1932 Art Deco 9ct gold Marlys rectangular cased watch with Telephone dial, FHF 29 movement
Marlys watch company were based in the famous La Chaux De Fonds. There were also known as Adie-Marlys Watch Co, with Crusader one of their brands. They are one of many watch brands that sprung up between the 1920s and the 1930s, whilst the wristwatch exploded into popularity. Swiss brands were seen as excellent quality and often used the UK as a main export destination.
The watch is well sized, measuring 21.5mm wide by 32mm long, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 37mm. The 9ct gold case is rectangular and subtly curved to fit the wrist neatly. It has an FHF manual wind movement which is functioning well. The watch is on a period correct, beautiful 1/5th 9ct Rolled Gold bracelet, with adjustment on the clasp. It is in great condition for the age and matches the watch well.
There is light surface scratching on the front of the case but no dents. The case is neatly curved to fit the wrist. The case back is 9ct gold and is hinged, snapping back into place. It is in good condition, with light surface scratching. There are two small dimpled dents visible in the images.
The inside of the case back has peerlage finishing and is signed Marlys Watch Co, Swiss Made. There are English hallmarks for imported 9ct gold, assayed at Glasgow assay office. The watch dates to 1932, with the date letter “j”.
The dial is in very good condition, having been restored to a high standard.
The restored dial is an excellent design and well executed. The black squares around the Arabic numerals create a very unique look. It has a silver base tone, with a matte finish to the centre and a silver satin finish to the top and bottom. This adds an interesting texture to the dial. The outside of the dial has a railroad track for the minutes.
The hands are original. They are in good condition with no bending and minimal corrosion. They original thermally blued finish has been replaced with a black paint to match the re-finished dial.
The crystal is a replacement which fits the profile of the watch perfectly. It is in very good condition.
The crown appears to be original matching the tone of the watch. It has a coin edge finish.
The movement is an FHF calibre 29. It is manual wind and has a sub-second hand. It has 15 jewels, a frequency of 18,000 BPH and a power reserve of 50 hours.
The service history is unknown, but the movement is in good condition cosmetically and is keeping acceptable time.
It has a daily gain of +137 seconds, with an amplitude of 241 degrees and a beat error of 0.9 m/s.
Postage:
International shipping available, but prices may be higher or lower dependent on the country of destination and the value of the watch. A new quote will be provided upon purchase/request.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Dial:
The dial is in very good condition, having been restored to a high standard.
The restored dial is an excellent design and well executed. The black squares around the Arabic numerals create a very unique look. It has a silver base tone, with a matte finish to the centre and a silver satin finish to the top and bottom. This adds an interesting texture to the dial. The outside of the dial has a railroad track for the minutes.
Hands:
The hands are original. They are in good condition with no bending and minimal corrosion. They original thermally blued finish has been replaced with a black paint to match the re-finished dial.
Glass:
The crystal is a replacement which fits the profile of the watch perfectly. It is in very good condition.
Crown:
The crown appears to be original matching the tone of the watch. It has a coin edge finish.
Case:
The front of the case is 9ct gold and is in good condition. There is light surface scratching on the front of the case but no dents. The case is neatly curved to fit the wrist.
Caseback:
The case back is 9ct gold and is hinged, snapping back into place. It is in good condition, with light surface scratching. There are two small dimpled dents visible in the images.
The inside of the case back has peerlage finishing and is signed Marlys Watch Co, Swiss Made. There are English hallmarks for imported 9ct gold, assayed at Glasgow assay office. The watch dates to 1932, with the date letter “j”.
Strap:
The watch is on a period correct, beautiful 1/5th 9ct Rolled Gold bracelet, with adjustment on the clasp. It is in great condition for the age and matches the watch well.
Movement:
The movement is an FHF calibre 29. It is manual wind and has a sub-second hand. It has 15 jewels, a frequency of 18,000 BPH and a power reserve of 50 hours.
The service history is unknown, but the movement is in good condition cosmetically and is keeping acceptable time.
It has a daily gain of +137 seconds, with an amplitude of 241 degrees and a beat error of 0.9 m/s.
Case dimensions:
Case width: 21.5mm
Case width with crown: 23.5mm
Case length: 32mm
Case length lug to lug: 37mm
Case Depth: 8.5mm
Lug width: 17.5mm