1940s Wrist Watches

Unisex Wyler Incaflex anti-magnetic gold fill case, gold fill bezel, leather band with two piece clasp. Manual w/ sub-seconds . Certified pre-owned. Circa 1940. Fine Pre-owned Wyler Watch. Certified preowned Vintage Wyler watch...

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: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 10Kt Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm X Diameter 15mm MOVEMENT / CALIB...

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...

This Fine Retro circa 1940’s timepiece by Juvenia features: Round 17mm gold-filled CASE Swiss Manual (hand-winding) MOVEMENT – Signed & numbered Under a square shaped glass ...

Timor WWW – Dirty Dozen British Military Watch – WW2 Era – Relumed  – 36mm Overview: A fine and authentic example of the highly collectible Timor WWW, one of the iconic "Dirty Dozen" watches commissioned by the British Ministry of Defence during World War II. Timor was one of the twelve Swiss brands selected to produce reliable, rugged timepieces for the British military, and this piece offers great originality and military history in one. This particular example of the Timor DD has had a refinished MOD dial and hands likely that has gone back to the Ministry of Defence to be relumed and redialed so that it can be used again by the military hence its clean look. Key Features: ✅ Brand: Timor ✅ Model: WWW ("Wrist. Watch. Waterproof") ✅ Collection: Dirty Dozen (British MoD WW2) ✅ Era: Circa 1940s ✅ Case Size: 36mm ✅ Case Material: Stainless Steel with fixed lugs ✅ Dial: Matte black, signed “Timor” ✅ Hands & Markers: Relumed ✅ Movement: Timor Caliber 6060 – Manual wind ✅ Crown: Unsigned, original-style crown ✅ Strap: Generic green military-style textile strap with steel buckle ✅ Caseback Markings: WWW – K 10612 / 40512, military-issued ✅ Military Arrow: Present on dial and case back ✅ Condition: Good ✅ Warranty: 12-Month Mechanical Warranty Included Historical Significance: The “Dirty Dozen” refers to a series of twelve watch manufacturers commissioned by the British MoD during WWII to produce rugged, reliable timepieces for soldiers. The Timor WWW is one of the better-documented and widely recognized names from the series. Built to strict military specifications, these watches feature matte black dials, luminous markers, Arabic numerals, and fixed lugs. Condition Report: ✔ Dial & hands are relumed with beautiful age-related patina ✔ Stainless steel case shows wear consistent with age and use ✔ Military engravings on case back are clearly visible ✔ Running well and comes with a 12-month mechanical warranty ✔ Supplied on a green textile strap in keeping with its military aesthetic Unlike many others this is a near perfect example of a vintage military watch...

Vintage Patek Philippe in 18k yellow gold with silver dial with gold stick hour markers. Manual wind w/ subseconds on brown leather strap & gold filled tang buckle. 38 length (lug to lug) by 31 mm width case size. Ref 2553. Circa 1940s. Fine Pre-owned Patek Philippe Watch. Certified preowned Vintage Patek Philippe Classic 2553 watch is made out of yellow gold on a Brown Leather strap with a Gold Fill tang buckle. This Patek Philippe watch has a 31 x 22 mm case with a Rectangle caseback and Silver Stick dial. Circa: 1940s . It is Certified Authentic and comes backed by our 12-month warranty. Each watch is inspected by our certified in-house Swiss-trained watchmakers before shipment including final servicing, cleaning, and polishing. If you have inquiries about this Patek Philippe Classic watch...

Brand: Record Watch Ref And Number: WWW L33573 Features : Shatter-proof Plexi Crystal - Dial: Black Country of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Mechanical Hand Wind Case Mater...

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Bubble Back Ref. 2940 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being offered for sale. S...

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: Baume & Mercier Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum / Diamond CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 58mm X Width 10mm MOV...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Bulova Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tortue Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Width 27mm...

Exquisitely detailed & crafted from finest quality materials, this Art-Deco cocktail wristwatch dates back to year 1947-48, yet it's in immaculate condition & in excellent working o...

Timepieces by Omega have been long admired for their functionality, desirability & power This particular example is a mid-sized Omega ref 2394 military watch, dating from circa 19...

An exquisite heirloom circa late 1940's ladies dress bracelet wrist watch by Lucien Piccard. This outstanding piece was designed by Paul Dilishein and has a unique fourteen karat 14K yellow gold fancy link...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Tudor STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Raleigh / Reference 4220 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1941 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm X Diameter 29mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels / Caliber Font 30 DIAL / HANDS: Silvered with Luminous Numerals / Blued Steel Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 16mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is a rare little watch by Rolex. It is part of the Tudor series but it signed Rolex Geneve...

NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers via other online sites with a 5.0 star rating. 1945 ROLEX Vintage Oyster Perpetual Bubble Bubbleback Ref. 3065, Gold & Stainless Steel - Hooded Model Very Rare Hooded Ref. 3065 - Beautiful All Original Condition - 1 Year Warranty Today's offering features a very rare model 3065 so-called "rigid hooded" Bubbleback made circa 1945. Produced in very limited numbers, these "rigid hooded" watches are one of the most desirable Bubbleback models and contrast the plainer Oyster watches. Housed in one of Rolex's first water-tight Oyster cases, this wristwatch originally offered its owner complete protection against water and dust. Inside the ruggedly elegant case Rolex place an early self-winding Perpetual movement, keeping the watch powered by movements of the wrist. Equipped with nineteen jewels, a self-compensating Breguet mainspring, and the company's patented Super-Balance system for greater accuracy, this fine watch the timekeeping standards of discriminating owners. Besides being the much rarer hooded version of a Bubbleback, what further separates this watch from other Bubblebacks its it beautiful all-original condition. It has all of its original parts down to all hands and its Rolex + Oyster winding crown. Its gold and steel case shows only light signs of previous polishing. All of the back and underside of the watch still retain their original factory applied finish - satin for the back and a blasted finish between the lugs. Only the top and sides show any signs of ever having been lightly polished. The case is in really fantastic condition. Its dial is to die for - it is original and untouched, in mint condition with only the tiniest bit of aging and toning. One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker, has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components with genuine Rolex parts including installing a new mainspring and ratchet wheel, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $995 value). It is running extremely strong and true, keeping time better than many new Rolex watches in our testing recording position. Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate. This is a special opportunity to own a very rare all-original rigid hooded Bubbleback in fabulous condition. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. As mentioned, one used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership. Detailed Appraisal: Manufacturer: Rolex Country of origin: Switzerland Serial no.: 303,203 Year built: c. 1945 Model: Ref. 3065, Rigid Hooded Bubbleback Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds, Automatic Designed for: Men Case material: Gold and stainless steel Case condition: Fantastic condition. Shows only light signs of previous polishing. Back has only very light wear and a light crease. All of the back and underside of the watch still retain their original factory applied finsh - satin for the back and a blasted finish between the lugs. Only the top and sides show any signs of ever having been lightly polished. The case is in really fantastic condition. Dimensions: 32mm wide (excluding crown) Dial: Silver, gold painted Arabic and baton markers, signed Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer, original and untouched, in mint condition with only the tiniest bit of aging and toning. Hands: Original, 18K gold "feuilles" with original blue steel "lollipop" seconds Movement type: Signed Rolex, 9 3/4"' rhodiumed, 17 jewels, lever escapement, Super balance balance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring Bands: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn with aftermarket Rolex...

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...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Gubelin Switzerland STYLE / REFERENCE: Round Screw Back Case Style Chronograph METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 44mm X Diameter 38mm CIRCA: 1940's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / Cal. Valjoux 72...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Charles Nicolet STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Chronograph METAL / MATERIAL: Rose Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 47mm X Diameter 40mm MOVEM...

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: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Shockmaster / Tonneau Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36 X Width 22 ...

Fine & Rare Art-Deco circa 1940's "Veri-Thin" Gents' Wristwatch by Gruen Watch Company features: - Rarely seen Unusual & Well Proportioned Case, of slimmer profile designed a...

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...

Pre-owned 18K gold Patek Philippe 425J "Tegolino" manual watch, circa 1940. Complete with original Patek Philippe box. All case and movement parts original Patek Philippe. Movement in working condition. Features a sub-second dial, calibre 9"90, tonneau-shaped case, elongated lugs, and the prestigious Geneva Seal. Applied hour indexes and tonneau-shaped cases are typical of the industrial designs of the 1940s. Elegant, and sleek lines inspired by American automobile design of the time. ✔ Manufacturer: Patek Philippe ✔ Circa 1943 ✔ Case Number: 793 ✔ Ref Number: 425J ✔ Model: "Tegolino" ✔ Material: 18K yellow gold ✔Calibre: Manual, cal. 9-90, 18 jewels ✔ Bracelet/Strap: Alligator ✔ Clasp/Buckle: 14K gold (signed) ✔ Dimensions: 20mm Width, 40mm Length ✔ Signed: Dial and movement Leather strap and 14k gold buckle not original Patek Philippe parts...

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer BubbleBack 14K Yellow Gold Dial Ref. #3131 Description / Condition: All watches have...

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: Jaeger-LeCoultre STYLE / REFERENCE: Triple Date / Calendar METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 33mm X Diameter 42mm MOVE...

FACTORY / HOUSE: I.W.C. / Schaffhausen STYLE / REFERENCE: Round METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm x Diameter 35mm MOVEMENT / CA...

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: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 40mm X Diameter 32mm CIRCA: 1940's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 18 Jewels / Caliber N.A. DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered / Roman Numerals / Steel Leaf Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 17mm / Medium Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is the classic Rolex Bubble Back...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Tissot Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIO...

