American Wrist Watches

FACTORY / HOUSE: Longines Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round / Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 9Kt. English Market CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 35mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / Caliber 23 Z DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered / Gilt Leaf Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather, 17mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is a classic model by Longines and was considered an oversized watch at the time. Large and elegant the watch looks new. It is a great unisex size as well and it can be worn for all type of occasions and counted on as well to get you there on time, every time. It is wonderful to wear a watch that is over 80 years old and is still dependable. The company was founded in 1832 by Auguste Agassiz, a Swiss watchmaker. He was also the brother of renowned biologist Louis Agassiz. Agassiz started the company with two partners, lawyers Henri Raiguel and Florian Morel. The company's original name was Raiguel Jeune & Cie. In 1846, Raigeul and Morel retired from the watch industry, leaving Agassiz as sole company head. Several years later, Agassiz brought in his bright, enterprising nephew, trained economist Ernest Francillon, into the business. Francillon was the mastermind behind several impressive innovations that would distinguish the company from its competitors. In 1880, Francillon trademarked the Longines name and its winged hourglass logo. The winged hourglass is a symbol of precision and timekeeping, and it has become one of the most recognizable logos in the watch industry. In 1912, Longines became the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games. The company has held this position ever since, and it has been involved in every Olympic Games since then. Longines has also been the official timekeeper of many other major sporting events, including the World Championships in Athletics, the Formula One World Championship, and the America's Cup. In 1931, Longines invented the Lindbergh Hour Angle watch. This watch was designed specifically for Charles Lindbergh, the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. The watch featured a special bezel that allowed Lindbergh to calculate his longitude. In my own personal collection, I have the Longines Caliber 13 ZN Chronograph that Commander Richard Byrd took to Antarctica in 1928. It was purchased at the time from Abercrombie and Fitch in New York along with all the other equipment used on the expedition, it still runs well and keeps good, even after 100 years. In the 1980’s I was privileged to view their “collection” in their vaults. It was not open to the public, but a contact arranged it. There were examples of all the finest pocket and wristwatches they had ever produced. This included all the pieces that had received navigational and chronometer ratings. They were not even arranged for presentation; they were merely in drawers. I was shown the collection by their renowned “springer.” I have forgotten his name, but he was responsible for adjusting the watches to win the chronometer ratings. He was probably 80 years old at the time. Interestingly but not surprisingly he could only speak to me about adjusting the hairspring but not about the watch in general. This is something that is not uncommon in the watch world. A craftsman will only know about the part of the watch that they are responsible for. When I produced my own watch in Geneva many years ago, I realized that the dial maker and case maker and other associated craftsmen knew almost nothing about what each other did. This seemed odd to me, but it is that way. Lastly, our family jewelry store in Los Angeles was an official Longines retailer so I can speak from personal experience that Longines is an exceptional watch company regarding their service and dependability. They are also famous for the “Ultra Chron...

1918 Elgin "Offset Foch Rare White Star" Trench Watch. The Elgin “Star Series…….. Let me clear up the confusion. Not all Elgin black star dial watches are called a "Pershing", th...

Art deco platinum Vertex rose diamond encrusted vintage ladies wrist watch, signed and stamped with clasp closure, Wrist length up to 7 in...

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...

· Quality Swiss-Quartz movement guarantees precision timing · Mother-of-Pearl dial micro-paved with diamonds and gemstones enhances any dress style · Scratch-...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Benrus Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Curvex Style METAL / MATERIAL: Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Width 28mm MOVEME...

With it's case intentionally left in original condition, proudly showing signs of use from its journey thru time from the Pre-War 11 Era, this vintage American made steel 31mm Canter...

VIntage 14 Karat Gold Men's "Nugget" Bracelet and Diamond "Louvrex" Watch Diamonds: 50 round full cut 2.75cts. Quality: Color G and Clarity VS Metal: 14k yellow gold Watch: Louvrex...

Bvlgari Estate Sapphire Crystal Quartz Watch Stainless Steel 38 mm B12 This elegant Authentic Bvlgari Watch is made of stainless steel. Newly polished  TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 P...

The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712GR-001 is a men's watch that was released in 2014 and features a moon phase indicator. The watch has a 40 mm 18k white gold case with an 18k rose gold...

Elevate your style with this exquisite pre-owned Tiffany & Co. Mark Resonator mechanical watch. Handpicked for its quality and contemporary design, this piece is perfect for the fash...

Concord Estate La Scala Chronograph Watch Stainless Steel 38 mm C1 Newly Polished  This elegant Authentic Concord Watch is made of stainless steel. TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 PLEAS...

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...

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...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 33mm Length X 14mm Diameter MOVEMENT / C...

The Illinois watch company has long been considered the greatest American Watch Company that had an early demise to management and the great depression. The made some of the best mov...

Circa 1960 Hamilton Pacer Wrist Watch 45 M.M X 32 M.M. 10k Gold Filled two piece case. Hamilton 500 Electric Movement, Original Black Dial with Raised and Painted markers. New Blac...

This brand new Gomelsky Shirley G0120023481 is a beautiful Ladie's timepiece that is powered by quartz (battery) movement which is cased in a stainle...

Introducing the timeless elegance of the Hamilton 1950s 14kt Gold 33mm Round Case with Extended Lugs Watch. This vintage masterpiece exudes sophistication with its classic round case...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Longines Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34mm X Width 10mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Ma...

