Catalog: Vintage Arts: Instruments and Implements (206)

NATIONAL WATCH Co. Elgin, Ill. 1864 – 1874 One of the most predominant early American Watch producers. This watch was introduced for sale in 1870 and is an excellent example of what was available in the 1870s. This is the watch of the “Wild West”, because this manufacturer distributed watches all during the 1870s and carried by lawmen, saloon keepers, bankers, cowboys, Railroad men, and gunfighters. NATIONAL WATCH CO. was directly associated with the “Wild West” because that is what was available (400,000 produced and distributed by 1874), accurate and at a reasonable price.

Learning from the errors in production and mistakes in design, National Watch Co. was formed in 1864 by officers of the earlier Waltham Watch Co. Some of these Waltham organizers were P.S. Bartlett, D.G. Currier, Otis Hoyt, Charles H. Mason and others. The idea of beginning a large watch company for the mid-West was discussed by J.C. Adams, Bartlett, and Blake. After a trip to Waltham, Adams went back to Chicago and approached Benjamin W. Raymond, a former mayor of Chicago, to put up the necessary capital to get the company started. Adams and Raymond succeeded in getting others to pledge their financial support. The National Watch Co. was formed in August 1864 and incorporated in Elgin, Illinois. The factory was completed in 1866, and the 1st movement was a B.W. Raymond, 18 size! All watches were key wind and had porcelain dials marked: “NATIONAL WATCH Co.” Any dial that is marked this way is very scarce. They made history laid the foundations of the Industrial Revolution with production efficiencies and the ease of service by watch journeyman in the field.

They produced 400,000 watches by 1874. In 1874 they went out of business, refinanced, and incorporated with a Name change to the city to which they owed their origin, Elgin NATIONAL WATCH Co., Elgin, Illinois. They went on to produce 50 million watches, both wrist & pocket by 1955. NATIONAL WATCH CO. was directly associated with the “Wild West” because that is what was available for them to wear and use. Other choices were more expensive and not as serviceable and dependable in the American West.

The example presented here is NATIONAL WATCH Co. Circa: 1870! 18 size, open face, key wind and key set, full plate gilt, 7 jewels, "J.T. Ryserson", and "ELGIN, Ill", Low serial No. 57536. The white porcelain dial is marked: NATIONAL WATCH Co. The original coin silver hunting case is a double hinged back and bezel, key wind plain polished with fancy engraving on both sides. The dial, case, and movement are all original to one another and shows very little wear or use. Remarkable! The chain is sterling silver and includes a T-Bar and proper winding key both to wind and set the time from the center post. Clean, running. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET, BITCOIN, BONDS. BUY HARD ASSETS, SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

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James Bond of the Movie Series "007" made this model famous! "The Big Triangle". All original and in excellent condition.  Circa: 1970.  OMEGA Automatic Seamaster 300 Caliber 565 24 Jewels, #29,816,834. Reference 166.024/SP. Rotating Black 30-minute Dive Bezel, Original dial with Luminous baton figures and luminous hands with sweep second. Dial Marked: OMEGA/AUTOMATIC, and Seamster 300 under the center post. The black bezel surfaces have some stress marks when reflected in the light indicating its original age. The outline on the hands shows some issues but are in excellent condition. The case shows wear and use marks all over the surfaces but is still in excellent original condition.  Clean, running and fully functional. Truly very rare and collectible! 

*From 1974, as the stock of the case referenced ST 166.024 had run out, the caliber 565 with date was equipped with the case ST 165.024, with no change in the reference No. This incongruity was corrected in 1999, when a replacement case back engraved 055 ST 166.0324 was provided *(Pge 325 OMEGA a journey through time by Rarco Richon; 2007 printed in Switzerland). THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET. BUY SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME. 

NOTE: We have been selling vintage watches on E-Bay since 1998 as watchco1973 with over 14,500 vintage watch sales and 100% positive feedbacks. You can buy from us with confidence.

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Rare early Elgin. First year of production; No. 9080. National Watch Co. by 1873 reformed and became Elgin National Watch Co. and produced 50 million watches by 1955.

This all-original rare example is full plate gilt, key wind and key set, 7 jewels, compensated balance, marked: Mat. Laflin, No. 9080. The mint porcelain single sunk dial is marked: NATIONAL WATCH Co. The 4 oz. coin silver case shuts tight and is free of initials. Clean, running. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET, BITCOIN, BONDS. BUY HARD ASSETS, SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

NOTE: We have been selling vintage watches on E-Bay since 1998 as watchco1973 with over 15,000 vintage watch sales and 100% positive feedbacks. You can buy from us with confidence.

