Omega Genéve Dynamic Automatic - Circa 1976
Rado Diastar Automatic - Circa 1978 (Refurbished).
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Oris Mechanical Movement Watch Circa 1950.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Other vintage watches i own...!
I will be writing a bit more about these three watches later on this month. I bought these 3 watches at a auction, i had the three of them examined by my watch maker. The Omega Genéne Dynamic is the coolest Omega you have ever seen. It is all original except for the hands, they need to be replaced with the appropriate hands. My wife has one that she recieved when she turn 16 years old . So now we have matching watches ...LOL. The Rado Diastar has been overhauled with parts that are not exactly from the same era as the rest of the watch, otherwise the watch is an authentic Rado Diastar. Whew!!! The Oris is 100% authentic.
Omega Genéve Dynamic Automatic - Circa 1976
Rado Diastar Automatic - Circa 1978 (Refurbished).
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Oris Mechanical Movement Watch Circa 1950.
Omega Genéve Dynamic Automatic - Circa 1976
Rado Diastar Automatic - Circa 1978 (Refurbished).
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Oris Mechanical Movement Watch Circa 1950.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Vintage Croton Thin Este - Mens watch circa 1930-1940
This is one of my favorite antique watches. The Croton Thin Este mechanical movement caliber number 654 T30. This watch does not have a family history, but the company that made this watch has a very interesting history and was a very popular brand in the early 1900s; Along with Bulova, Croton was one of a handful American premier watch makers.
The Croton Watch Co., Inc. was founded in 1878, when there was not as many watch companies as there are now. Croton was a small manufacturer with the philosophy that precision, quality, style and value go hand in hand. The Croton Watch Co, was located in Croton NJ. The family-owned and operated business specialized in diamond weight high-end watches that sold to small jewelry boutiques throughout the United States. As Croton’s reputation grew, there was more and more demand for their high quality watches. Croton expanded its bejeweled line, as the discriminating tastes of their customer changed. In the early 1930s Croton started selling their Thin Este line. This watch became the standard for affordable but elegant watches.
In the the 1970 with the introduction of the quartz movement the company scaled down production of their mechanical watches. Also, I have heard the company manufactured watches for the police department in NJ and NY. The Croton Watch Co now produces their watches overseas using Japanese and Swiss movements. Croton is currently experiencing a renewed interest in their watches, and they are still producing quality watches at affordable prices. I will post an article on one of their new watches soon.
Back to the Thin Este, my Thin Este has a 17 jewels mechanical movement in mint condition and works and keeps time perfectly. It is a beautiful small watch (all watches from that era are small), with Arabic numeral on the dial, and a sub-dial with the seconds hand at the six o'clock position. The sub dial second hand was the most popular complication of the time. The blemishes on case, crystal, and dial are testament of this watch long journey, but they also reveal its character. I have this watch running next to my regulator watch and I have not observed any variation on its time keeping. I am so glad I own this watch a piece of American watch making history.
Croton Thin Este 17 Jewels Mechanical Movement Circa 1930-1940
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Big Watches - The Rage of 2008
If you have shopped for men watches lately you probably noticed how watches keep getting bigger and bigger. The last time we had large watches around was during the 1970s and they were mostly fashion watches with smiley faces. In the past couple of years we have seen the popularity of large watches grow, and most manufacturers are making then in all grades of quality and price. I enjoy a big watch, they are easy to read, fun to wear, and your watch will get noticed.
My theory is if you are going to get a big watch do not be shy... get the biggest you can get that will feel comfortable on your wrist. And you guest it I own several big watches. But there is only one that takes the price as the biggest of all, the king of big watches, the monster watch, the big kahuna...
The Invicta Russian Diver Watch
This is a big watch... 52mm in diameter! It dwarfs any other big watch out there. The Case is a big clonk of stainless steel, the dial is black with a big date complication at the 12 o'clock marker. The dial also features the famous CCCP ( United Socialist Soviet Republics ) abbreviation indicating its Soviet era heritage. The dial also features big Arabic numerals that glow in the dark like a big flash light, and the hands are 2 shiny pieces of stainless steel . The crown is the biggest cantine style crown you have ever seen, tied to the case by a light chain. The strap is heavy rubber with stainless steal weights on the side.
This watched is an Invicta reissue Russian Diver Watch. The original was designed by Invicta for the Soviet Navy back in the early 50s. The watch was originally designed to be worn on top of a wet suit thus the size of the watch. The size also allows the diver to clearly see the watch under water in a dark ocean.
