This war time Avia men’s wrist watch has screw down case back and screw down bezel to the solid gold case.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the Chester hallmark on the case back we can accurately date this watch to being assayed in late 1944 or early 1945.
CONDITION
Watches that survive and run well from wartime England are quite rare, and this Avia gold watch has lots going for it. The bezel and the case back edges are machined in such a way to enable you to get a grip to twist them off. This requires a bit more gold for the case when manufacturing, and is more complex to machine, than a simple snap case back. The case back does have a scratch, but has not been engraved. During the chaos of a World War people still went about their business, making, selling and buying gold watches. The hand wound movement is clean and running reasonably well, winding and setting easily and adjusted to run within a minute a day. The dial has gilt numerals and, while it does show some patina and staining, it is still clear and legible. The leaf hands are very clean, and probably are 9k gold too. The watch is fitted with a barely worn leather strap with gold tone buckle. Men’s watches were much smaller in the Forties, so this watch could suit men or women now.
This watch will be supplied with our Certificate of Authenticity.
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SIZE
Width with crown 31.6 mm
Width without crown 30.4 mm
Between lugs 18 mm
Lug to lug length 32.0 mm
Case Thickness 10.0 mm
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. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
