Like today, 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 were Tiffany & Co. branded watches, many of which were made for the company by one of the fine manufacturers.

Although the maker's name was often hidden, the retailer contracted with a number of the world's fine watch and jewelry making firms to produce these treasured timepieces.

Today's offering showcases this classically elegant Tiffany & Co. mens automatic watch made by Movado for the prestigious retailer .

During Movado's glorious period from 1912 through the 1950's, when such innovations as the polyplan movement, Calendomatic, and exceptional in-house chronographs pushed the envelope of horological technology, and original designs such as the Museum watch took their place in history, their wristwatches enjoyed a level of prestige reserved only for works of the finest watchmakers.

Its case is masculinely elegant with curved semi-bombe lugs. Unlike many examples that had U.S. made contract cases, this is a true fully Swiss creation.

For the movement Movado used its very fine "in-house" Cal. 115 movement made at the company's workshop in La Chaux-de-Fonds, which it claimed was the world's thinnest automatic movement at the time. It's a wonderful movement with an distinctive design.

It has all original parts down to the dial and hands. The handsome case is better than near mint with only slight wear and crisp, never having been significantly polished. On the wrist it looks just short of mint.

One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled. It is running strong and very true. Photos of the inside available upon request.

For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new Java lizard 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.

If you are looking for a special treasure for someone in your life, this is it. Modern Tiffany watches don't match the charm and romance of this vintage original.

Note: Similar watches are published in John Loring's work Tiffany Timepieces, 2004.

• Maker: Movado
• Retailer: Tiffany & Co.
• Country of manufacture: Switzerland
• Model: Ref. 48485
• Year sold: c. 1956
• Functions: Hours, Minutes and Subsidiary Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 14K gold
• Case condition: Better than near mint with only slight wear and crisp, never having been significantly polished. On the wrist it looks just short of mint.
• Case inside: Movado Factories, Swiss, Swiss hallmarks, A2130767, 14K
• Dial: Egg-shell, gold applique dart and Arabic indices, signed Tiffany & Co., original and untouched, excellent condition
• Dimensions: 33mm wide (excluding crown), 40mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Hands: Original, gold "dauphines"
• Movement type: Cal. 115, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating flat balance spring
• Movement markings: Movado Factories, Swiss, Seventeen Jewels, 3917
• Band: Java lizard , fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn, equipped with unsigned buckle
• 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