Buying an Antique Pocket Watch
by on Aug.01, 2010, under Dress Watches
Pocket watches have an aura of romanticism and charm that wristwatches could never really claim—at least not until about the turn of the century. Antique pocket watches simply ooze with charm and sophistication. As early as 1462, an Italian pocket watch maker was made by Bartholomew Manfredi for a friend of the Duke of Modena. Since then, pocket watches flourished through the 15th and 16th centuries, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that a practical pocket watch was invented. Instead of having only an hour hand, it now was manufactured with the hour and minute hands—the ones that we know today.
Henry Pitkin is credited with manufacturing the very first fully-functional pocket watch in 1830. Later on in the 19th century, Schaffhausen-Japy watches were coming out of Switzerland at an alarming rate. America responded with the American Watch Company; it made more than 50,000 pocket watches. This only made the Schaffhausen-based watchmaker eager to produce the most precise and the most accurate pocket anybody had ever seen. From that, the Swiss Army Knife/Watch was born.
Types of antique/modern pocket watches
Antique pocket watches are, nonetheless, one of the most prized collector’s items of modern times. They are also widely produced and still worn in the mainstream. Two of the most notable types are the hunter-case and the open-face. The hunter-case pocket watch boasts a spring-hinged, round metal cover; this houses the crystal, dials and inner workings, and shields them from soot in the air, dirt, debris, nicks and scratches and other items.
The other mainstream type is the open-face. The main difference is that it has no cover over the crystal, or the watch face itself. Both models use various combinations of pendants (for winding), dials and “sub-second dials” for setting the time.
Facts about “modern” antique pocket watches
• Most of them are made in partial or solid gold, stainless steel, antique brass and similar fashions.
• Many hunter-case watches come with ornate compasses inside the lids. This type simply exudes sophistication and style.
• “Steampunk” is a subculture of style that heavily relies on such things as antique pocket watches, Victorian-era design, and steam-powered machines.
• Gold pocket watches are often given to employees as a retirement gift by many employers, families and friends.
• Men who want that extra-classy, traditional look use them as time-pieces inside their business suits—where they are attached via a chain or some sort of lapel.
• As many did in olden days, men sometimes wear these pocket watches on their belt-loops.
• Additionally, many of these open-faced and hunter-cased pocket watches are family heirlooms or part of a collector’s prized collection.
A treasured pocket watch can be for anybody
Antique pocket watches make superior gifts. Do you have a relative who is about to retire, or is newly-retire? Do you have a college graduate as a son, sibling or friend and want to purchase something really classy for them? Check out the abundant selection of pocket watches online and you’ll find one that is absolutely perfect for you, a family member or friend.
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A Swiss Military Watch Makes the Perfect Gift
by on Jul.31, 2010, under Military Watches
Swiss Military Hanowa Men’s 06-4095-04-079 Sealander Watch $135.00
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The Swiss military watch is a timeless expression of beauty, precision, ruggedness and innovation. Since its humble beginnings in 1963’s Switzerland, Swiss watches and their patented Swiss Quartz Movement have set the benchmark for many of their competitors. Chronometers and chronographs are two of the most instantly identifiable hallmarks of the Swiss watch. Tests of endurance through deep water submersion, heavy shocks and dirt/dust infiltration tests have all proved the Swiss timepiece to be second-to-none. Precision and hand-craftsmanship is what it is all about.
Caveat Emptor
When you give a Swiss military watch to someone you care about, make sure it’s the real thing. Any genuine Swiss watch will have the insignia “Swiss Made” engraved or stamped on it. As with most things of such high-value/high-demand, there will always be counterfeiters. The Swiss government, the World Intellectual Property Organization and the World Trade Organization work very hard to protect the brand. Additionally, for a watch to bear the “Swiss Made” insignia, it legally must be at least 50% produced in Switzerland. This means that a minimum of the watch inner case, the movement and the dials have to be of direct Swiss origin, and the final inspection must be done in Switzerland.
Endless Variety
With that little caveat out of the way, take a little time to discover the different models of Swiss military watches. Different varieties include: The Grenadier GMT (Heer), the International Special Forces wrist-watch, a number of limited series pieces, and the Luftwaffe editions—which include the Air Force 1 special edition, and the Paratrooper, and the Navy Diver and Seals II editions.
