Tavannes ‘American’ Driver’s Watch circa 1920’s

This circa 100 year old Tavannes wristwatch feature some special details. Its design is specifically designed to accommodate the needs of a driver or a pilot. When on the wrist, and behind a wheel, reading the time from this angled dial is easier when compared to normal wristwatches. Furthermore, the enamel dial show beautiful colours. A red minute track strongly contrasts to the blue steel hands, and large black Arabic numerals. The 32.5 mm measuring, nickel case, has soldered lugs and still bears the original glass crystal. Inside, runs a very well finished Tavannes caliber 330, modified to feature central seconds, in stead of small seconds at 6 ‘o clock, which was more standart at the time. This also fits the overal configuration of the watch, where clear legibility is one of its key features.

For the nerds: The movement is signed with, ‘US PAT 24 MAY 1904’, which refers to a patent. Patent US 760647, or CH 28243 to be precise. This patent describes the negative stem winding and setting mechanism, which explains why there is no ‘stem release’ screw present, on the backside of the movement.