Known for their obsessive attention to detail, produced watches that were exciting, elegant, and extraordinarily well-crafted. Today these watches are prized by collectors and designers for their look and reliability.

Magnificence has many forms, one of which is this WWI era Illinois wristlet watch in its original, solid sterling silver case with rare integrated shrapnel guard. We cannot overstate the beauty of this 37mm by 33mm watch, from its original black dial with oversized boxcar numerals and restored "stained-glass" hands. This timepiece represents the first wave of the wristlet watch — later the wristwatch — coming from WWI era Europe. Influenced by the trench watches of the era, this watch sports a gorgeous, beefy case and substantial look men felt comfortable wearing. Remember, this timepiece is one of the first commercially manufactured wristwatches in the world: Prior to WWI, men considered wristlet watches effeminate. From this first wave of watches springs every wristwatch in the world today. We're exceedingly proud of this WWI era military timepiece and know you will be, too.

Open its engraved back and you'll find a magnificent little time-machine: a completely restored 15 ruby jeweled mechanical mechanism that keeps accurate time as it was intended. Engineered during a time when the automobile still sported wooden spokes, this historic wrist-machine, in all its perfection, is glorious. Few mechanisms today are as well engineered as this example.

We are delighted to offer this work of wrist art with a correct WWI era two-piece black cordovan strap, faithfully re-created right down to its sterling silver buckle.

As many of our fine buyers and repeat clients know, each day we offer a smattering of things we've picked up here and there, many fine watches and pieces of jewelry that for one reason or another we'll not be offering on our Web site – some new old stock! Take a moment to look through our eBay offerings and bypass the estate and yard sale madness for watches and outstanding pieces of Victorian and Deco jewelry –  many of which are running and pristine – that are ridiculously underpriced. Watches this week include a '20s ladies antique watch or two, '30s Deco pieces, a '40s military style wristwatch, and fine Retro stainless steel wristwatches that are representative of a style that’s becoming all the rage; as well as gold rings and vintage wire lug examples perfect for restoration. Coming up are sterling silver wristwatches and a few items dug out of the workbench drawer of a retired watchmaker or two. Don't know anything about wristwatches? Have no idea about your grandfather's railroad pocket watch? We're one of the Web's largest vintage wrist and pocket watch dealers and are delighted to answer any questions you have about the timepieces we offer or those heirlooms you're unsure of. We extend a heartfelt invitation to see our other offerings and stop by to find out what's next!