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This fine vintage high grade chronograph is completely original and is in fine running condition. Baume & Mercier 18k Chronograph 56mm Arrowhead Dial 1937 35mm diameter, 17mm thick. 18k gold frame and buttons MARKED "18K/.750" ON THE BACK. Just serviced and is completely functional. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET. BUY HARD ASSETS, SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

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Rolex Cosmograph Ref. 6240 Box & Matching Papers 1960 OEM. Rolex Cosmograph Ref. 6240 Box & Matching Papers 1960. 1.4m serial No. Purchased from a Rolex dealership in Europe and placed in a safe back in the U.S. ever since. Remains in its original Rolex presentation box with filled out papers and matching serial No. Full length riveted linked bracelet. Very rare in this original condition. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET. BUY HARD ASSETS, SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

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OMEGA Seamaster 300 Automatic Date 42mm Calbre 165.024 C; 1961. 14mm thick. Some wear on the case frame but excellent original condition overall. The dial has some missing Lume at 10 O'Clock and beside the Date window at 3, otherwise excellent. British military Nylon strap. Very clean running and still very accurate. Serial No. 18,319,824, Caliber 562 24 Twenty-Four Jewels.

*From 1974, as the stock of the case referenced ST 166.024 had run out, the calibre 565 with date was equipped with the case ST 165.024, with no change in the reference No. This incongruity was corrected in 1999, when a replacement case back engraved 055 ST 166.0324 was provided *(Pge 325 OMEGA a Journey through time by Rarco Richon; 2007 printed in Switzerland). THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET. BUY HARD ASSETS, SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

NOTE: We have been selling vintage watches on E-Bay since 1998 as watchco1973 with over 15,000 vintage watch sales and 100% positive feedbacks. You can buy from us with confidence.

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ROLEX Date Just 16233 2 Tone 18k Gold Jubilee 36mm White Diamond Dial. C: 1990. Quick set, Sapphire crystal. Presentation Box and documents. Just completely serviced. The larger diamond settings were applied outside of Rolex. No issues; one year warrantee from purchase date.

I have the same Rolex 2-Tone model Date Just with the exact same custom diamond dial in the Ladies version, same year (1990) in duplicate mint original condition. They were customed especially for a married couple. I am offering both as a "HIS AND HERS" for $10,700.00. Both have the Rolex presentation box. Note: Rolex is offering this model for $12,500.00 (without the diamonds). Please view three images of both side by side with the images provided. THESE ARE A FINE COLLECTIBLES AND APPRECIATING ASSETS. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET. BUY HARD ASSETS, SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

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HAMILTON 4992B White Porcelain 24 HOUR DIAL 16 size Rare. This is a unused Hamilton factory new dial. Never applied to a watch. Very rare. Originally created especially for the CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY service. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET, BITCOIN, BONDS. BUY HARD ASSETS, SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

NOTE: We have been selling vintage watches on E-Bay since 1998 as watchco1973 with over 15,000 vintage watch sales and 100% positive feedbacks. You can buy from us with confidence.

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Original Beige and green presentation Box and papers (Buchauer dealership). OEM. Never used or serviced for 54 years. Rolex Cosmograph DAYTONA 18k Ref. 6241 Lemon Dial (Paul Newman). circa:1967. Ref. 6341 Original purchased and put away without use. Serviced for the 1st time after purchase in 2024. Required a main spring and cleaning. full length original riveted link deployment Oyster Bracelet marked: "71" on each end link. Collectors only. DO NOT PURCHASE STOCKS OR BONDS, ACQUIRE HARD ASSETS, SOMETHING PROVED IN TIME. BUY WITH CONFIDENCE FROM AN OLD TIMER--now in my 53rd year trading, buying and selling horological items!

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Extremely rare 18mm Rolex vintage buckle because of it's large size). 1978. ROLEX 18k GOLD 18mm Solid yellow Gold Buckle ROLEXSA 750 SWISS 20mm x 18mm Tobacco CROCODILE strap. Back of the buckle is marked: "ROLEXSA .750 SWISS". Logo Buckle on a 20mm x 18mm large buckle size; Genuine Crocodile Tobacco (Dark Brown) Colored Strap (marked: Hand Made in Italy). Will fit the Rolex President, DATEJUST, and all Sport Models in solid 18k yellow gold. This whole strap is much wider because its tapper is to a much larger size. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET. BUY SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