The Picture below gives you an Idea of the size of this monster, where I have compared the Invicta Russian Diver to an Invicta Pro-Diver 48mm (a big watch by all means), and to a regular 32 mm dress Bulova watch.
Invicta Russian Diver Vs. Invicta Pro Diver Vs. Bulova Dress Watch
My theory is if you are going to get a big watch do not be shy... get the biggest you can get that will feel comfortable on your wrist. And you guest it I own several big watches. But there is only one that takes the price as the biggest of all, the king of big watches, the monster watch, the big kahuna...
The Invicta Russian Diver Watch
This is a big watch... 52mm in diameter! It dwarfs any other big watch out there. The Case is a big clonk of stainless steel, the dial is black with a big date complication at the 12 o'clock marker. The dial also features the famous CCCP ( United Socialist Soviet Republics ) abbreviation indicating its Soviet era heritage. The dial also features big Arabic numerals that glow in the dark like a big flash light, and the hands are 2 shiny pieces of stainless steel . The crown is the biggest cantine style crown you have ever seen, tied to the case by a light chain. The strap is heavy rubber with stainless steal weights on the side.
This watched is an Invicta reissue Russian Diver Watch. The original was designed by Invicta for the Soviet Navy back in the early 50s. The watch was originally designed to be worn on top of a wet suit thus the size of the watch. The size also allows the diver to clearly see the watch under water in a dark ocean.
The Picture below gives you an Idea of the size of this monster, where I have compared the Invicta Russian Diver to an Invicta Pro-Diver 48mm (a big watch by all means), and to a regular 32 mm dress Bulova watch.
Invicta Russian Diver Vs. Invicta Pro Diver Vs. Bulova Dress Watch
Swiss Made Gucci Watch Quartz Movement - Model 3000 - 1992
Most people equate Gucci with fashion and without any apologies this watch is a fashion statement. It is elegant and simple but at the same time it gets noticed. It has that simple beauty that made the Movado museum watch famous.
The thin 18kt Gold-Plated case and bezel is large in diameter for a 1990's watch measuring 33mm without the crown. The crown features the famous Gucci double G and it is also gold plated. The bezel features black roman numerals and the Gucci logo at the 12 o'clock position. The dial is solid black without hour markers on the dial, the only markings on the dial are the Gucci logo at the 12 o'clock position and the Swiss Made at the 6 o'clock position. The back features the Gucci Crest logo, the serial number, and the Swiss Made marking. The strap is still original and it is made of lizard skin which is ultra soft and elegant. This is a real nice watch to wear when you are going out to party or to a function, it is formal but fashionable more of a piece of Jewlery than a every day watch. My wife has an identical matching watch. This watch has sentimental value as well because we purchase them during our honeymoon!
Swiss Made Gucci Watch - Model 3000 - Quartz Swiss Movement
The thin 18kt Gold-Plated case and bezel is large in diameter for a 1990's watch measuring 33mm without the crown. The crown features the famous Gucci double G and it is also gold plated. The bezel features black roman numerals and the Gucci logo at the 12 o'clock position. The dial is solid black without hour markers on the dial, the only markings on the dial are the Gucci logo at the 12 o'clock position and the Swiss Made at the 6 o'clock position. The back features the Gucci Crest logo, the serial number, and the Swiss Made marking. The strap is still original and it is made of lizard skin which is ultra soft and elegant. This is a real nice watch to wear when you are going out to party or to a function, it is formal but fashionable more of a piece of Jewlery than a every day watch. My wife has an identical matching watch. This watch has sentimental value as well because we purchase them during our honeymoon!
Swiss Made Gucci Watch - Model 3000 - Quartz Swiss Movement
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Seiko Dress Watch Quartz - Circa 1985
On a summer day in 1985 my beloved Citizens watch that i had owned since 1978 just gave up on me and it actually fell apart. The crystal fell off, the movement turn into pieces and i could not find anyone that could repair it. I was really bummed out because I really liked that watch.
(I am actively looking for a 1978 Citizens Automatic Movement, Gray Dial on Stainless Steel with date complication for my collection).
So, I made a trip to the local Garibaldi Jewelery store to look for a watch. I remember trying many different watches all of them way over-priced for me at the time. Finally, i was shown this Seiko dress watch, at first I thought it was too simple, but the more i looked at it the more I started enjoying its simplicity. This watch was also my first quartz movement watch, so I was excited about owning something different.
