Watch: Gents Antique Silver Tavannes Wrist Watch 1929

The watch has a Swiss hand-winding movement which is working nicely. The movement has been identified as being by Tavannes. This is confirmed by the patent date on the movement, which relates to a Us patent for a negative set stem winding and setting mechanism granted to Sandoz in 1904, the Swiss version of the patent having been granted in 1903. The Sandoz family, along with members of the Schwob family, were the founders of the watch making company, the Tavannes Watch Company, in 1890. The movement is protected by a silver inner cover. The watch measures 35mm diameter excluding the winding crown and the fixed wire lugs. The case is silver and there are hallmarks inside the case back for London (import mark), 1929, together with the importer’s mark for Dimier Brothers. The inside of the case back also has the mark for François Borgel. He was a very successful inventor and business man, and his company became one of the most important watch case manufacturers of its time. He advertised his screw watch case, such as this example, as "imperméable", which means that he considered his screw case to be waterproof . Early adopters of the Borgel screw case included Longines and Iwc. After François Borgel’s death in 1912, the business was carried on by his daughter Louisa. As with any vintage watch, however, we would not recommend that it is treated as still being waterproof or even water protected. The hinge on the case is broken, however the watch is still secure because of the slot in design and the screw-on bezel. There is a small indentation next to the winding crown, and an indentation by the top lug, but overall in good condition for a 1920s piece. The lens is in good condition. The dial has a chip to the edge, much of which is covered by the bezel. A red number 12 and inner 24 hour numerals. Period replacement blued steel hands. A new leather strap has been fitted. The watch comes in a new presentation box. All Prices Include UK Postage. Please contact us for international shipping prices (Ddu, details in delivery information section below). All of our watches are checked over before listing, and are also checked for accuracy which is usually within around +/- two to three minutes over 24 hours (unless otherwise stated), which is considered respectable for a vintage watch. We are a Vat registered company and all purchases are covered by Consumer Regulations. Credit / debit card purchases can be made over the telephone on 01386 750238 or you can proceed via the red 'Buy Now' button on each listing page. We are an on-line only business and do not have facilities for callers. Our offices are open from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. With regards to appraisals / valuations, we receive a huge number of information requests each day and unfortunately do not have the manpower to deal with them all individually. Our advice would be to contact a local auctioneer for a full appraisal.