Yes, a 1941 Swiss watch that still has the box and papers! A very rare find, and coming from a well known company like Oris and in precious metal case this is a hard to repeat watch.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
The hall mark on the case back is for London 1940, and the logo under the balance wheel dates between 1936 and 1940 according to the official Oris history book. The watch was then sold by Bravingtons, in Pentonville Road, Kings Cross, London, in May 1941.
This is one of the most remarkable periods of wartime history, if not all of British history. The Blitz started in October 1940, and continued until 11th May 1941. Almost every night London was bombed, and the map from the excellent website Bombsight shows just how many shells were dropped near and on Pentonville Road during this period. Wikipedia has the Blitz ending on the 11th May, and this watch was purchased just four days later. Of course London continued to be bombed for the next four years, but the thought that while all this terror was occurring someone would buy a watch (and a jewellers would be open to sell it!) is a staggering testament to the bravery of the people.
CONDITION
The watch is running well, with the 4 jewel movement ticking strongly for more than 24 hours between winds. The dial is very clean for the age – the case isn’t waterproof, and most people smoked, and this combination often ruined dials. The acrylic glass could be original, and it has faded yellow. The 9k gold hinged case does have a dent on the non crown side, but shuts tightly.
This watch will be supplied with the original cardboard presentation box, guarantee papers from Bravingtons and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail.
SIZE
Width with crown 27.3 mm
Width without crown 25.4 mm
Between lugs 15 mm
Lug to lug length 36.0 mm
Case Thickness 7.4 mm
Bracelet maximum length n/a
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 1 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us.
