Early 20th Century Wrist Watches

We are delighted to be able to offer this rare Frederique Constant accompanied by its inner box and papers dated 2013 in addition to our 12-month warranty. This Frederique Constant ...

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...

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...

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...

Rolex Vintage rare Cushion shape 18 K gold.1930's This is a lovely and rare cushion shaped watch in Solid 18 K gold Case. Solid 18 K fixed lugs. Dial is signed Rolex black numbers. Attractive and rare blackened steel hands. This watch comes with one of the best Rolex movements Signed Rolex Prima 15 Jewels...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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: 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

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

FACTORY / HOUSE: Zenith Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oversized Pocket Wrist Watch / Art Deco Round METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Rose and White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / ...

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...

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 / Octagon METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt White Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1928 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm X Diameter 30mm...

Watch: West End Watch Company - Secundus Stock Number: CHW5424 Price: £495.00 This West End Watch Company Secundus model watch was sold and issued to the Indian Army mainly serving ...

Cartier's Art Deco Diamond Wristwatch reflects the iconic Art Deco style, characterized by its geometric shapes, streamlined forms, and luxurious materials. Crafted with meticulous a...

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...

Rolex Oyster solid deep pink gold early cushion shaped case This watch is from late 20's early 30's The first Oyster case produced by Rolex and it is the first water proof watch in t...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1926 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Width 27mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 7 Jewels / Caliber 2-ot DIAL / HANDS: Original Patinated with Luminous Arabic Numerals / Original Blued Steel Luminous Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather, 17mm / 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 is a rare watch by the legendary house of Waltham, from Waltham Massachusetts. It is all original including the factory crown. The case is entirely hand made and deeply hand engraved as well. We have only seen a few examples of this model in the last 50 years. It is fitted with what appears to be an original early strap and original period buckle as well. The strap is to fragile to wear every day however, so we have also fitted it with an appropriate hand made lizard strap and the original buckle. Waltham Watch Company 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...

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 ...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round / Campaign Style METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1929 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Diameter 31mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels / Caliber 3/0 DIAL / HANDS: Original Kiln Fired with Luminous Arabic Numerals / Original Blued Steel Luminous Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather, 14mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT Just around the corner from the global stock market crash, this watch came to be. What a great and original Waltham Watch this is. We seldom see watches from this era in such fine condition. Imagine navigating your modern day with a nearly 100 year old device (I wear a watch from 1919 every day and it always gets me there on time). This piece is fitted with a solid gold case by America's finest case maker, Depollier. They made custom cases for all the finest American watch companies, including those renowned Swiss houses imported to America. The watch is also fitted with its original and flawless Kiln Fired Enamel Dial and it still has its original Blued Steel Luminous Hands as well. Lastly, it appears to have its original crown as well. The watch keeps dependable time and can be worn all the time as well. You will likely never see another truly vintage American Watch in finer condition than this one. 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 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: Dueber Hampden Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shaped / Military Style METAL / MATERIAL: Nickel Silver CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 28mm ...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tortue Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Width 28m...

Rolex Prince Brancard Wrist Watch 9 ct Gold We are proud to offer you this very good Rolex vintage Prince Brancard, ref. 971 in 9k yellow and white g...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Omega Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Nickel Silver CIRCA / YEAR: 1928 / 29 DIMENSIONS...

A fabulous platinum, diamond, and ruby Glycine watch from the Art Deco (ca1920s) era! This gorgeous watch has a rectangle-shaped watch face, which is surrounded by a wonderful and feminine design that is encrusted with sparkling diamonds and calibrated rubies. The clock belly has a white face with handprinted black numbers and blued steel hands. Around the face are 42 bead set single cut diamonds separated by milgrain detailing with floral motif etchings adorning the side of the watchcase and crown. Connected to each side of the centerpiece by a hinge is a platinum link containing 4 bead set single cut diamonds flanking bezel set triangle cut diamonds which is surrounded by calibrated channel set diamonds. The band of the watch is made of platinum mesh framed on each side by 48 single cut diamonds, each stone bead set into a milgrained link, making a beautifully flexible design. The watch is secured by a push catch with a bar safety feature, which is also set with an additional 6 single cut diamonds. The overall approximate diamond weight of the watch is approximately 2.50ctw. The underside of the clasp is stamped "5% Iridium Plat". The movement is a 17 jewel Swiss movement made by Glycine Watch Co., which later became renowned for their military and aviator watches...

Elegant Art Deco period Bucherer diamond, platinum, 14K white gold bracelet watch of diminutive form. Early 20th Century Mini watches have graced some fabulous wrists over the years- Queen Elizabeth II wore one for her coronation, Princess Diana was often photographed with a beautiful diamond one and a number of Hollywood celebrities have chosen a mini for their red carpet appearances. These minute jewels were designed as beautiful bracelets so that the wearer could discretely check the time. They required tiny, precise mechanisms and were revolutionary for their time. As with all of the best classics, the mini watch is on trend today- Hermes offers...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid White Gold / Genuine Sapphires CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Len...

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...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Military Campaign Style METAL / MATERIAL: 14kt Solid Gold CIRCA YEAR: 1910 DIMENSIONS: 30mm X 28mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Arabic Luminous Numerals / Blued Steel Luminous Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator 14mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement. This classic American Military Style watch is actually 110 years old and can still be worn all the time and counted on. The watch and case are entirely hand constructed. The movement, beautifully finished has jewels set into bushings and beautifully damascened plates...