We're really loving the simplicity of the dial with Roman numerals and applied circle hour markers that are small in relation to the overall size of the dial, making the already large case size read even slightly larger. Aesthetically, this example is just gorgeous with refined dial details, a rich gold case, and a brushed copper-tone dial. This pocket watch is triple signed on the dial, case, and movement by Tavannes, and likely dates to the late 1930s or early 1940s, when the brand was at its height.
The best example of this third-party manufacturing is Tavannes' involvement as the maker of many early JLC Reversos, but the brand also worked with names like Hermès, Dunhill, and Zenith. After a fire destroyed some of the brand's manufacturing facilities in 1940, Tavannes focused on working behind the scenes of Swiss watchmaking by producing movement calibers and even whole watches to be signed and marketed by other brand names. By 1938, Tavannes advertising materials touted its production and sale of over 30,000,000 watches – yes 30 million watches. The brand traces its roots back to 1891 and came to prominence in the first few decades of the 20th century, an era of watchmaking often overlooked by vintage collectors today. Tavannes may not be a name many collectors have heard it's a bit of a deep cut.
#Antique tavannes pocket watch full
Our advice would be to contact a local auctioneer for a full appraisal.Why This Watch Matters This mid-century pocket watch from Tavannes features a gorgeous copper dial and a retailer stamp from the chic Swiss ski town St. 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 offices are open from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. We are an on-line only business and do not have facilities for callers. Alternatively, there is a Paypal payment link if you scroll down the page and we also accept bank transfers. We are a VAT registered company and all purchases are covered by Consumer Regulations.Ĭredit / debit card purchases can be made over the telephone on 01386 750238 or you can proceed via the 'Purchase Antique' button on each listing page. If you are unsure about your country’s regulations, please contact us and we can check for you.Īny orders from prohibited countries will be refunded, less any fees which are non-refundable.Īny Customs / import duties are payable by the purchaser.Īll 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. Please note that regrettably we no longer ship to Europe.ĭue to Customs regulations, we are unable to send watches / precious metals to certain countries. Please contact us for international shipping prices. The watch will be sent in a new presentation box. The white enamel dial is signed Tavanne,s Watch and is in nice condition. The watch glass is in nice condition with only a couple of small nibbles to the outer edge and the odd faint surface mark from use. the bezel has a small nick to the edge at 10 o'clock. There is an arrow on the central cartouche on the back. The case has some small marks but overall is in good condition for its age. After François Borgel’s death in 1912, the business was carried on by his daughter Louisa. Early adopters of the Borgel screw case included Longines and the International Watch Co. Borgel patented the eponymous Borgel watch case in 1891, a real step forward in waterproof and dustproof watches cases, making pocket watch cases first and subsequently moving onto wrist watches as fashions changed.įrançois Borgel was a successful inventor and business man, and his business became one of the most important watch case manufacturers of its time. 935 silver marks inside the case back, with a case maker’s for François Borgel. The case is silver and there are continental. The watch itself measures 51mm diameter excluding the winding crown and the loop.
This particular watch has a signed 3/4 plate stem-winding pin set movement, which is working nicely. The company was constantly looking at ways to improve and in 1910 they won the Gold Medal at the Grand Prix de Bruxelles. The company was very successful and very soon they were exporting to several countries including Canada, Russia, United States, and the Far East.īy 1905, the company was producing 450,000 watches a year and over the next four years, this rose to three quarters of a million watches a year.
The Tavannes Watch Company was founded in 1891 by Henri-Frédéric Sandoz and his partners, wealthy fabric merchants. An unusual antique silver Borgel cased Tavannes pocket watch.
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