface scrat...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Benrus Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Tortue Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Width 28mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Original Patinated with Dauphine Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather 17mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This wonderful watch is a perfect example of the Tortue Shape. This watch is inspired by Louis Cartier based on some giant tortoises...

Case #625705 Movement #L.48 Gorgeous Toned 18k Rose Gold Case 34 mm in Diameter (36 mm w/ Crown) Lug-to-Lug Distance = 42 mm Thickness = 12 mm Unique Le Phare Chronograph Dial w/ Ros...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Merit Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm Length X 22mm D...

This is a magnificent all original Mathey Tissot stainless steel chronograph from 1948. The case of the watch measures 35mm in diameter and is unpolished. Perhaps the most important...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Henry Birks & Sons STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Dress Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum Diamond and Sapphire CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 32 Length X 15 Width MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: / Silvered with Arabic Numerals / Blued Steel Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather 12mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This great looking Art Deco Watch was produced in Switzerland for the legendary house of Henry Birks and Sons...

Movement Model #15TL Movement Serial #9262 Case #4610 Stainless Steel Case w/ 2 Push Down Crowns and One Twist Crown 34 mm in Diameter (36 mm w/ Crown) Lug-to-Lug Distance = 43 mm Lu...

Universal Geneve Men's Stainless Steel Hand-Winding Watch w/ Leather Band #263 Movement #263 Case #941883 Year of Manufacture: 1940s (WWII) Stainless Steel Round Case 31 mm in Diame...

FACTORY / HOUSE: A. Shield / Rogers Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm X Width 22mm MO...

Vintage Chase in 14k rose gold with white dial set with applied Arabic hour markers on a leather band with a gold fill tang buckle. Manual w/sub-seconds. Circa1940s. Fine Pre-owned Chase Watch. Certified preowned Vintage Chase Vintage...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Chronograph Suisse STYLE / REFERENCE: Two Register Chronograph METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm X Diameter 32m...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shaped METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm X Width 25mm MOVEMENT / CALIB...

An, exceptional vintage 0.25 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow, rose and white gold ladies wristwatch; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This exceptional, stunning, fine and impressive Bucherer gold watch has been crafted in 18k white, rose, and yellow gold. This ladies wristwatch is fitted with a Bucherer unadjusted 17 jewel movement, the rectangular 'antique white' face fitted with applied gold hour markers within a rectangular track style chapter ring denoting minutes. The manual wind watch is fitted with yellow gold watch hands and a plain crown/winder and clearly displays the maker's name 'BUCHERER' in addition to '17 JEWELS' and 'SWISS MADE'. The watch face is flanked to the upper and lower borders with a row of 18k white gold pavé set eight-cut diamonds. The substantial bracelet of this stunning vintage wristwatch is composed of eight pierced decorated, shaped and lobed links, crafted in a combination 18k yellow and rose gold. The bracelet secures with a discreet hinged clasp to the reverse. The caseback is clearly struck with the Swiss hallmarks for 18k gold (Helvetia's head) and the 18k gold fineness mark (18K750). The clasp is also hallmarked with the 18k gold fineness mark (CB750). This vintage diamond watch...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Westfield / Bulova STYLE / REFERENCE: "Curvex" Style / Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm x Width 20mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / Caliber 6PW DIAL / HANDS: Two Tone Silver & White with Arabic Numerals / Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Black Lizard 14mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is a classic example of the design style called the Curvex. This piece done by Westfield is actually a Bulova...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Round Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Diameter 29...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Universal Geneve Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Pink Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 27mm X Width 15mm MOVEMEN...

An 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet/mystery watch with diamonds. Circa 1940s. Circular-cut diamonds, gold and platinum, manual movement, openi...

Case #900 Movement #F21 Platinum Case w/ Diamond Bezel and Lugs 14 mm in Diameter (16 mm w/ Crown) Lug-to-Lug Distance = 22 mm Lug-to-Lug Width = 4 mm Thickness = 7 mm Off-White Dial...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Milos Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length ...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolexl Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 4554 METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm X Width 17mm ...

Vintage Laco in 14k yellow gold square shaped case with lobbed lugs and a black dial set with applied Arabic numerals & triangle hour markers on leather strap with a gold fill tang buckle. Manual w/ center sweep seconds hand. Circa 1948. Fine Pre-owned Laco Watch. Certified preowned Vintage Laco Vintage watch...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Seth Thomas STYLE / REFERENCE: Reference N901 METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm X Width 25mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / Caliber 001 DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Arabic Numerals / Gilt Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather, 16mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT Seth Thomas was a legendary American Clock Company...