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OMEGA SEAMASTER CASE BACK Ref. 176.002 OEM unused. Still has the protective factory plastic cover on the back. 36mm diameter and 3.5mm thick. Distraction free. No issues. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET. BUY SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

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Extremely rare 18mm Rolex vintage buckle because of it's large size). ROLEX 18k GOLD 18mm Logo Buckle marked: 750 ROLEXSA SWISS, placed on a new handmade Italian 20mm Black genuine 20mm Crocodile Strap. Circa: 1978. This strap is much wider and tappers to this larger 18mm diameter size. Vintage original, authentic buckle. Unusual large size of 18mm allows less tapper and a wider strap appearance. Very scarce. Genuine Rolex buckle on a new black high grade 20mm crocodile strap (Hand Made in Italy). THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET. BUY SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

NOTE: We have been selling vintage watches on E-Bay since 1998 as watchco1973 with over 15,000 vintage watch sales and 100% positive feedbacks. You can buy from us with confidence.

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Extremely rare 18mm Rolex vintage buckle because of it's large size). ROLEX Approx. 1972 solid 18k true yellow solid GOLD 18mm Logo Buckle, marked: 750 ROLEXSA SWISS. Classic early Authentic, original. Very little sign of use or any distraction. Like new unworn condition. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET. BUY SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

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All original 4-ounce COIN SILVER Double hinged back and bezel case! Also comes with a Sterling Silver Gentleman's Vest Chain, complete with a winding Key and silver T-Bar to fit on the vest. Mint single sunk white porcelain dial.

This original movement is full plate gilt signed "H.H. Taylor", ADJUSTED, 15 Jewels, Serial No. 1,682,136. In 1884, this watch was Railroad Grade and sold for use on the Railroads. This scarce Railroad Grade is completely original and complete with a very nice authentic Sterling vest chain. Clean, running an accurate. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET OR BONDS. BUY HISTORIC AND COLLECTIBLE HARD ASSETS.

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Rare. Vintage authentic original ROLEX SUBMARINER Stainless Steel RIVETED Link Deployment bracelet; circa: 1978. Mint condition! Bracelet marked: "C&I 78" on the back of the deployment. Note: Rolex offered two choices a flip lock or deployment for the Submariner model in stainless steel. 11 links. All original. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. INVEST IN HARD ASSETS, DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET. BUY SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

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Rare Rolex vintage 14mm buckle size. ROLEX 14mm Buckle 18k Gold ROLEXSA .750 SWISS 16mm Black Crocodile. Fits perfectly on this 16mm Crocodile strap; tapering to this 14mm solid gold buckle size. The buckle is genuine vintage Rolex. The crocodile strap is 16mm, new and was hand made in Italy. All in mint condition. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. INVEST IN HARD ASSETS, DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET. BUY SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

We have been selling vintage watches on E-Bay since 1998 as watchco1973 with 15,000 feed backs, 100% positive. You can buy from us with confidence.

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OMEGA MARK II Ref. 145.014 Stainless Steel Caliber 861 Circa: 1970. Full Length Band #29,603,688. The overall condition is excellent and is worthy of collecting and preserving. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET, BITCOIN, BONDS. BUY HARD ASSETS, SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

NOTE: We have been selling vintage watches on E-Bay since 1998 as watchco1973 with over 14,000 vintage watch sales and 100% positive feedbacks. You can buy from us with confidence.

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Original, genuine and verified authentic. Ex. Rare OMEGA SEAMASTER 300 MILITARY British Royal Navy DIVE Big Triangle Cal. 552 Circa:1967. Reference 166.024/SC. Screw back surface marked: W10/6645-99 923-7697/A/254/67" (NATO Designation). 24 Jewels, Serial No. 18,285,232. 42mm diameter by 14mm thick. Original "BIG Triangle Dive "T" black mat finished dial (never re-lumed) matching original hands and luminous figures. Approaching museum quality. Can't get any better!

*From 1974, as the stock of the case referenced ST 166.024had run out, the calibre 565 with date was equipped with the case ST 165.024, with no change in the reference No. This incongruity was corrected in 1999, when a replacement case back engraved 055 ST 166.0324 was provided *(Pge 325 OMEGA a Journey through time by Rarco Richon; 2007 printed in Switzerland). THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET, BITCOIN, BONDS. BUY HARD ASSETS, SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

NOTE: We have been selling vintage watches on E-Bay since 1998 as watchco1973 with over 14,000 vintage watch sales and 100% positive feedbacks. You can buy from us with confidence.

OTHER NICE FEATURES: Free U.S. FEDEX Shipping. $58 FEDEX overseas.