In the 1950's, no name better captured the idea of embracing the best life had to offer than that of Tiffany & Co. One of their special offerings to their most discriminating gentleman clients was a line of jeweled watches emblazoned with the Tiffany & Co. name on the dial. Although the maker's name were always hidden, the retailer contracted with a number of the world's fine watch and jewelry making firms to produce these treasured timepieces.

The exclusive mens wristwatch built especially for Tiffany & Co. showcased in this offering is a example of this phenomenon.

Its timelessly elegant Calatrava style case was made especially for Tiffany & Co by the esteemed casemaker Henry Blank.

Mr. Blank's company, Cresarrow of New York, was one of the best case manufacturers of the day. Founded in the late nineteenth century, Cresarrow contracted with Patek Philippe, Vacheron & Constantin, IWC, Tiffany & Co. and other firms to build certain cases for the U.S. market.

Cresarrow also supplied movements for Tiffany's watches, as is the case with this special watch. Evidence gathered by ourselves and others over the years suggests the company at times worked in collaboration with C.H. Meylan, a high grade niche manufacturer, and IWC Schaffhausen for production of their movements. For this watch the company used the new-at-the-time ETA 1256 ebauche.

The ETA 1256, which was released in 1950, was the very first self-winding movement from ETA, who would become the primary movement manufacturer in the Swiss watch industry and remains so to this day. This historically important movement employed a very modern bi-directional mechanism, which winds the movement in both directions of the rotor turning. The ETA 1256 is the founding father of all the ETA self-winding movements that have followed.

This handsome watch presents nicely on the wrist. Its case is in better than near mint condition and appears to have never been polished. An interesting functional design element of the case is its anti-magnetic design. It has an iron ring with cap that forms a Faraday cage around the movement protecting it from magnetic and electromagnetic fields and also offering another layer of physical protection.

Its dial features 1/5 second markings for precision timing, the most precise recording a watch of the era could have as it beat five times per second and each beat is recorded on the dial. It was restored in vintage times. Please inquire if you would like a fresh restoration.

One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. Photos of the inside available upon request.

For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new crocodile strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate attesting to its performance.

It's a great choice for someone looking for a very fine vintage piece that won't break the budget. Modern Tiffany watches don't match the charm and romance of this vintage original.

• Retailer: Tiffany & Co. / made by Cresarrow
• Country of Manufacture: Switzerland/USA
• Serial no.: 133,392
• Year built: 1950's
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Sweep Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Case condition: Better than near mint condition with only slight wear. It appears never to have been polished.
• Dial: Signed Tiffany & Co., silver, steel baton and Arabic indices, luminous hour dots, outer minutes/seconds track with 1/5 second markings, restored in vintage times. Please inquire if you would like it freshly restored.
• Hands: All original, luminous steel "batons" with counter-weighted "lollipop" seconds hand
• Movement type: Well-made, signed Cresarrow, ETA based caliber 1256, automatic, rhodium plated, decorated, index regulator
• Jewels: 17 rubies
• Band: Genuine crocodile, high quality, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn. We also stock a variety of other straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
• Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
• Serviced: One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Your watch is important to us, and we can take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide