The one watch in your collection which you rate having the most historic significance

[cruvon]

Hi, thought this would be an interesting topic, would be a pleasure to see the one watch in your collection which you believe is hugely historic.(read not rare, more like say a watch with huge provenance that was associated with key events in world/human history, it doesn't have to be that ground breaking, could be one that had huge significance through your personal/family history too)

[DiamondJack]

Probably for me my Bulova Accutron Spaceview even though its one of my least expensive watches. It was the world's first electronic watch introduced in October 1960 and was the first watch to keep time through electronics and the revolutionary concept of not using springs or escapement. The tuning fork technology was used on 46 NASA space flights timing equipment.

Bulova as a company also have a huge number of firsts like the first company to introduce a full range of mens jewelled wrist watches in 1919. The worlds first clock radio in 1928, the first television commercial in 1941. The accutron began development in 1952 and was the first breakthrough in timekeeping in over 300 years. It has to be up there in terms of historic provenance and should be in every enthusiast's watch collection IMO.

[tucsonrick]

Originally Posted by DiamondJack

Probably for me my Bulova Accutron Spaceview even though its one of my least expensive watches. It was the world's first electronic watch introduced in October 1960 and was the first watch to keep time through electronics and the revolutionary concept of not using springs or escapement. The tuning fork technology was used on 46 NASA space flights timing equipment.

Bulova as a company also have a huge number of firsts like the first company to introduce a full range of mens jewelled wrist watches in 1919. The worlds first clock radio in 1928, the first television commercial in 1941. The accutron began development in 1952 and was the first breakthrough in timekeeping in over 300 years. It has to be up there in terms of historic provenance and should be in every enthusiast's watch collection IMO.

You're absolutely right. Electronic watches changed the game for time keeping. After this, one did not need an expensive Rolex (or similar) to keep accurate time; an inexpensive electronic watch will keep better time than a Rolex ever will (on average). Before this watch, Rolex sold as a superbly accurate time piece with good style and status. Afterwards, Rolex had to evolve to an adequate time piece with great style and image - a transition that Rolex made better than anyone could have imagined.

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by DiamondJack

Probably for me my Bulova Accutron Spaceview even though its one of my least expensive watches. It was the world's first electronic watch introduced in October 1960 and was the first watch to keep time through electronics and the revolutionary concept of not using springs or escapement. The tuning fork technology was used on 46 NASA space flights timing equipment.

Bulova as a company also have a huge number of firsts like the first company to introduce a full range of mens jewelled wrist watches in 1919. The worlds first clock radio in 1928, the first television commercial in 1941. The accutron began development in 1952 and was the first breakthrough in timekeeping in over 300 years. It has to be up there in terms of historic provenance and should be in every enthusiast's watch collection IMO.

wow, never saw anything like it:)

[DiamondJack]

Originally Posted by tucsonrick

You're absolutely right. Electronic watches changed the game for time keeping. After this, one did not need an expensive Rolex (or similar) to keep accurate time; Before this watch, Rolex sold as a superbly accurate time piece with good style and status. Afterwards, Rolex had to evolve to an adequate time piece with great style and image - a transition that Rolex made better than anyone could have imagined.

Originally Posted by cruvon

wow, never saw anything like it:)

Thanks Guys and yes it is a very unusual looking watch.... It actually audibly hums if you put it to your ear which, I suppose given the tuning fork run mechanism, is not surprising.... but just very weird. The rotation of the second hand is actually smoother that any of my automatic watches. It is a Swiss made version from 1964 (most were made in the US) and given it's the the first electronic watch and first real change in watch making for over 300 years, it is definitely the one with the most historic significance in my collection. A better photo below

[jvo300]

This ain't vintage, but it's an homage to a watch with plenty of history!

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by DiamondJack

Thanks Guys and yes it is a very unusual looking watch.... It actually audibly hums if you put it to your ear which, I suppose given the tuning fork run mechanism, is not surprising.... but just very weird. The rotation of the second hand is actually smoother that any of my automatic watches. It is a Swiss made version from 1964 (most were made in the US) and given it's the the first electronic watch and first real change in watch making for over 300 years, it is definitely the one with the most historic significance in my collection. A better photo below

btw where do you service this beauty?..Surely not with the quintessential Bob Ridley:)

[DiamondJack]

Originally Posted by cruvon

btw where do you service this beauty?..Surely not with the quintessential Bob Ridley:)

I'm in London so unfortunately, the famous Bob Ridley (who is in the US) is out of reach.

But I use a mixture of people and for this and other watches where there is not a well known specialist available, i use the Antique Watch Company http://www.antiquewatchcouk.com/ in Clerkenwell Road in London..... which unfortunately is a bit too near to my office because they also sell watches...... But they have specialist old school watch guys including an amazing ex-Omega guy and can deal with most other brands including this. I also tracked down an original Bulova Spaceview technical repair manual which I have given them a copy of just in case....

There has also been a watch company on this site for a couple of hundred years so a long tradition of watch and clock repairs.

[slcbbrown]

Originally Posted by DiamondJack

Probably for me my Bulova Accutron Spaceview even though its one of my least expensive watches. It was the world's first electronic watch introduced in October 1960 and was the first watch to keep time through electronics and the revolutionary concept of not using springs or escapement. The tuning fork technology was used on 46 NASA space flights timing equipment.

Bulova as a company also have a huge number of firsts like the first company to introduce a full range of mens jewelled wrist watches in 1919. The worlds first clock radio in 1928, the first television commercial in 1941. The accutron began development in 1952 and was the first breakthrough in timekeeping in over 300 years. It has to be up there in terms of historic provenance and should be in every enthusiast's watch collection IMO.

I couldn't come up with anything for myself.

[jamesbondOO7]

My first Rolex, bought 25 years ago when I became 30: an SS DJ.