Benrus 14k White Gold Square Women's Watch Diamond Accents FY33 Model #FY33 Movement #1525.1526 Case #6079.F89903 14k White Gold Square Case with Diamond Accents 27 mm Wide (30 mm ...

Art Deco diamond and synthetic ruby odeonesque concealed bracelet and cocktail watch in 19.2kt yellow gold and platinum, signed Titus, Portugal, 1940s. This exquisite piece boasts a ...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Two Tone METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel / 14Kt. Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1945 or 46 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 33mm...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back / Reference 3372 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1946 / 47 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 32mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 17 Jewels / Caliber "N.A." DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Gold Baton Markers / Dauphine Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 17mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic Rolex "Bubble Back" is fitted with the legendary Caliber N.A. Movement, their first Perpetual Winding caliber. The watch is entirely original and has the very desirable Thunderbird Machined Bezel. We have just serviced this rare watch and it comes with our 18 month warranty and our lifetime service commitment. If you are looking for a watch as a gift for someone born in 46 or 47 this might be just the watch for them. It is also supplied with an original "ladder" or "bamboo" bracelet. These bracelets were available as an option for all the Rolex...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Tissot Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Multifort / Round Style METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm X Diameter 30mm...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Movado Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Triple Register Chronograph METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Yellow Gold DIMENSIONS: Length 42mm X Diameter 35mm CIRC...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rima Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tonneau Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Rose Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34mm x Width 22mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Original Patinated with Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 18mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This charming little watch by the private label house of Rima was produced in Switzerland in the 1940's. The watch is all original and keeps excellent time. It has a beautiful patinated dial, as rich looking as it gets. You can count on this watch to get you there on time all the time. The design of this watch is based on a style created by Louis Cartier In the early teens when he saw giant tortoises supporting enormous columns in a Greek Temple. He immediately realized that in would be an elegant shape for a watch. Hence, the Tortue Watch...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Croton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Aquamatic / Screw Back Case METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm X Width 26m...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Round Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm X Diameter 2...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Gothic Jarproof Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Wi...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tonneau Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Width 27mm...

Universal Geneve Retro Diamond Sapphire Gold Wristwatch. Circa 1940. Swiss made. Wrist length: approx. 18.50 centimeters. Case dimensions: 1.50 ...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Tudor Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Nickel DIMENSIONS: Length 31 mm X Width 29 mm CIRCA: 1940's MO...

Vintage Ebel Diamond and Platinum Bracelet With A Hidden Manual Wind Watch. Set in platinum, with over 11 carats in mixed cut natural diamonds. This vint...

Movado Triple Calendar ’40 Movement and functions: hand-winding cal. 470 day, date, month red sweep seconds Case: stainless steel 36 mm Di...

FACTORY / HOUSE: International Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Tonneau Shape / Art Deco MOVEMENT / CALIBER: 17 Jewels / Cal. 87 DIAL / HANDS: Arabic and Baton Numbers, Gilt Style Ha...

🕰️ Vintage Omega Manual Wind Watch – 1940s Cal. 30T2 36mm Would you believe this Omega is over 80 years old? This stunning 1940s Omega manual wind watch is a rare gem that pairs t...

Complete your statement collection with this unique 1940's wristwatch that perfectly combines retro elegance with the striking brilliance of diamond's and the lively colour of rubies. This one of a kind watch was carefully crafted, with impeccable care to detail, in solid 18 carat white gold and showcases an unusual intricate design with great appeal. The intriguing timepiece features a delicate 13X6mm off-white dial which is decorated with black Arabic numerals and blued-steel dainty hands. Bordering the rectangular face at the top and bottom there are thick bombé rims encrusted with alternating rows of old cut diamonds and vibrant red round rubies, followed by horn shaped sections, also decorated with old cut diamonds and round rubies, which perfectly connect the bracelet to the case. The piece is further fitted with a flexible high-polish white gold snake chain bracelet...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back / Reference 2940 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and 14k Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1942 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 32mm X Diameter 39mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 17 Jewels / Caliber 630 DIAL / HANDS: Original Dial with Luminous Numerals / Blued Steel Luminous Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Original Ladder or Bamboo Bracelet 17mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic Rolex Bubble Back...

A stunning, fine and impressive vintage Art Deco 1.56 carat ruby and 1.02 carat diamond ladies cocktail watch crafted in 9k white gold; part of our vintage watch collection. This stunning ladies vintage cocktail watch...