Posted 13 years ago
dunker
(1 item)
My wife purchased this watch at a coin show in Las Vegas. She has had it cleaned and it appears to run and keep time OK.
As you can see the movement is engraved Tiffany & Co. The serial number suggests that it may be made by Hamilton. Other than that bit of information I cannot add more.
Any help in determining the watchs' manufacturer and a possible net worth would be greatly appriciated.
Hi! The numerals on the face are wonderful!
They reminded me of the organic, flowing lettering of the Art Nouveau pieces of silver that Tiffany introduced in the 1880's: Vine, Wave and Lap Over the Edge designs influenced by Persian calligraphy and Japonisme, I think. You sent me back to my copy of the Carpenter's Tiffany Silver to check.
But what I really find interesting is that a clock was sold at Bonhams this year with similar Arabic numerals. It was designed by Paulding Farnham the great forgotten name of Tiffany. It was lot 6014, Sale 19235 - 20th Century Decorative Arts, 7 Jun 2011 in New York. If you search on the net you will find photos of this wonderful mahogany cased clock.
It was delivered to its original owner on March 31, 1887. Other entries in the ledger indicate that the case and dial of the Farnham clock had been completed earlier in February, 1887. So your watch could be as early as 1887, based on stylistic grounds. Does your watch have Tiffany silver marks on the case?
As you know Tiffany used movements from a variety of companies: Hamilton, Ekegren/Koehn, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet are some names to toy with. But Joseph Lindauer is the name linked to the clock at Bonham's. You never know your luck!
If it were me, I would get in contact with Tiffany and Co. They have details of everything that was ever made, I think. It may cost you, but I reckon it would be worth it to find out what they think.
Good luck with your research. You've given me lots to think about and thank you so much for sharing this beautiful watch.
Regards from a very wet and cold Sydney, Australia.
Your pocket watch movement was manufactured by Swiss maker Agassiz. The company was well known for quality timepieces sold under their own name, and also for movements made under contract for jewelers.
Thanks savingtime for this info.
I've learnt about the Agassix family too!
Ernest Francillon and Les Longines!
I am a conservator / restorer of antique and vintage watches, and have had many marked Agassiz watches on the bench with this unique plate shape. Many of these watches which were made under contract for various retailers bear the retailers name only on the top plate - there is often information under the dial which will confirm manufacture, whether the name Agassiz, or their fish logo. Regarding the age, I would say circa 1880 - 90.