There was no higher status symbol of finance and business before the advent of Rolls-Royce and Pierce-Arrow automobiles than a heavy gold watch. On a quiet night this 130-year-old survivor can tell you of times past, before the days of Marconi's new wireless and Grover Cleveland's two non-consecutive presidential terms in office. Don't miss this handsome reminder of the days when the phrase "Made in America" still meant something.
The Columbus Watch Company was formed in 1874 by German immigrant Dietrich Gruen, producing only around a half-million watches before the factory was purchased by the car-building Studebaker brothers just after the turn of the century. Their 18-size model was available in open-face and hunter configurations in both lever-set and a half-dozen pendant-set arrangements. This 16-jewel example appears to be an entirely original combination, an increasingly rare thing in these greedy times of flippers and scrappers. It's been freshly cleaned and restored with a new alloy mainspring and new enamel in the plate engravings, with all of its original jewels still in their polished gold settings. It fronts a Roman-numeral dial with the full signature and red subs behind blued fleur-de-lis hands and a glass crystal. The Columbia gold-filled case is in exceptional condition with lids that don't overextend, tight hinges, and a matching crown and bow.
Manufacturer - Columbus
Serial Number - 132997
Watch Size - 18
Watch Model - 2 (Hunting)
Jewel Count - 16
Winding/Setting - Stem/Lever
Production Year - 1889
Straps are an alternative to chains, which don't grind up the metal bows. Prevent drops with these supple straps, hand-braided from top-grain leather in your choice of colors.
Safely store or display your favorite pieces in a custom wooden cabinet, designed and built to your specifications in your choice of domestic species, finishes, hardware and lighting packages.
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