Omega Cal. T17 circa 1935 | steel and pink gold rectangular hand wound vintage wristwatch
Vintage Watch Update – 3 September 2021 | 3.9.21

Omega Cal. T17 circa 1935 | steel and pink gold rectangular hand wound vintage wristwatch

Omega Cal.T17 | Steel & Pink Gold c.1935

This newsletter covers each decade from the 1920s to the 1970s and opens with a particularly interesting block-form rectangular Omega from c.1935. The steel case of this watch has a polished finish with satin finished case sides and, unusually, a pink gold polished bezel which frames the two-tone dial. The dial’s two-tone design sees a more matt finish given to the minute and seconds tracks providing them with clear delineation from the main dial body. Omega produced an array of interesting and novel rectangular wristwatch models during the 1930s and 1940s usually, as in this instance, with curved backs to ensure a comfortable fit to the wrist.  A great looking vintage watch with an imposing design, this model incorporates Omega’s excellent calibre T17, one of the watchmaker’s most highly regarded movements. The specially shaped crystal is almost certainly the original and there are scratches to its surface.

Eterna Cal.600 S circa 1945 | steel mid-sized vintage wristwatch

Eterna Cal.600S | Steel c.1945

This is a small mid-sized model, measuring just a shade under 29mm in diameter, but it’s jam packed full of character. The black dial has aged beautifully with even matting to the surface and strong contrasts with the golden Arabic numerals, tracks and hands. With a robust two-part steel case, the upper body has a moulded chamfered bezel and the case back is of screw-down type. There are scuffs and scratches to the case. Hand wound, the watch incorporates Eterna’s calibre 600S  with 15 jewels.

Movado Ermeto hallmarked 1929 | silver gilt purse watch

Movado Ermeto | Silver-Gilt Hallmarked 1929

A wonderful early example of the Movado Ermeto, this watch has a richly gilded sterling silver case. Originally exported from Switzerland to the UK, the watch has Glasgow import hallmarks for 1929. The silvered dial is in outstanding condition with an unusual blued finish to the raised Arabic numerals and minute ring which compliment the vibrant blued steel of the ‘Cathédrale’ hands. A loop to the corner of the case allows the watch to be fixed to a watch chain.

Zenith Cal. 810 circa 1950 | 18ct gold rectangular hand wound vintage wristwatch

Zenith Cal.810 | 18ct Gold c.1950

Slim, sleek and multi-faceted, this Zenith wristwatch has great presence. The 18ct gold case has a rich tone with a subtle and slight pink hue which draws on the applied multi-faceted pink hour indexes.  The silvered dial has a circular satin finish and there is oxidation spotting throughout the surface. To the right side of the case the crown is recessed, not only providing protection from knocks, but also enhancing the sharp lines of the sides.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Cal. 496 circa 1946 | steel rear-wound lady's cocktail watch

Jaeger-LeCoultre Cocktail Watch | Steel c.1947

A stylish and small cocktail watch, this model has a lovely two-tone copper coloured dial with applied pink gold faceted triangular indexes. The case measures just 16.5mm in diameter and the crown is set to the case back thereby providing an uninterrupted circular form to the main upper body of the case. The edge of the crown fractionally overlaps the edge of the case back allowing it to be easily wound with just one finger. Made by one of the finest watchmakers, Jaeger-LeCoultre are renowned for their ability to produce fine mechanical movements of extremely small size.

Movado Ref. 18101 circa 1951 | steel vintage hand wound wristwatch

Movado Ref.18101 | Steel c.1951

A very attractive mid-century wristwatch, this watch was presented in 1951 by the Cotterell Brothers Ltd. to one of their employees for remarkably long service – recognising 50 years service. The silvered dial has raised gilded Arabic and disc hour indexes and a handsome engine-turned subsidiary seconds dial which is calibrated with Arabic and baton indexes – there are a few small scratches to the dial. The steel case has clean detailing with a sharp chamfered bezel and faceted lugs.

Omega Ref. 131.019 circa 1965 | steel hand wound vintage wristwatch

Omega Ref.131.019 | Steel c.1965

Although dating to mid 1960s, with its straight lines and stylised Arabic numerals there’s definitely a feeling of the Bauhaus influence at work here. The silvered dial is in great condition with a rich lustre to the surface and it is the simple yet elegant shape of the case that allows the dial to dominate. There are light scuffs and scratches to the case. Hand wound, the watch is powered by Omega’s 17 jewel, calibre 601.

Zenith Cal. 1120 hallmarked 1973 | 9ct gold lady's hand wound vintage wristwatch

Zenith Cal.1120 | 9ct Gold Hallmarked 1973

A smart gold wristwatch, with a case diameter of 24mm this is larger than many ladies’ dress watches of the period. The satin finished dial has bold black Breguet-style numerals and the hands are blackened to enhance visibility. In lovely overall condition, the watch is powered by a 17 jewel Zenith calibre 1120.

Omega Cal.40.6L T2 | Continental Silver c.1935

This is a classic and traditional pocket watch but with interesting accents formed by the unusual pink metal hands and minute ring interspersed with 24-hour markers. The white enamel dial has black Breguet-style numerals and a clear subsidiary seconds dial. Cased in continental 0.800 silver, the back has engine-turned decoration which remains well defined. The dial is in excellent condition with no cracks or chips and the case has light scuffs and tarnishing.

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