Vintage Watches

Our vintage watch collection is one of our busiest departments. Not only can one purchase a horological classic timepiece at a price far below release prices, but it is also one of the most sustainable ways of buying a watch.

Although wrist watches, mainly for women, had been sold in the 19th Century, it was really the requirement for soldiers to have easy access to time that popularised the wrist watch.

It soon developed from simply a pocket watch fitted with lugs and strap to a purpose-made timepiece for the wrist, and the trying conditions of the battlefield greatly accelerated its development. We have regularly sold watches from as early as 1915, in full working order and remarkably accurate!

The Eterna in this collection is rather a rarity - in fact, it is the second rarest of the 'Dirty Dozen' watches produced. During the 2nd World War, the British Ministry of Defence (MOD) commissioned 12 companies from Switzerland (later nicknamed 'Dirty Dozen'), to design and manufacture watches which would meet the need of British soldiers. The Dirty Dozen companies were Buren, Cyma, Eterna, Grana, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Lemania, Longines, IWC, Omega, Record, Timor and Vertex. Some 150,000 were made in total, of which just 5000 were from the Eterna factory. Given that many of these watches have been lost or destroyed over the years, it is not certain just how many are still out there.

It was key that these watches were accurate, reliable and durable, waterproof and shockproof. Therefore, all the watches manufactured under the MOD guidelines had a black dial, scratchproof glass, luminous hands and hour marks and made in stainless steel. On the case-back were 'W W W', standing for 'Wrist Watch Waterproof'.

The Jaeger LeCoultre 'Grand Reverso' white gold watch is an extraordinary style statement, inspired by snow scenes, definitely a seasonal choice! The Reverso watch was originally created to withstand the rigours of polo matches. Its subtle Art Deco lines and unique, pioneering reversible case have made it one of the world’s most recognisable watches.

Also not to be missed is the Vacheron Constantin Chronometre Royal gold watch. Royal Chronometer models are considered among the Maison’s finest watches of the era, and this watch houses a peerless manual wind movement.

All our vintage watches are fully serviced, and guaranteed for a period of 12 months.