Description
Here we have a beautiful example of a fully restored, porcelain dial, ladies cocktail watch in 9ct pink gold from 1909. The watch has a superb condition case, very clean fully overhauled and serviced movement and mint condition porcelain dial. The original matching 9ct pink gold bracelet has been re-sprung and is suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes.
During the early days of watch production, it was quite normal for watches to be made and sold without any branding as it was the reputation of the retail jewellers who sold the watch that was in question, rather than the watchmaker who made it and this was more important to the customer
The design of this watch is very similar to Rolex watch designs of the same period and of the same quality and just as beautiful. In fact, in many ways, the porcelain dial on this watch is much more attractive.
The Dial
The original, roman numeral, white porcelain dial is immaculate and in fact, the style is identical to many ladies Rolex watches we have sold over the years. The red 12 is typical of the period and the gold dot minute indices frame the dial beautifully.
These dials do not suffer ageing from sunlight, humidity and pollution in the way more modern dials do, so when found as here, without any cracks, crazing, chips or other damage, they are hugely desirable as they look the same as they did when first produced. Porcelain dials were very difficult and expensive to produce due to the number needing to be rejected following the firing process. Metal dials have always been much easier to produce and as metal dial and lacquer techniques improved, so did their overall quality and appeal. However, Patek Philippe and occasionally others continued to produce porcelain dials in small numbers and these now command a huge premium.
This ‘1 – 12’ roman numeral, porcelain dial with original blued steel hands and gilt dot minute indices is undoubtedly the most sought after dial produced for this watch.
The Case
The original, solid 9ct pink gold case measures 28mm in diameter, excluding the pink gold crown. Opening the hinged case-back reveals this is signed with the sponsor’s stamp AB (Arthur Baume & Co.) along with the serial number 212897 and UK 9ct hallmarks which date the watch to 1909.
The case is in superb condition, indicating the watch has only seen occasional careful use. Only under very close examination can some of the smallest marks be found, commensurate with the age of this piece.
As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Movement
The original hand-wound movement is of a typical design for the period and these are reliable and reasonably accurate considering their age. The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage specialist watchmaker who reports it to be in excellent condition. We are therefore happy to offer this watch with our 12 months’ warranty*.
Although these movements are reasonably robust, these watches do need to be treated with extra care, so while perfect for special occasions, we do not recommend this watch for everyday use.
This watch has an older technique for setting the time which is very simple. The watch is wound in the normal way using the crown and then to set the time, the button next to the crown is pushed before the time is set in the normal way using the crown.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Bracelet
The watch is fitted with its original 9ct pink gold expandable bracelet which has been fully dismantled and completely re-sprung. Please note – this bracelet will expand to a range of wrist sizes between 16cm – 20.3cm, or 6.25″ inches to 8.00″ inches i.e. almost all size ladies wrists.
The Box and Papers
Although there is no original paperwork with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct and date the watch to 1909.
Detailed particulars are included with the receipt, along with our 12 months’ warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will also be provided at the time of sale. This will also include our ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.
This watch comes complete with the original small jewellers’ box, as shown.
In Conclusion
A rare and functional pink gold ladies cocktail watch which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as be something of beauty to use, treasure and enjoy! It will make an excellent investment or family heirloom piece and even though vintage gold watch prices have continued to rise markedly in the past 2-3 years, we still feel fine examples such as this are still undervalued. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold watches continues to expand, prices are surely destined to climb ever higher!
We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would like to pay by UK cheque or by UK bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.
Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and unfortunately out of our control.
We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges, however attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.
For those that happen to visit the UK on occasion we are of course more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and your watch directly to you there.
If you have any questions please call on our Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile 07515 949250 or if calling from overseas, on Landline +44 207 727 7095 or Mobile +44 7515 949250.
Please note, we also welcome part exchanges.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