A Closer Look at Some Of The Offerings
• Grenadier: This rugged, stainless steel chronograph was originally developed for the Swiss Elite Corps for use in the extreme conditions of the snowy Alps.
• Navy Diver: Used by the toughest of the tough in armies around the world, the skilled Diver’s watch is a chronograph, stainless steel watch capable of submersions deep as 660 feet.
• Argonaut: One of the most prized Swiss military chronographs available. Made from 25 jewels and submersible up-to 1000m, this watch is the very pinnacle of what a military watch should be.
• Air Force I: A timeless, enduring symbol of ruggedness and elegance, this watch is worn by the majority of the U.S. President’s Air Force One Group.
• Paratrooper: Also one of the most prized timepieces by Swiss, this military watch is encased in genuine Titanium and features the second-to-none Swiss-made Ronda calibration and a bulletproof 43.0mm case enclosure; submersible to 200 meters.
The Gift Any Outdoorsman Will Love
Those are only a very few editions of authentic Swiss military watches. However, practically any style will please even the most discerning gentleman or gentlewoman. Usually, these watches even come with their own case that looks and feels almost as good as the watch itself. Anyone would love to receive one: those in law enforcement, the Navy or Marines, Coast Guard, firefighters, thrill-seekers and just about anyone else. Give the perfect gift to anyone who loves the great outdoors—give them a quality-made, dependable Swiss-made military watch.
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The Wide Range of Swiss Military Style Watches
by on Jul.05, 2010, under Mechanical Watch, Military Watches, Sport and Dive Watches, Watches of the World
Among Switzerland’s most famous brands is the wide range of military style watches that are produced. These draw on both Switzerland’s heritage of watch making and fine craftsmanship as well as on its tradition of independence and neutrality. Switzerland’s military has long been revered across Europe and the rest of the world and it has long been the country’s guarantee against invasion by its bigger neighbors. As such Switzerland has always ensured that its citizen soldiers have been well trained in marksmanship and tactics and equipped with the finest equipment. And Switzerland’s gift to the world has been the innovation and attention to detail that goes into items such as Swiss Army knives and Swiss Army Watches.
The best-known military style watches are clearly those associated with the Swiss Army knife, which made by two Swiss companies, Victorinox and Wenger. The two companies merged a few years back, yet still operate under different names in many parts of the market. That said, both offer unsurpassed quality and reliability. Victorinox and Wenger Swiss Army watches offer a really good blend of features and price. One of my favorites is the Wenger Commando Watch. This is a really rugged and tough watch. It also has a brilliantly lit up display that makes it easy to see at night. Two other favorites of mine are the Wenger Ranger Watch and Battalion Diver Watch, which is also made by the same company. The Victorinox Swiss Army Infantry vintage watch is also a really beautiful and classic timepiece with a real old-style look.
Both Wenger and Victorinox offer a really wide range of watches so that you can usually find something to fit almost any pocket with prices starting at under $100 and going up from there.
There are however quite a few other companies that you can look at when looking to buy a Swiss Military Watch. Most people overlook firms such as Hanowa, which makes a really high quality range of watches sold under the Swiss Military brand as well as the more exclusive Swiss Eagle watch brand.
Even tougher (and more expensive) is the range of watches produced under the CX Swiss Military brand. These are some of the world’s toughest watches and have stood up to all kinds of tests including being dropped out of airplanes, blown up with high explosives and shot at with a shotgun. They survived most of these tests whereas other watches just got smashed to pieces.
If you are looking for a cheap military-style watch then you could consider Invicta. These are Swiss-made watches but they have a bit of a mixed reputation when it comes to reliability. I don’t endorse them wholeheartedly but some people swear by them. That said, you can’t say they aren’t cheap. Some Invicta military watches can be bought for under $50. And although this blog is really all about Swiss Watches, there are also some other really popular manufacturers of military watches. Citizen has an eco-drive military watch that also has a really clear face with an easily-to-read dial. It also never needs its batteries changed,
Features of a Military-Style-Watch
Apart from the obvious point that most people buy Swiss military watches because they look good, some of the better ones also have some features that provide real tactical assistance. In this I’m thinking of a watch with a dial that is easy to read and a face that is not confusing. You also want something that is self illuminating, so you can see it even in the dark, and you almost certainly want a watch that will not beep and give away your position.
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