In the 1950’s, no name better captured the idea of embracing the best life had to offer than that of Tiffany & Co. One of their special offerings to their most discriminating gentleman clients was a line of jeweled watches emblazoned with the Tiffany & Co. name on the dial. Although the maker’s name was always hidden, the retailer contracted with a number of the world’s fine watch and jewelry making firms to produce these treasured timepieces.

The exclusive mens wristwatch built especially for Tiffany & Co. showcased in this offering is a wonderful example of this phenomenon.

Its timelessly elegant Calatrava style case was made especially for Tiffany & Co by the esteemed casemaker Henry Blank. It is 35mm in diameter, in between the diameter of a Rolex Date and a Datejust.

Mr. Blank’s company, Cresarrow of New York, was one of the best case manufacturers of the day. Founded in the late nineteenth century, Cresarrow contracted with Patek Philippe, Vacheron & Constantin, IWC, Tiffany & Co. and other firms to build certain cases for the U.S. market.

Cresarrow also supplied movements for Tiffany’s watches, as is the case with this special watch. Evidence suggests the company at times worked in collaboration with C.H. Meylan, a high grade niche manufacturer, and IWC Schaffhausen for production of their movements. For this watch the company used the new-at-the-time ETA 1256 ebauche.

The ETA 1256, which was released in 1950, was the very first self-winding movement from ETA, who would become the primary movement manufacturer in the Swiss watch industry. This historically important movement employed a very modern bi-directional mechanism, which winds the movement in both directions. The ETA 1256 is the father of origin of all the ETA selfwinding movements that have followed.

We have just finished a true expertly done restoration – it presents on the wrist very handsomely! The case which has been very skillfully lightly polished, presents as mint on the wrist. The dial has been meticulously restored by one of the leading dial experts in North America.

Our Master Watchmaker has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn engine components with correct replacements, reassembling and lubricating the movement, replacing all of the waterproofing seals with new gaskets, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $495 value).

Included with the purchase is a full one-year international warranty, a Certificate of Authenticity, a new timing certificate attesting to its performance.

For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new crocodile strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate attesting to its performance.

If you are looking for a special treasure for someone in your life, this is it. Modern Tiffany watches don’t match the charm and romance of this vintage original.

• Retailer: Tiffany & Co. / made by Cresarrow
• Country of Manufacture: Switzerland/USA
• Serial no.: 137,539
• Year built: 1950’s
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Subsidiary Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Case condition: Excellent condition with remnants of wear to the back – it presents as mint on the wrist
• Dial: Signed Tiffany & Co. silver, gold Arabic and dart indices, prominent railroad minute track with 1/5 second markings, meticulously restored
• Dimensions: 35mm wide (excluding crown), 42mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Hands: Original, gold “feuilles”
• Movement type: Well-made, Cresarrow, ETA based caliber 1256, automatic, rhodium plated, decorated, index regulator
• Jewels: 17 rubies
• Band:Genuine crocodile, high quality, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn. We also stock a variety of other straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you’re interested.
• Crystal type: Acrylic, vintage or original, very good condition
• Serviced: Yes, fully serviced by our Master Watchmaker. All waterproofing gaskets replaced with new seals. If you would like more information on our watchmaking team please visit: http://www.connoisseuroftime.com/pages/team.htm
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Your watch is important to us, and we can take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email [email protected] for details
• Box/Papers: BOX – watch presentation box; PAPERS – Custom printed Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee