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Post by ianmedium on Dec 11, 2013 21:07:09 GMT -6
Well, it doesn't rain but it pours! I have been on the look out for a vintage watch for my 50th birthday a few weeks ago and found two! Both in Canada so no dreaded customs to deal with and hopefully they will be both here before my annual Christmas vacation in the Rockies. First is a 1937 Bulova American Clipper. In lovely serviced condition with some nice patina to the dial. Case is 10K gold filled and the watch according to the seller is keeping excellent time. I have always wanted a vintage American watch from their heyday in watchmaking and I love art deco so this one fits the bill! The second watch is one I know little about, just fell in love with the 70's/80's looks ( not sure when it was made). I wanted something Canadian to remind me of my years here when I eventually move back to Europe and what better than Canada's most prestigious and famous Jeweller, Birks (Noted my fellow Brits, it will cause a few eyebrows raised once back in Blighty but that is part of the fun!)! This piece is a manual wind, gold plated tank style watch with a most unusual dial. The watch was made for Birks by Fortis ( one can see the crown on the crown!) I cannot find much about Fortis's older movements so if anyone has knowledge of rough year that would be great! I did see one picture of the Fortis version of this watch but it led to a dead link. Their version is in SS with a blue dial of the same type. Here are some sellers pictures of them, wrist shots to come! The Bulova is 37mm long by 26mm wide, quite a good sized watch for the period. The Fortis is 40mm long by 23mm wide. Thanks for looking!
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CHIP
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Name: Chip
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Post by CHIP on Dec 11, 2013 23:09:10 GMT -6
Congratulations!!
I actually like both watches and that's rare for me since I'm not always drawn to rectangular pieces.
Well done, can't wait to see the wrist shots.
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Post by ianmedium on Dec 12, 2013 0:02:39 GMT -6
Thanks Chip. I am hoping they will both be here by next week. The only other rectangular watch I have is my vintage Cartier so now I will have three vintage rectangular watches!
I really have no idea how old the Birks watch is but the dial somehow screams 70's!
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Post by iceman on Dec 12, 2013 3:01:34 GMT -6
Congrats, 2 great looking pieces. Looking forward to some more photos
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Post by katgirl on Dec 12, 2013 21:49:21 GMT -6
Congrats! Very nice, on both counts. I've almost pulled the trigger a few different times, on a similar art deco Bulova, from the early 50's. I do have a nice rectangular dial Hammy from that era. I also have an incoming vintage , which hubby bought me for Christmas.
KAT
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Post by ianmedium on Dec 12, 2013 22:58:56 GMT -6
Thanks iceman and Katgirl. There is something about those old American wristwatches that have captured my imagination since childhood, probably all the movie stars of the golden era of the movies has something to do with it. What is your incoming Katgirl?
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Baco Noir
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Post by Baco Noir on Dec 12, 2013 23:39:32 GMT -6
The scroll work on the Bulova is exceptional. Congrats Ian.
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Post by ianmedium on Dec 13, 2013 0:28:20 GMT -6
Thanks Roger, it was one of the major appeals to me. Ever since seeing Patek's new Sky Moon Tourbillion with its beautiful engraving I have been drawn to that style. I think these are Acanthus leaves which would be right as that is very Art Deco.
I am hoping it may arrive tomorrow. The seller shipped it last Saturday, Canada post is about as fast as mule express, even so Friday or Monday at the latest should see it here. The other one was shipped today so I am hoping it gets here before I leave for my annual Christmas in the Rockies!
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Post by katgirl on Dec 13, 2013 3:53:32 GMT -6
I've always wanted a nice Tudor small rose, and so I shall be getting one under my tree. It's from 1960, all original, just cleaned, oiled and timed, case is near perfection, crystal is flawless, and I love the style, though I have no clue what an Air Tiger is.... KAT
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Baco Noir
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Post by Baco Noir on Dec 13, 2013 9:07:17 GMT -6
Ian while I love living in the CO Rockies I have to admit, the Canadian Rockies are even prettier. When I drove to Alaska I took a route along them all the way to the northern terminus. I had always thought of them as infinite and it was strange to see them get smaller and disappear. Then I cut west to the Coastal Mtns and was again amazed. You have some stunning landscape up there. Wishing you a joyous holiday in the Rockies my friend.
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Post by ianmedium on Dec 13, 2013 18:08:02 GMT -6
Katgirl, that is a beautiful Tudor! I have always loved the ones with the rose on, can't wait to see a wrist shot! Roger, thank you mate. I always love being there. Being the winter I have the trails to myself so I get to have absolute quiet which is the thing I love most about the place!
Update on the watches, The Bulova arrived today. I wound it up it ran for a few minutes then stopped unfortunately. The seller is very reputable though and I have contacted him. I don't want a refund, in the flesh the watch is even more beautiful. Hopefully I can just send it back and he can have it seen to. I will let you all know what happens, beautiful design in the flesh though, just perfect!
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Baco Noir
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Post by Baco Noir on Dec 14, 2013 2:20:37 GMT -6
That's really unfortunate Ian. I hope the make it right for you.
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Post by ianmedium on Dec 14, 2013 10:09:04 GMT -6
Thanks Roger, it was well packed but it is still a 77 year old watch. Had a great conversation with the seller last night and I am sending it back to him today and he will either fix it ( it was not expensive so there is a limit to how much it prudent to spend) or refund me. I really hope he can fix it, in person it is a stunning looking watch, I fell in love with it! Will make an update once it gets back to him and he lets me know.
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Post by carl on Dec 15, 2013 11:23:59 GMT -6
Hey Ian,
Looks like you hit the jackpot with those two, and I hope that you can get the Bulova going! That Birks watch looks great, and the lizard strap suits it very well.
Happy belated 50th as well.
Cheers, Carl
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Post by ianmedium on Dec 15, 2013 13:58:52 GMT -6
Cheers Carl. I am off this week but lets figure out a time early next month for a GTG!
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