Jaeger-LeCoultre Cal.478 hallmarked 1954 | 9ct gold
Headlining this week’s newsletter is an excellent mid-century Jaeger-LeCoultre in 9ct gold. This model is relatively large for the period of production and, with its slim bezel, the surface area of the dial is maximised thereby further increasing its perceived size. The lugs have a sculpted, flared design and the dial is wonderfully balanced with combination hour indexes and sword-shaped hands. We have fitted this watch with a brown lizard, Christopher Clarke for Black Bough, handmade strap. This watch incorporates Jaeger-LeCoultre’s calibre 478 movement which was first introduced in 1945. Regarded as one of the watchmaker’s most refined movements, the 478 was also produced in a chronometer rated version as used in the famous Geophysic model.
International Watch Co. Cal.95 c.1928 | 14ct gold
Next up is a super quality pocket watch – this IWC has a richly toned gold case with all covers (bezel, case back and inner cuvette) all made from solid 14ct gold. The dial has a strong two-tone finish and both the applied Arabic hour numerals and hands are also made in gold. At the edge of the dial the minute ring is pearled, with each of the minute markers executed with a precision drilled recess which leaves a polished conical finish to each. The subsidiary seconds dial is finely engine-turned and carries its calibrations on an outer chapter ring. There are scratches to the dial between 1 and 2 o’clock and a scuff above the hands, but otherwise the dial is in lovely condition with a great lustre. The concealed inner cuvette carries a decoratively engraved monogram reading ‘OK’, the outer case back cover is plain. Within is IWC’s calibre 95, this is a 17”’ manually wound movement which is beautifully finished with damascened bridges.
Tudor Oyster-Prince Ref.7965 dated 1964
This Tudor wristwatch has a great monochromatic look with a light grey silvered dial that has a vertical, silk-matt finish. The applied numerals have polished surfaces and are a combination of faceted wedge shapes at the quarters and triangles at the intervening hours. Cased in stainless steel, the robust Rolex Oyster case has a smooth chamfered bezel and typical screw-down Rolex crown and case back. There is light oxidation to the dial and some small scuffs and scratches to the polished case.
Omega Chronostop Ref.145.009 c.1967
Omega introduced the Chronostop Ref.145.009 in 1966. The unusual chronograph movement allows the centre seconds hand to be used either as a constant seconds hand or to time events up to one minute in duration. The pusher for the chronograph will start the seconds hand running when pressed for the first time, pressing a second time will automatically zero the seconds hand to the 12 o’clock position. A good clean example of the model, the stainless steel case has been lightly and sympathetically polished and the bezel re-satined.
Omega Genève Ref.166.041 circa 1968
This Ref.166.041 model incorporates the excellent automatic Omega calibre 565 movement with 24 jewels and precision regulation. Calibre 565 includes provision for fast date adjustment via a secondary crown setting. The watch features a satin finished silvered dial with applied indexes, each centred with black inserts. The stainless steel two-piece case has satin finished surfaces and a screw-down case back.
Smiths De Luxe Ref.A.518 hallmarked 1960 | 9ct gold
Formed in the early 20th century, the English firm of S. Smith & Sons initially retailed both Swiss and English watches and clocks. During the Second World War, the company manufactured their own watches for the military but, from the mid 1940s, Smiths began to produce higher grade wristwatches which led to a transformation of their in-house production. In 1953, Smiths performed a marketing coup by supplying Edmund Hillary with a watch for his ascent of Everest. Seizing on the advertising opportunities, Smiths launched a campaign picturing a Smiths De Luxe watch on top of Everest with a quote from Hillary beneath stating: “I carried your watch to the summit. It worked perfectly.” The watch that Hillary wore, bore the same Smiths calibre as found in the present watch, the calibre 12.15. Smiths designed the 12.15 calibre with a traditionally English inspired finish with gilded, frosted plates and the movements quickly gained a reputation for their reliability and quality. This watch retains its original Smiths presentation case.
Scatola del Tempo ‘Pochette’
These luxury ‘pochettes’ are made in Italy from high quality soft black calf leather. To the interior a removable padded leather cushion is designed to hold up to four watches. There are three leather ‘cuff’ protectors which can be moved along the length of the cushion. They’re great for travelling with but also excellent for storing your watches in at home. Scatola del Tempo is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of luxury watch cases and boxes. The company was founded by Sandro Colarieti in 1989 and, over the years, has produced cases and winders for a variety of major watch brands including Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre and A. Lange & Söhne.
Scatola del Tempo ‘Valigetta’
These ‘valigetta’ watch cases are stylish, luxurious and a real pleasure to use. Made in Italy, the boxes and watch holders are entirely covered with soft black calf leather. There are removable leather covered ‘cushions’ within each of the holders around which your watches can sit. We stock these boxes in a 4 watch and 8 watch version.
Shop Straps
Over the summer we’ve had a revamp of the watch strap section on our website. We’ve also added a new strap selector drop down menu (you’ll find this at the top left of the watch strap page) so you can quickly and easily sort by lug gauge. We currently have 34 different strap styles made from a range of materials including leathers, fabric, metal and silicone. Several of the strap designs are available in multiple colour ways. You’ll also find photographs of watches fitted with the straps within the product listings.
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