Let's See Your Watches! The Vintage Watch Thread.

[jamespowers]

No second hand. It occasionally concerns me, because I can't see it ticking, and I have to listen.

-Dave

I am wearing my 1935 Waltham wristwatch today and it doesn't show seconds on the dial either. That was fairly common as it was cheaper to make a watch like that during the depression and it was cheaper for the end purchaser too. Mine is a 17 jewel watch so it wasn't the cheapest thing out there. It also has a monogram case.
Your watch may well be from that same era.

 

[David Conwill]

Alas, in a couple days of wear, I've discovered that this watch gains about 15 minutes in 24 hours. I re-set it at 6am and already it reads 10:02 at 9:56.

-Dave

 

[Shangas]

If you have a noticeboard pin, a magnifying glass and a strong light, you can regulate the time on your watch yourself. I do that with all my watches, since I don't trust my watchmaker to do it properly.

 

[David Conwill]

I'm afraid I don't even know what a "noticeboard pin" is. I'm pretty ham fisted anyway, I think I'd better stay out of horology.

-Dave

 

[MissMittens]

I just have the obligatory A11 watch. Nothing civilian....what would be a good reasonably well made 30's tank watch? Something deco style but still masculine?

 

[Akubra Man]

This is my favorite watch. it was my Dad's. He left to me after he passed on and someday I will pass it on to my son. Circa 1969 Oysterdate.

 

[jamespowers]

I just have the obligatory A11 watch. Nothing civilian....what would be a good reasonably well made 30's tank watch? Something deco style but still masculine?

That depends. If you want a modern huge sized dial then you won't find that in a tank watch from the 30s. They are considerably smaller.

 

[jamespowers]

I'm afraid I don't even know what a "noticeboard pin" is. I'm pretty ham fisted anyway, I think I'd better stay out of horology.

-Dave

Take it back to the place where you bought it and have them adjust it. It should be fairly easy for them. Ten minutes and you should be good to go and use it.

 

[MissMittens]

That depends. If you want a modern huge sized dial then you won't find that in a tank watch from the 30s. They are considerably smaller.

Oh no, I have a current Breitling with the ugly large dial.....I bought it on a whim. It's a great watch, but totally modern, and it looks like it belongs on the arm of a rapper rather than someone like myself. I just don't know much about watch manufacturers in the mid to late 30's.....Omega, Rolex. Breitling come to mind, but I don't want to spend a lot on a vintage watch. Sub $100 hopefully

 

[jamespowers]

Oh no, I have a current Breitling with the ugly large dial.....I bought it on a whim. It's a great watch, but totally modern, and it looks like it belongs on the arm of a rapper rather than someone like myself. I just don't know much about watch manufacturers in the mid to late 30's.....Omega, Rolex. Breitling come to mind, but I don't want to spend a lot on a vintage watch. Sub $100 hopefully

Ah, ok. Now I know where you are coming from.
Hamilton made some nice ones:

Bulova made some that I have collected over the years.

Illinois made some high end watches at the time but you can get the 11 jewel ones for a decent price.

Waltham is an interesting addition as well. You just have to look and see what strikes you as something you want on your wrist.

 

[MissMittens]

Thanks.....I like that first Hamilton....time for me to cruise eBay

 

[Unlucky Berman]

Watch companies of the good old days? :eusa_clap As Jamespowers mentioned, there is Hamilton a good choice (OK, I have to say that as a Hamilton collector ). It was one of the best american watchmakers in exactly that period you look for. A lots of nice models and depending on what you want it can be around $100-200, sometimes even less (a good Boulton may be available for less than $100).

Another interesting company is Elgin, cool designs. And Gruen, with the famous "Curvex". Also recommendable are Benrus and Waltham.

If you want to know more, I can recommend you a nice board with other collectors and lots of usefull informations.

Ps. just to make some advertise for vintage Hamiltons, but I must say that those pieces in this condition are seldom sold for less than $100 but I got them in a price range of $120-180

Vincent:

Carson:

Dodson with the seldom black enemal numerals:

Dodson with applied gold numerals:

Gladstone:

 

[Shangas]

Wristwatches of the 1930s and 40s were considerably smaller than what we have today. I think the trend for fatter, chunkier watches started in the 1970s and 80s. I admit it...I'm not a fan of wristwatches. I haven't worn one in years. I carry a pocket watch on a chain instead. But I do have a fondness for the clean lines and understated beauty of those fine, 1930s Tank watches. Something like what Unlucky Berman has would be beautiful. Several companies made watches like that, including Elgin, Hamilton, Omega and Waltham.

 

[jamespowers]

Thanks.....I like that first Hamilton....time for me to cruise eBay

So did you get anything?

 

[fluteplayer07]

Here's a teaser pic of something that will be arriving to me later this week... It's for my birthday, gold, and Art Deco--That's all I'll say.



Not a full picture (where's the fun in that?), but I'll have more shots later this week!

Cheers,

 

[Tomasso]

Here's a teaser pic

That's an average weekend morning for me.........................

 

[Tomasso]

And, UBerman..........great watches!!!!!!!

 

[fluteplayer07]

It arrived today, so here goes: It's a late 1920's white and yellow gold filled Bulova, 17j movement, decked out in full Art Deco glory.









Bought it from the very kind and helpful Bruno Park of Vintage Watch Restoration.

Cheers,

 

[Tomasso]

That's a beaut, Flute.

 

[fluteplayer07]

Thanks, Tomasso!

Here's a quick question for all of you watch guys... When I'm winding a mechanical watch, do I wind it until the crown cannot move further, or stop before? Can this harm the movement?

I wind my pocket watches just until the crown cannot turn further; is this bad for a pocket watch? I'd think wristwatches are more sensitive, as they're smaller, and presumably more delicate?

Thanks,