Hey guys,

Been on the hunt for Rectangular / Tank-style watches, preferably from the 1930s to 1950s. Any lead would be appreciated. Thanks!

Edit : I'm looking for untouched, unpolished condition. Stainless preferred. I mean brands like Hamilton, Longines, Cyma, Omega, UG etc.

 

I have a t17 that is almost finished. The dial was rifinished by a pro because it was really damaged. Otherwise the watch is in good condition.

Best

Jérôme

sorry that was supposed to be a private message...

 

Condition?
Gold?
Stainless?
Brands? or when you say "Tank" you only mean Cartier?

 

Untouched, unpolished condition. Stainless preferred. I mean brands like Hamilton, Longines, Cyma etc. Not necessarily Cartier. Thanks for making me clarify things!

 

1930?

look for jump hour. beware they are very expensive if branded.

 

Bump!

 

I’ve come across a guy who seems like a decent sort who restores old watches; he must like these Tank style models as he always seems to have them available on his site. I’ve never done business with but have communicated with him when I was hunting a pie pan. I believe his name is Brian and his store is

www.americanwatchfactory.com

Good luck with your quest!

 

Thanks for this lead. Will check it out!

 

Zenirh make a nice one

( Pic stolen from web and not checked for originality)

 

You're right, this is nice!

 

There are bad redials and then there are expensive, bad redials... These are the latter

 

I love OF and all the wise men on here, but it’s a little like the “Scarlet Letter” with the redial issue! I’m sure he fixes up some that aren’t redialed. I’m sure he doesn’t do that work himself either. Now, if he’s a lousy watchmaker, that’s a different story but making him into an outcaste just because he fulfills part of the market demand for great, old watches that need some cosmetic work doesn’t seem fair.

 

Businesswise, I don't think he is doing anything wrong at all - he clearly says that the dials are refinished which is as much as you could hope for. He is obviously of the (old) school of watchmaking where a proper service includes a cleaning of the dial.

And while it is true that for some marques (old American watches spring to mind) that isn't necessarily a big deal, it is for Omegas and 99% of all others when we are talking collectability - and that is exactly what we do on OF. Not commenting on the link and letting it be "unchallenged" would be to do a disservice for members, especially new ones, on OF and trying to guide newcomers in this hobby is a concern of mine.

 

Nice Omega inspiration in this thread,

https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-ads-catalog-sheets-for-t17-20f-caliber-watches.64350/