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Investment grade Stauffer (IWC forerunner) high grade Swiss flip top
early men's wrist watch in pristine as-new condition. Swiss made hallmark
solid 15Kt solid yellow gold 35mm triple hinged case with wire lugs
is signed CN for Charles Nicolet, who were the early case makers for
IWC. This is not an adapted pocket watch but a factory original very
early purpose made men's wrist or "trench" watch of the highest
quality. The heavy gold hunter case cover has a small window at the
center making it possible to read the time without opening the case
to reveal the dial and giving much more dust, water and damage protection
to the watch. Black enameled Roman Numerals with minutes track are mint
with no enamel loss or damage. Oversized push button onion crown flips
the front cover open to reveal the full porcelain dial with no cracks
or hairlines. Top grade SS & Co (Stauffer) Swiss made gilded pin
set movement that is as crisp and clean as the day it left the factory,
is freshly serviced and winds, sets and runs like new. The back is clean
and free of any dents, scratches or personalization. Inside is a solid
15Kt cuvette with the original owners inscription & is dated 1914.
Both crystals are original and perfect. Fitted with a new Hirsch brown
leather 12mm strap. Made very early in WWI and one of the earliest factory
men's wrist watches, this was a very high quality and expensive item
in it's day. Very rare and beautiful and virtually unworn mint condition.
Interestingly, the inscription is apparently from one lady to another
and the watch was evidently not gifted to a man, although it is definitely
a large sized man's watch. The inscription is very touching and intriguing
and was given for "very loving services" in her "time
of weakness." dated in Edinburgh (Scotland), Feb. 1914.
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