[Chris B]

Only historical significant as it's from my birth-year (1956)

[ob1]

Cool looking watches Jack and Chris!

[greekbum]

Although I have several watches with historical significance the 1 that matters to me is my 16750 GMT that I bought as a teenager and wear daily.

[HL65]

3 actually:
1. Comex 5514 used on deepest dive in Comex history.
2. 5513 Milsub- full spec with HH letter- one of last few he did along with Morgan Kings from Jed.
3. 1655 Striaght hand- purchased at Military PX in HK by a Lt. and documented thru it's military life and travels.

[Racer X]

The first red sub:

[YetiBiker]

The "transitional" 5510.


Top View 2.jpg

[HL65]

Originally Posted by YetiBiker

The "transitional" 5510.


Attachment 211072

Oh yeah!! It's a bird...it's a plane....it's Superman Bob!! Killer BC my friend and amazing provenance !!

[YetiBiker]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Oh yeah!! It's a bird...it's a plane....it's Superman Bob!! Killer BC my friend and amazing provenance !!

Thanks my friend

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

3 actually:
1. Comex 5514 used on deepest dive in Comex history.
2. 5513 Milsub- full spec with HH letter- one of last few he did along with Morgan Kings from Jed.
3. 1655 Striaght hand- purchased at Military PX in HK by a Lt. and documented thru it's military life and travels.

You've got some amazing historical pieces with you there Ken. Btw who is HH and why were they the last few he did? Would love to hear the stories about that 1655, post them if possible:)

[TempoKing]

Originally Posted by cruvon

Hi, thought this would be an interesting topic, would be a pleasure to see the one watch in your collection which you believe is hugely historic.(read not rare, more like say a watch with huge provenance that was associated with key events in world/human history, it doesn't have to be that ground breaking, could be one that had huge significance through your personal/family history too)

My watch was part of a key event....On display at the grand opening
of the first Rolex Store in London's Hatton garden Nov. 1915

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatton_Garden

Wire lugs, Enamel dial, Silver case, both top and bottom Screw back and front, Subsidiary seconds
with very rare glass protective cage - observe the hour openings in the shape of tears and hearts.
I am thinking of selling for $300.000

[eparisini]

6263 fap

[Beaumont Miller II]

Great looking watches everyone. Anastasios, I have been curious to know what that watch looked like ever since I saw your first thread. Finding a watch with a rich and unique story is what makes collecting so much fun. Earlier this year I purchased a 5513 with a meters first dial from 1967. The original owner purchased the watch in Atsugi Japan, wore the watch for a couple of tours in Vietnam where he parchuted behind enemy lines and wore it for training exercises during submarine insertion on hostile soil. When he retired from the Marines he wore the watch on his around the world sail on his sailboat. He was a crew of one. The trip took 3.5 years to complete. While at sea his boat was run over by a tanker, and while in Mobassa Kenya, thugs tried to take his watch. There are pics of him on the internet wearing the watch as he completed his journey sailing into the harbor in Hawaii. The original owner has even been so gracious as to answer any questions I have about the watch via email. It is the one that almost got away from me and remains of the favorites in my collection. Thanks for asking.

[Racer X]

Originally Posted by Beaumont Miller II

While at sea his boat was run over by a tanker, and while in Mobassa Kenya, thugs tried to take his watch.

How'd he hold on to the watch despite the thugs' efforts. (gets popcorn)

[Beaumont Miller II]

Originally Posted by Racer X

How'd he hold on to the watch despite the thugs' efforts. (gets popcorn)

His boat was not damaged to the point that it was not sailable. He reported the incident to the maritime authorities but nothing was done. To some extent they placed him partly to blame for not having a crew to keep watch. Regarding the mugging attempt, fortunately for him he was Special Forces/Recon in the military. To view a copy of the letter typed by the owner that I now have, search "combat 5513" in the for sale section.

[bluemartinifan]

Originally Posted by Beaumont Miller II

Great looking watches everyone. Anastasios, I have been curious to know what that watch looked like ever since I saw your first thread. Finding a watch with a rich and unique story is what makes collecting so much fun. Earlier this year I purchased a 5513 with a meters first dial from 1967. The original owner purchased the watch in Atsugi Japan, wore the watch for a couple of tours in Vietnam where he parchuted behind enemy lines and wore it for training exercises during submarine insertion on hostile soil. When he retired from the Marines he wore the watch on his around the world sail on his sailboat. He was a crew of one. The trip took 3.5 years to complete. While at sea his boat was run over by a tanker, and while in Mobassa Kenya, thugs tried to take his watch. There are pics of him on the internet wearing the watch as he completed his journey sailing into the harbor in Hawaii. The original owner has even been so gracious as to answer any questions I have about the watch via email. It is the one that almost got away from me and remains of the favorites in my collection. Thanks for asking.

A WONDERFUL STORY - History is a big reason why we buy vintage Rolex.
I wish I had more knowledge about the history of my recently acquired 1 owner 1967 5513. I do have the original papers, so I know where and when it was purchased. That's a start

[T-Rip]

for me it has to be my DSSD, its what my father bought me after I passed the bar exam here in CA...

[conrail]

Vijay & Dave: I love those pics, great watches y'all!

[Racer X]

Originally Posted by Beaumont Miller II

Regarding the mugging attempt, fortunately for him he was Special Forces/Recon in the military. To view a copy of the letter typed by the owner that I now have, search "combat 5513" in the for sale section.

This guy was a bad a$$.

Originally Posted by conrail

Vijay & Dave: I love those pics, great watches y'all!

Thanks conrail!

[YetiBiker]

Originally Posted by conrail

Vijay & Dave: I love those pics, great watches y'all!

Thanks Conrail

[1675-David]

Got to be my speedie