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

FACTORY / HOUSE: Mido Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Multifort / British Patents METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 33...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Illinois Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Tonneau Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSION...

This extremely rare Cage Bird Pendant Brooch, dating back to the 1940s-1950s, is a true masterpiece of craftsmanship and elegance. Expertly crafted in 18kt yellow gold and platinum, it is adorned with four single-cut diamonds (approx. 0.05 carats, G-H color) and a vibrant baguette-cut ruby (approx. 0.10 carats). The intricate design conceals a Bucherer manual-winding watch, a brilliant blend of artistry and functionality. This lapel watch is not only a testament to exceptional ingenuity but also a highly exclusive creation, being one from a limited edition of 10 ever made. This brooch embodies the perfect harmony of luxurious materials, precision watchmaking, and timeless design, making it a coveted piece for collectors and connoisseurs of fine jewelry. Whether admired as a historical treasure or cherished as a wearable work of art, its rarity and sophistication elevate it to an unparalleled level of exclusivity. A true collector’s dream, this piece offers a glimpse into the golden era of vintage jewelry and horology. Period: 1940's Style: Art Deco Creator: BUCHERER Metal: 18Kt Yellow Gold Stone: Natural Diamonds Measurements: 2.85 x 0.95 inches. Brooch is stamped: "C#, 750". Watch is stamped in the dial: "BUCHERER 17 JEWELS...

This Rolex Stainless Steel Bubbleback, circa 1944, is a remarkable vintage piece, complete with its original untouched dial, maintaining its genuine and authentic appearance. The watch is paired with a classic leather strap, adding to its timeless appeal. The crown is the original, and while we believe it has been polished in the past, it retains its original curves and sharp edges, enhancing its vintage charm. This is an extremely rare opportunity to own a Rolex from the 1940s in such excellent condition. The watch has been serviced and is currently keeping excellent time, making it both a functional and historically significant collector's piece. **Bank Wire Only at this Price** Fine Pre-owned Rolex Watch. Certified preowned Rolex Bubble Back 2940 watch is made out of Stainless steel on a Black Crocodile strap with a Stainless Steel tang buckle. This Rolex watch has a 31 x 31 mm case with a Silver Stick dial. It is Certified Authentic and comes backed by 24-month warranty. Each watch is inspected by certified in-house master-trained watchmakers before shipment including final servicing, cleaning, and polishing. If you have inquiries about this Rolex Bubble Back watch...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Minerva Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Chronograph METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 45 Length...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Kelbert Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 30mm X Width 14mm MOVEME...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Cushion Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum / 1.25 Cts. CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 51mm X Wid...

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: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back / Reference 5015 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1949 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 32mm X Diameter 39mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 18 Jewels / Caliber 630 DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Arabic Numerals / Original Blued Steel Leaf Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Period Ladder / Bamboo Braecelet, 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, including the dial and crown. This unique watch has the very desirable Thunderbird Machined Bezel and lastly, it has a rare and original Ladder Bracelet...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Longines Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Integrated Bracelet METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Yellow Gold DIMENSIONS: Length 36mm X Width 20mm CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / Cal. 9L DIAL / HANDS: Original Applied Markers / Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: 20mm Wide Gold Bracelet 7 5/8 Length, 19cm WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This great looking Longines wrist 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: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Prince Drs. Watch / Reference 1490 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X ...

Ladies watch. Bracelet and rectangular case in 18 carats yellow gold. Background of the case of gold color. Overall length: 18,3 cm, Width at the widest: 1,8 cm, Thickness at the wid...

This Vacheron & Constantin 18K gold mechanical watch is centering a rectangular silver-tone dial with applied gold-tone Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds dial, minute indicator cha...

Lady Elgin 14k White Gold Handwinding Wristwatch w/ Cord Band Movement #650 Movement Serial #F-616923 Case #4246-6659 14k White Gold Square Case 14 mm Wide (16 mm w/ Crown) 17 mm L...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Longines Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 23mm x Width 41m...

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...

Step back in time with the IWC stainless steel Men's wristwatch from the late 1940s. White pristine dial with gilt hands and markers and new leather band and buckle. The case is 45m...

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: Rogers Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's / 50's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 30mm Length X 23mm ...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Thomas Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tonneau Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled / Original Bracelet CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Width 22mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / Tonneau Movement DIAL / HANDS: Original with Breguet Style Arabic Numerals ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: 14mm Yellow Gold Filled Bracelet...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tortue Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Width 26mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels / Caliber: 554 DIAL / HANDS: Custom Finished Orange with Arabic Numerals / Gilt Leaf Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather 16mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This unique watch by the legendary American house of Elgin was produced in their factory in Elgin Illinois. The watch is done in the classic Tortue or turtle shape and was inspired by a design from Cartier. The original tortue, or turtle watch...

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...

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: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Dress Style METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 43mm Length X Width 18mm ...