Passions Watch Exchange

About This Watch

Antique. No boxes or papers. This is a jumbo sized watch that was used in the age when watches were carried in coaches pulled by horses and occupants would look at time from these large watches held in their palms. Earlier ones would be carriage clocks of cubic nature with fragile plate glasses that fit into leather cases and were cumbersome.

This particular piece was made for and sold by the American retailer Black Starr & Frost in New York. The company exists today and is the oldest American jeweller having established in 1810 at 164 Broadway in New York. The firm created many illustrious products in it's history. The company's name was even mentioned in a song along with Cartier, Tiffany & Harry Winston by Marilyn Monroe in the movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

Everything is original to this watch except perhaps a replacement glass & maybe the crown which is a matching design but turned brass due to usage. The blued steel hands are matching style with a slightly decorative small seconds. The white enamel dial has over-sized Roman numerals styled after clock dials from railway stations for better visibility and gold leaf is used to decorate the facade which offers some opulence and style. There are some hairline cracks and a fracture between III & V o'clock which is likely the post position underneath the dial plate and is a common occurrence.

All hinges work well and tight with no major dents or deep scratches as can be seen. The movement shines with some oxidation on the plates that has decoration. To adjust time, one must depress the pin @ XI o'clock then adjust the crown to set so you do not pull the crown out as usual. This was the way time was set in the 19th and early 20th century. The watch works for about 5 days and may do more but we cannot guarantee this.

Overall, an impressive, large and very rare open face pocket watch suitable for display on your desk and one with intriguing American history. Imagine who it could have served over it's 100+ years of timekeeping & the 45mm Panerai Radiomir looks small next to it.

Sold with six months warranty.

Further 3% discount for cash payment.

*6% GST is applicable on top of our advertised prices for Malaysia sales only.