Here we have a lovely example of a 1920s T Gaunt & Co, Melbourne, Art Deco silver cased rectangular tank watch. It has the well sized case measuring just over 25mm wide by 31mm in length without lugs. It has the eye-catching rectangular silver sector dial. It has the Italic stylised Arabic numerals with the silver foil framing which extends on to the 9, 12 and 3 markers. It has the thermally blued Breguet style hands. Inside the case has Swiss hallmarking for Sterling Silver. The movement is a 15 jewel Rotary movement which is in good condition and is keeping accurate time.

The history:
Colonial Melbourne developed significantly in the second half of the 19th century. It relied heavily on numerous public clocks, prior to the widespread use of pocket watches. Thomas Gaunt was the maker of many of the famous large-scale clocks in Melbourne.

He was an English clockmaker who came to Melbourne in 1952, near the beginning of Victorias gold rush. He set up his store on Bourke Street, offering a variety of quality goods such as watches, clocks, jewellery and optics.

His Flinders Street station tower clock was positioned directly at the end of Elizabeth street, was built in 1910. This was and is a focal point with its red and gold tower.

He also made clocks for the General Post Office and towns of Malvern and Camperdown.

Perhaps an even more captivating creation was his figures of Gog and Magog in the Royal Arcade, where Gaun’ts shop was positioned during the height of his business. They sat either side of his clocks face and animated to strike the iron bells on the quarters.

The watch:
When I first saw this watch, I was immediately drawn to the dial. Firstly, the proudly signed retailer name below 12, is famous as an early manufacturer in Australia. This is particularly interesting due to the geographical distance during the period. It was tough to get further away from Switzerland than areas such as Australia, requiring long ocean travel. Companies such as T Gaunt & Co were vital in bringing accurate wearable timekeeping to the population.

Secondly, the design is magnificent. It has the rectangular silver sectored dial with the Art Deco stylised Italic Arabic numerals. The outside of the dial has the railroad minute track with the radial dash markers. The main section of the dial is framed with the silver foil surround which catches the eye. This extends with segments stretching to cover the 9, 12 and 3 o’clock markers. The inner sector is a encompasses the signing and extends to the bottom to include the rectangular sub-second register. The hands are the classic Breguet style with the thermally blued tone.

The case is well proportioned measuring just under 26mm wide with a length of 31mm without lugs. The lugs take the total length to 39mm. It has an impressive lug width of 20mm which increases the presence on the wrist.

It is a classic rectangular case of the period with the polished finish. It has the smooth bevelled surround to the dial, which falls away to the flat case sides. The bezel holds the convex curved crystal which is original to the watch. To the right is the thin and neat coin edge crown. The case back is free of engraving and has the polished finish. Inside it is marked with Swiss hallmarking for sterling silver. It has the batch and reference number 16 1706.

The movement is a reliable 15 jewel Swiss lever calibre from Rotary. It has the winged wheel logo to the ratchet wheel. It is manually wound. The service history is unknown, but it is in good condition, keeping accurate time to within +20 seconds per day with a strong amplitude.

The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
A further condition report is below.

Dial:
The dial is original and is in strong antique condition. It has the light speckled ageing with some light scratches in areas. The signing is good and clear. It has some small dots of wear.

Hands:
The hands are original and are in good condition. They are of Breguet style with the bright thermally blued finish.

Glass:
The original crystal is in good condition with light marking. It has some minor nicks to the edges, as expected with age.

Crown:
The crown appears original and is in good condition with light wear associated with age.

Case:
The case is formed of sterling silver and has the original polished finish. It has light marking and some tarnishing.

Caseback:
The hinged back is formed of sterling silver and is in good condition with light marking. It seals tightly.

Strap:
The leather strap is lightly worn. It is glued in place, designed to fit silver fixed bar lugs.

Movement:
The movement is a good quality Rotary 15 jewel Swiss lever calibre.
The service history is unknown, but it is in good condition, keeping accurate time to within +20 seconds per day with an amplitude of 270 degrees and a beat error of 1.6m/s

Case dimensions
Case width: 25.5mm
Case width with crown: 27.5mm
Case length: 30.75mm
Case length lug to lug: 39mm
Case depth: 9.5mm
Lug width: 20mm

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