As hard as it is to believe, there was no men's wristwatch market prior to WWI. Wristwatches, or "wristlets" were primarily ladies novelties - small altered pocket watches worn on ribbon straps around the wrist or hooked to bracelet chains. While men's wristwatches were produced in very limited numbers for certain military applications as early as the turn of the century, men of the day considered these pieces to be effeminate and undesirable. World War I changed these views, as intensified warfare made fishing around in one's pocket for a watch a bit too time-consuming. Rumor has it that a German infantry officer took out his pocket watch, tied it to his wrist with a handkerchief, and thus the men's wristlet was born — not of fashion but of sheer necessity. While America was the leader in the world's watch production until WWII, some American companies, such as Hamilton and South Bend, didn’t see the wisdom in chasing such a foolhardy fad. Waltham, however, did participate in the war effort of WWI, thereby producing what have come to be known as some of the first men's wristwatches to be put into production. In England, Dennison Case Company had become known as the watch case maker of choice. By 1916, their screw-back "waterproof" case had caught the eye of a fledging watch company called "Rolex." They commissioned a version of such cases to be made for their new "Oyster" wristwatches (thus named because, like an oyster, they’re water-tight). By 1920 the Great War was over, but the world’s fascination with “wristlets” was not. This example, cased in solid 9k yellow gold by none other than the Dennison Watch Case Company, was in all probability owned or worn by a soldier during World War I. The movement is Waltham, as Dennison had helped found the American Waltham Watch Company in the U.S., and retained a fondness for the company and its quality mechanisms. Everything about this solid gold work of wrist art is stunning - from its design, to its construction, to its astonishing condition. Measuring 37 mm x 33 mm in diameter, the historic timepiece has the balance and wrist stance one is enthusiastic to display and enjoy. Its un-engraved back hinges open cleanly to reveal not only its gold hallmarks but a fine Waltham movement with a jeweled balance and solid nickel plates and fancy hand-etched damaskeening. We've taken the liberty of cleaning, oiling, and timing the watch so that it can be worn confidently. Also, we've fitted the watch with the correct cordovan strap that would have been worn during the era. From its solid yellow gold case to its outstanding restored Waltham dial and movement, this watch exudes both style and history!  

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  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! 

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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!