Here we have a super sleek 1930s full stainless steel Rectangular tank watch. It is a neat vintage gents sizing of 18.5mm x 32.25mm. It has the triple stepped design which enhances the case. The top and bottom are bevelled which creates the angular presence. The dial is a silver satin finish with the exaggerated arrow hour markers, with differentiated double marker at 12 and has the exaggerated railroad minute track to reflect the markers. The sub-second register sits at 6 with the square shape. The hands are a silver sword style with a polished finish. To the right is the neat crown with the coin edge and polished face. The case back has the personal engraving “CHICK” 1934’, which we love due to it appearing as an affectionate nickname. Inside the case is marked as being Swiss made, of ‘rustless steel’. The movement is a tonneau shaped Swiss lever calibre from Aurore Villeret, which has 15 jewels and is marked as adjusted to 3 positions. It has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time.

The “Chick” watch. We originally purchased this watch for three reasons. Firstly, it’s engraving stood out as something incredibly sweet from the period. “CHICK” 1934’ gives us a fun and appealing nickname engraved to the rear of the watch. Secondly, the case is formed fully of stainless steel, which was still rather uncommon during the era. And thirdly, The subsequent design of the watch. The case has a lovely angular shape, with the stepped sides. The dial is a combination of the earlier art deco ‘exaggerated’ designs with the fresher arrow hour markers of the mid 1930s. Despite being unbranded, the more you look at this watch, the more its quality speaks to you.

The dial is simple and elegant. The lightly patinated silver satin tone sets the base. To the exterior is the exaggerated railroad minute track of the rectangular shape. The corners pull it, with it stretching towards them. The hour markers follow the same exaggerated layout and are of the arrowhead design. The choice of markers and the layout leads to an incredibly well-balanced design. At 12 o’clock is the double arrow marker to differentiate it. At 6 o’clock is the square sub-second register which has the individual graduations, 5 second dashes and Arabic numerals to the 10 second graduations. The hour and minute hands are of the sword style in a silver tone with polished finish, which contrasts well against the dial.

The case is a neat sizing with the width of 18.5mm without crown. It has a length of 32.25mm, which stretched to 40.25mm with the lugs, adding presence. It is slim and comfortable given its low profile at 7.6mm deep. It is a classic gents tank size of the period, which is effortlessly elegant on any wrist diameter.
It is formed of ‘Rustless Steel’ and has a two-piece construction with the solid front and the rear of the case holding the movement securely within it. It is a rectangular case with the thin section framing the bezel, before the top and bottom bevel downwards towards the wrist. This creates an angular design which interacts with the light. To the sides there is the double banded section which flows into the lugs. This creates a triple stepped dimension to the case which further enhances the intrigue on the wrist. The sides of the case are flat with the polished finish and to the right is the neat crown with coin edge and polished face. The lugs are fixed bars which are good and strong. The case back has the flat face with the bevelled edges. It is engraved “Chick” 1934’. Inside it is signed as being Swiss made and formed of ‘Rustless Steel’. It is marked with the serial number ‘679962’.

The movement is a tonneau shaped Swiss lever calibre from Aurore Villeret, which has 15 jewels and is marked as adjusted to 3 positions. We love the use of such shaped movements in this period as they were specifically built to fit neatly within rectangular cases. It has been recently serviced and is keeping time to within 1 minute variation per day.

The watch comes on a vintage leather strap, with metal tabs holding it in place.

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

Dial:
The dial is original and is in good vintage condition with a lightly darkened, speckled patination. To the exterior is has darkened more. The signing is good and clear. The hour markers have corroded slightly with age.

Hands:
The hands are original and are in good condition. They are the bright silver with an even tone and no signs of corrosion or bending.

Glass:
The acrylic crystal id in good condition with only light marking associated with age.

Case:
The case is formed of steel and is in strong condition. It has light scratching and some marking associated with ageing. It remains original and unpolished.

Case back:
The case back is in strong condition. It has the personal engraving. It also has some light marking to either end from historic poor opening attempts.

Strap:
The watch comes on a vintage leather strap, with metal tabs holding it in place. It will fit up to a 7” wrist diameter. A new, larger strap can be provided if needed.

Movement:
The movement is a tonneau shaped Swiss lever calibre from Aurore Villeret, which has 15 jewels and is marked as adjusted to 3 positions.
It has been recently serviced and is keeping time to within 1 minute variation per day, with a strong amplitude of 300 degrees.

Case Dimensions:
Case width: 18.5mm
Case width with crown: 20mm
Case length: 32.25mm
Case length lug to lug: 40.25mm
Case Depth: 7.6mm
Lug width: 14mm