This timepiece is so simple but it is executed so elegantly. It is light, thin, and bright. It has a simple dial with markers rather than numerals, and it does not contain any complications whatsoever. The case is gold filled, the dial is protected by sapphire crystal, and it is extremely durable. I wore this watch for many years, like all Seiko Watches of the time it is basically indestructible . It amazes me that this watch doesn't have not even one scratch, and believe me I wore this watch at a time that caring for watches was not my priority. The leather strap is also amazingly durable...It still has the original strap and buckle on the watch. The movement on the watch is a Japanese Seiko Quartz (Br30) made in 1985.
The back of the watch is stainless steel and it contains the serial number and the very visible made in Japan label. Like a I said before, this is a very simple watch but it is a comfort watch that wears well on any wrist. The case is small for today's standards but still a nice size watch. Great watch to wear during interviews and other professional setting.
Seiko Dress Watch - Quartz - Circa 1985
(I am actively looking for a 1978 Citizens Automatic Movement, Gray Dial on Stainless Steel with date complication for my collection).
So, I made a trip to the local Garibaldi Jewelery store to look for a watch. I remember trying many different watches all of them way over-priced for me at the time. Finally, i was shown this Seiko dress watch, at first I thought it was too simple, but the more i looked at it the more I started enjoying its simplicity. This watch was also my first quartz movement watch, so I was excited about owning something different.
This timepiece is so simple but it is executed so elegantly. It is light, thin, and bright. It has a simple dial with markers rather than numerals, and it does not contain any complications whatsoever. The case is gold filled, the dial is protected by sapphire crystal, and it is extremely durable. I wore this watch for many years, like all Seiko Watches of the time it is basically indestructible . It amazes me that this watch doesn't have not even one scratch, and believe me I wore this watch at a time that caring for watches was not my priority. The leather strap is also amazingly durable...It still has the original strap and buckle on the watch. The movement on the watch is a Japanese Seiko Quartz (Br30) made in 1985.
The back of the watch is stainless steel and it contains the serial number and the very visible made in Japan label. Like a I said before, this is a very simple watch but it is a comfort watch that wears well on any wrist. The case is small for today's standards but still a nice size watch. Great watch to wear during interviews and other professional setting.
Seiko Dress Watch - Quartz - Circa 1985
Hamilton Pinping Rock - Reissue - Circa 1988
The Hamilton Pinping Rock is probably the most legendary watch ever made in the USA. Hamilton was the premier watchmaker of the American continent since the mid 1800s.
The original Pinping Rock was very popular during the 1940's using mechanical movements made in the USA.
My Hamilton is a re-issue with a Swiss Quartz movement made by Swatch, the current owners of Hamilton Watches. It is a very nice watch even though it is a re-issue. The dial is an exact copy of the original Piping Rock shown below. The dial looks very similar to the famous Big Ben of London, and includes the most common complication of the early watches: a "second hand dial".
The fixed enameled bezel features roman numerals with the typical design feature at the 4 o'clock marker - notice the IIII ! (4 in roman numerals is IV I guess the watch designers ignored the roman numeral rules !!!)
The case is 18kt gold filled, and the back is stainless steel and features the limited edition number. The case is only 28.5x42.5mm. So for today's standards, it is a tiny watch.
The clasp is another interesting feature on this watch. The clasp moves to contour your wrist making this watch super comfortable to wear. I enjoy wearing this watch from time to time when i have to use an elegant time piece.
Hamilton Pinping Rock - Reissue - Circa 1988
Original Hamilton Pinping Rock - 1927
The original Pinping Rock was very popular during the 1940's using mechanical movements made in the USA.
My Hamilton is a re-issue with a Swiss Quartz movement made by Swatch, the current owners of Hamilton Watches. It is a very nice watch even though it is a re-issue. The dial is an exact copy of the original Piping Rock shown below. The dial looks very similar to the famous Big Ben of London, and includes the most common complication of the early watches: a "second hand dial".
The fixed enameled bezel features roman numerals with the typical design feature at the 4 o'clock marker - notice the IIII ! (4 in roman numerals is IV I guess the watch designers ignored the roman numeral rules !!!)
The case is 18kt gold filled, and the back is stainless steel and features the limited edition number. The case is only 28.5x42.5mm. So for today's standards, it is a tiny watch.
The clasp is another interesting feature on this watch. The clasp moves to contour your wrist making this watch super comfortable to wear. I enjoy wearing this watch from time to time when i have to use an elegant time piece.
Hamilton Pinping Rock - Reissue - Circa 1988
Original Hamilton Pinping Rock - 1927
Omega DeVille Quartz - Circa 1985
The Omega DeVille Quartz circa 1985 - Another one of my favorite Omega watches. This watch is amazingly thin and very elegant.
