Over the last 20 years or so, we've taken a great deal of pride in bringing our clients rare and unusual timepieces. While we've offered Swiss and American examples of both pocket and wristwatches, we seem to be known best for helping to bring attention to fine American timepieces and forgotten military models. Our watches have been seen in movies and on the wrists of luminaries and heads-of-state as well as God-fearing Iowa farmers. We've enjoyed restoring every watch and welcoming every client. While all of our work has been rewarding, some timepieces have been a bit more rewarding than others. When we discover an untouched example of an early piece in unusually fine condition, perhaps with box, we're particularly thrilled, as such an example becomes historically relevant. Watches that were tucked away for a century, emerging to be cleaned, oiled, calibrated and offered to discerning clients are among the most exciting works of tactile art to restore and discuss. Such is the case with this magnificent WWI era "Khaki/Depollier" Waltham military wristwatch in its original presentation box noted with matching case and movement numbers. Considered by many to be superior to the majority of Swiss movements of the day, Waltham's 7 jewel workhorse had clear advantages even over period Swiss movements: It was beefier and more resilient and had an overcoil hairspring. Swiss movements of the day, with their fragile flat hairsprings, lost the edge. With the Waltham's overcoil hairspring, force differential of the mainspring is maintained when fully wound and partially wound. With inferior designs, such equilibrium is not maintained and watches run faster when fully wound and slower as the mainspring winds down. This is called Isocronism. This 1916 example of the Waltham sterling trench watch is quite exceptional, from its flawless, professionally restored "Waltham" marked dial to its original factory "J. Depollier" case. Measuring approximately 42mm by 32mm in diameter, this work of tactile art is a fine example of the "birth" of the modern wristwatch, right down to its period canvas strap with sterling buckle. Using its 7 jewel workhorse small pocket watch movement, Waltham commissioned Depollier to make watch cases with tabs or lugs at either end so that the watch could be tied by a strap to the wrist. These "doughboy wristlets" became essential during WWI, and soon caught on around the world. Despite its rugged application, the watch was a triumph in Arts and Crafts simplicity, with its stained-glass hands, porcelain dial, matching sub-seconds register and flexible lugs. Still grossly undervalued, these early sterling examples look stunning and are both historically and aesthetically appealing. Please take a moment to admire this historic work of tactile art, as it a magnificent representation of sacrifice and achievement. 

As many of our fine buyers and repeat clients know, each day we offer a smattering of things we've picked up here and there, many fine watches and pieces of jewelry that for one reason or another we'll not be offering on our Web site – some new old stock! Take a moment to look through our eBay offerings and bypass the estate and yard sale madness for watches and outstanding pieces of Victorian and Deco jewelry –  many of which are running and pristine – that are ridiculously underpriced. Watches this week include a '20s ladies antique watch or two, '30s Deco pieces, a '40s military style wristwatch, and fine Retro stainless steel wristwatches that are representative of a style that’s becoming all the rage; as well as gold rings and vintage wire lug examples perfect for restoration. Coming up are sterling silver wristwatches and a few items dug out of the workbench drawer of a retired watchmaker or two. Don't know anything about wristwatches? Have no idea about your grandfather's railroad pocket watch? We're one of the Web's largest vintage wrist and pocket watch dealers and are delighted to answer any questions you have about the timepieces we offer or those heirlooms you're unsure of. We extend a heartfelt invitation to see our other offerings and stop by to find out what's next!  PAYMENT: PayPal payments are preferred, but we do accept credit card payments over the telephone. Please call us at (813) 839-5984 for any questions regarding payment.  SHIPPING: All bidders to pay actual shipping costs. If there is a handling fee listed, that is for insurance. We are happy to combine shipping on multiple items. For items shipped within the United States, we ship either via USPS. Priority Mail with signature confirmation on items under $1000. Priority REGISTERED MAIL for items over $1000.   INTERNATIONAL buyers must email us at the end of the auction so that we may calculate shipping costs and determine the method of shipping. Lower priced items (under $250), must be sent via online TRACKABLE shipping via USPS Priority International Mail. Items over $250 must be shipped via Federal Express, because it requires a signature.   We MUST and WILL adhere to your country’s customs rules and regulations. If the item is not allowed via USPS, we must ship via Federal Express. Because of the unpredictable nature of today's mail, we cannot be held responsible for items lost or damaged by the post office or lost or held up in customs agencies and so require postal insurance for ALL overseas items. WE WILL NOT FALSIFY CUSTOMS FORMS. ALL CUSTOMS FEES ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BUYER. Your purchase acknowledges that you understand these policies. FLORIDA RESIDENTS will be charged an additional 7% for sales tax. CONTACT US: You may reach us Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (EST) at (813) 839-5984 with any questions you may have. TERMS OF SALE: We take great pride in our images and item descriptions and are careful to note as much about an item as we can. We do not sell auction items on approval; therefore, all items we sell on eBay are sold AS IS and all sales are final. If you have a question or would like to see the image of an item at another angle, we are happy to accommodate you. Please check our feedback; we try to be as accommodating as possible. WE WILL NOT GIVE PARTIAL REFUNDS!!!!! Strickland Vintage Watches is a member of theNational Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, have been honored as one of Forbes magazine's "Best of the Web" in timepieces, and have been on eBay since 1998. We invite you to find out more about us by clicking on our ME page!