Tavannes, Solid 9k Project (Service Required)

Tavannes Watch Co. 9ct Rose Gold Art Deco Tonneau, 1931/32

Manual wind Tavannes 15 jewel movement.

A characterful early 1930’s Tavannes, housed in a beautifully proportioned tonneau shaped case. Measuring 25mm across, the elongated 35mm case and generous dial opening give the watch considerably more presence on the wrist than its dimensions might suggest.

The solid 9ct rose gold case is particularly interesting. Made in Switzerland for the British market, it carries the 9 .375 gold standard and Glasgow import hallmarks dating it to 1931/32. It also bears the Swiss Poinçon de Maître No.2 ‘hammer with handle’ mark, numbered 115, associated with specialist case manufacturer A. & M. Favre & Perret of La Chaux-de-Fonds. The case weighs approximately 11 grams without the movement.

A lovely detail, easily missed from the front, is the finely engraved geometric decoration running along the case sides. This repeating angular Art Deco pattern adds a surprising amount of interest when viewed from different angles.

The silvery white dial is pure Art Deco, with its stylised oversized Arabic numerals, geometric inner minute track and subsidiary seconds at six. Combined with the elegant handset and curved gold case, it makes for a very handsome and unmistakably period piece.

Inside is a signed Tavannes Watch Co. 15 jewel manually wound movement, marked ‘Patented’, ‘Swiss Made’ and ‘Adjusted’.

A Personal Note:-

From the front it's a restrained early Art Deco tonneau, but turn it over in your hand and the engraved case sides reveal a level of detail which isn't immediately obvious.

The oversized numerals, subsidiary seconds and elongated gold case work beautifully together. Small by modern standards perhaps, but properly proportioned and packed with period character. This one is being offered as something of a project; the movement runs well, but requires a proper service before being put back into regular use. A potentially very rewarding little watch for someone.

Condition:-

This piece is presented in honest and very pleasing vintage condition.

The solid 9ct gold case shows the expected signs of careful use associated with a watch approaching a century old, but retains its attractive tonneau shape and good definition. Particularly pleasing is the survival of the geometric engraving along the case sides, which remains well defined and would very easily have been lost through excessive wear or polishing.

The crystal is fully intact, completely sound and has been buffed to allow the dial to shine.

The various British and Swiss hallmarks inside the caseback also remain clear, as does the stamp on the fixed lug bar at the 6 o’clock end.

The dial, although really quite clean, does show some age and patination as one would expect and as can be seen in the photographs. But it retains all its original detail and a huge amount of character. The overall appearance is very attractive indeed.

Movement:-

This watch is powered by a signed Tavannes Watch Co. 15 jewel manually wound movement.

The movement is currently running and winding, however timing is erratic and there is no known recent service history. I am therefore offering the watch on the basis that it requires a movement service before regular use. This is one of those watches that I just don’t have time for.

As such, this should be considered a running vintage project rather than a freshly serviced, ready-to-wear watch.

Given its age and design, this piece should not be considered waterproof.

This piece will be supplied on a new open-ended 14mm leather strap.