The dial features roman numerals, the Omega logo at 12 O'clock, and the DeVille name above the 6 o'clock. The dial has also an unusual texture pattern like woven cotton. The case is solid 18 kt gold, not the typical stainless steel gold plated used in other older Omega watches.
This watch does not feature any complications, and its simplicity makes the watch super elegant. This is a watch to wear with a tuxedo or 3 piece suit. I wear this watch often when I have important meetings at work and I need to look the part!
The crown features the Omega Logo like all Omega watches of the era.
The back is stainless steel and features the DeVille Quartz logo. This watch is so thin that is just a few milliliters thick. I will measure it and post a follow up on the thickness.
On a sad note this watch was serviced once in Panama by not-so-trained hands, and they nicked the solid gold case and the back of the watch. Also, I do not know why the hands were replaced. I am actively searching for an original set to replace the ones on the watch now.
Omega DeVille - Quartz Movement - Circa 1985
The dial features roman numerals, the Omega logo at 12 O'clock, and the DeVille name above the 6 o'clock. The dial has also an unusual texture pattern like woven cotton. The case is solid 18 kt gold, not the typical stainless steel gold plated used in other older Omega watches.
This watch does not feature any complications, and its simplicity makes the watch super elegant. This is a watch to wear with a tuxedo or 3 piece suit. I wear this watch often when I have important meetings at work and I need to look the part!
The crown features the Omega Logo like all Omega watches of the era.
The back is stainless steel and features the DeVille Quartz logo. This watch is so thin that is just a few milliliters thick. I will measure it and post a follow up on the thickness.
On a sad note this watch was serviced once in Panama by not-so-trained hands, and they nicked the solid gold case and the back of the watch. Also, I do not know why the hands were replaced. I am actively searching for an original set to replace the ones on the watch now.
Omega DeVille - Quartz Movement - Circa 1985
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Omega Constellation - Automatic - Officially Certified Chronometer - 1967
The 1967 Omega Constellation Officially Certified Chronometer was the first watch I really paid attention to when I was a child. I remember like it was yesterday when I first saw this beauty with its rose-gold face (dial) and its gold Omega logo at the 12 o'clock marker. My father really loved this watch and he was so proud to wear it. He purchased this watch in Switzerland in the late 1960s, and he had this watch serviced by Omega every time he had the chance to take it with him overseas.
This version of the Constellation also features a date complication with the classic date aperture at the 3 o'clock position. What makes this watch a real gem besides the sentimental value, is that this a Genuine Omega Officially Certified Chronometer which is the highest testament of accuracy in an automatic mechanical movement watch.
The automatic movement in this watch is a Swiss-made Omega 24 jewel caliber adjusted to 5 positions and temperatures. The serial number indicates that this watch was made in 1967. The watch measures 44 x 34 mm not including the crown. The crown also features the well-known Omega logo.
The back of the case is another beauty, featuring the Observatory back. There are many versions of the observatory back, and I believe this is the most beautiful of all with the brick detail on the observatory and 8 stars. The case is made of stainless steel with gold inlay and 14kt gold plated in the front.
I had this watch recently serviced by Omega and it keeps perfect time. I have it stored in a automatic watch winder, and I use it as a regulator for the rest of my watch collection. I have compared its movement accuracy with another Omega with a Swiss-made Quartz movement, and I cannot find any inaccuracies so far. I am certain that I will enjoy this Jewel for years to come.
Omega Constellation - Chronometer - Officially Certified -1967
This version of the Constellation also features a date complication with the classic date aperture at the 3 o'clock position. What makes this watch a real gem besides the sentimental value, is that this a Genuine Omega Officially Certified Chronometer which is the highest testament of accuracy in an automatic mechanical movement watch.
The automatic movement in this watch is a Swiss-made Omega 24 jewel caliber adjusted to 5 positions and temperatures. The serial number indicates that this watch was made in 1967. The watch measures 44 x 34 mm not including the crown. The crown also features the well-known Omega logo.
The back of the case is another beauty, featuring the Observatory back. There are many versions of the observatory back, and I believe this is the most beautiful of all with the brick detail on the observatory and 8 stars. The case is made of stainless steel with gold inlay and 14kt gold plated in the front.
I had this watch recently serviced by Omega and it keeps perfect time. I have it stored in a automatic watch winder, and I use it as a regulator for the rest of my watch collection. I have compared its movement accuracy with another Omega with a Swiss-made Quartz movement, and I cannot find any inaccuracies so far. I am certain that I will enjoy this Jewel for years to come.
Omega Constellation - Chronometer - Officially Certified -1967
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