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: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Premier METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 21mm ...

This is an exquisite 1950's Hamilton Platinum and Diamond cocktail watch. The watch is a piece of superb mid century watch design and is decora...

Introducing the Hamilton 1950's 14kt Gold Diamond Bracelet Watch, a stunning blend of luxury and elegance. This exquisite timepiece features a marquise-shaped case and matching brace...

A vintage find and in its original condition, enjoy this circa 1940's Pan American Wrist Watch with Veri Thin movement developed and manufactured by Gruen Watch Co. An American base...

This is an elegant Hamilton Platinum and diamond Cocktail watch from the 1950's. The case and lugs are decorated with 2.30CT-TW F-VVS/VS of round and baguette cut diamonds. The case...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco /Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Width 21mm MOVEMENT...

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...

The Hamilton 6645 Steel US Army Wrist Watch was first introduced to military personnel during the Vietnam era. The identical watch continued in production until February 1982. This ...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Cushion Shape METAL / MATERIAL: White Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1931 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 25mm X Width 27mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels / Caliber 115 DIAL / HANDS: Enamel Print Dial with Arabic Numeral Markers / Blued Steel Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Original Period Leather, Strap and Buckle, 16mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement This is a "vault find" watch, it has been locked up for nearly 50 years, which means it needs a service. We will give it a factory quality service by our finest watchmaker as part of the purchase price before it is shipped out to you. This will delay shipping for a few days of course. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This great looking and dependable watch by the renowned house of Gruen is in nearly new condition. It is done as a classic cushion shape because it looks like a pillow cushion. The watch is all original, dial and hands with beautiful blued steel hands. The dial is done in Sterling Silver with Kiln Fired Enamel Printing and was produced by the legendary house of Stern Freres. Stern was the major dial maker in Switzerland at the time and supplied dials to the finest Swiss houses. In fact in the early 1930's Stern purchased the world's most famous watch company, Patek Philippe from the bankruptcy court. The Stern family still owns Patek Philippe today. If you cannot afford a Patek, you can own a watch with a dial by the owners of the company. And, you can wear this watch all the time for all sorts of occasions. The watch is fitted with what appears to be an original period strap and buckle. The strap is too fragile to be worn however but we offer the watch with a new Lizard Strap and the original buckle as well. Founded in 1894 by Dietrich Gruen. The company had their American base in Cincinnati, Ohio, and it produced a wide variety of watches, including pocket watches...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Introducing the Vintage Hamilton 1969 Liberty Coin 14kt Gold Watch, a timeless treasure capturing the essence of mid-century elegance. Encased in a luxurious 14kt gold 33mm round cas...

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...

The Illinois watch company has long been considered the greatest American Watch Company that had an early demise to management and the great depression. The made some of the best mov...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Curvex METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Width 22mm MOVEME...

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...

This tasteful and quintessential timepiece is truly an icon of the 1950's. The genre served not only as elegant cocktail jewelry but, with the touch of a diamond set release, told th...

The Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 in 18 ct white gold with a bright blue dial, fluted bezel, and a President bracelet. The Rolex fluted bezel is a mark of distinction. Originally, the...

Circa 1960 Hamilton Electric Ventura Wrist Watch, 14k Yellow Gold 2 piece case, Hamilton 505 Electronic movement, Black dial with raised gold dot markers and a sweep seconds hand. Ne...

Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Ceramic King Gold 45 mm watch. Model 521.CO.1181.RX. satin-finished black ceramic case. Satin-finished king gold and black PVD titanium lower bezel ...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Width 23mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: ...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Len...

· Quality Swiss-Quartz movement guarantees precision timing · Mother-of-Pearl dial micro-paved with diamonds and gemstones enhances any dress style · Scratch-resista...

This is a rare 1950's Hamilton 14k rose gold hooded lug tank watch with diamond dial. This tank is large for the period at 21mm in diameter and 40mm lug to lug. This watch is powere...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1930 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm X Width 23mm MOVEM...

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15053, Case Size/Material: 34mm Stainless Steel/Gold, Aftermarket Natural Diamond Bezel, Aftermarket Mother of Pearls Diamond Hour Markers (Dial), with Au...

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: 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...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Benrus Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 14k Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm X Diameter 29mm MOVEMENT / CAL...

18kt white gold case with a white alligator leather strap. Fixed 18kt white gold 44 diamond-set bezel. White dial with white leaf-style shape hands and index hour markers. Minute mar...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Bulova Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm X Width 22mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 21 Jewels / Caliber 8AE DIAL / HANDS: Custom Finished Tiffany Blue on Original Dial / Gilt Dauphine Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather, 16mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic watch was produced in the 1940's by the iconic house...

Rolex Datejust Steel Yellow Gold Black Dial with Custom Aftermarket Diamond Bezel Mens Watch 16233. Officially certified chronometer self-winding movement. Stainless steel case 36 mm...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Octagon METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt White Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1928 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm X Diameter 30mm...

This Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona in 18k yellow gold with a Meteorite dial and an Oysterflex bracelet, features a black Cerachrom bezel with a tachymetric scale. The 18 ct gol...

Introducing the Nekta Watch: Limited Edition, a true masterpiece of design and engineering. This watch is a limited production of only 25 pieces ever made, each with a unique serial ...