The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi I need some help I have my Grandmothers LEVITAN gold wristwatch and would like to know some information about it. I t's about 100 years old has a unique 4 strap desing with small diamonds a the strap/watch join points. Can anyone direct me to a place where I can get some info Thanks in advance frank

Can you post some pictures?

Is it definitely spelt Levitan?

i'm having my son do that now any special place?

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Hmm.

Well I can find no reference to Levitan anywhere in my references, which makes me think that might be either the model or possibly a dealer. I'm also not sure that it was actually designed for the wrist - the bracelet goes the wrong way, but then I'm not sure what it would have been for if not the wrist.

It's certainly an intriguing piece - is there any chance of a movement shot? In particular I would be interested in any engraving inside the watch - a name, or letter code perhaps.

I found under antique levitan wristwatch a watch of the same name but in plat. the site showed the movement the watch hade a black strap band. I can remember my grandmother wearing it on her wrist. I will go to my jewler to take the movement pics. thanks again frank P.S The watch is really beautiful and it works.

Hi Again I really wasn't clear about the band being the wrong way but after looking again at the watch I see what you mean! I believe the jewler put the face back on the watch wrong if that can be done.frank

It must have been a very small firm if it wasn't a trading name of another manufacturer - I've checked all of my modern references as well as some period sources and even things like Bestfit to try and find movement manufacture references and there is nothing like it. I'm not even sure if it's Swiss (movement should help with that).

In terms of the dial being replaced incorrectly, that's certainly possible - it looks like a square dial. Usually the dial feet only fit one way, but that may not be the case with these early ones.

Thanks so much for all your input and searching. I will have my jewler take the back off the watch and I will take some pictures then have my son post them. Thanks again frank

No problem!

You want to particularly look for:

A bridge (metal plate) with any writing on it

A manufacturer code - 3 letters which are probably on the balance cock (metal plate roughly triangular in shape that may have a piece on top of it for adjusting the rate)

Any symbol inside something that is roughly shield shaped, and any number that is close to that.


This one is really interesting!

A really nice piece of jewelery/horologerie/art! Thanks for sharing.

Peace

Mike

Sorry for the double post, I just thought of something else. As to whether the watch dial is aligned "properly" or not . . . it might have been designed this way.

Consider what a graceful gesture it would be for a lady to check the time this way, by extending her arm outward, palm down or out, fingers extended. A very feminine and appropriate gesture, in my humble opinion, as opposed to the usual masculine way of barring the chest with the left forearm, fist closed.

Imagine wearing the watch in its present alignment, with the 12 o'clock- 6 o'clock axis extending down the arm, and you'll see what I mean.

Peace

Mike

Dial is definitely on the wrong way round. Crown should be at 12 o'clock. I've actually received a few PMs about this as well - it clearly has sparked some interest.

As best I can tell Levitan is a jeweller (I assume jewellery retailer), I've found a few other Levitan branded pieces - ear rings, neclaces, etc.

The movement seems to be from a Swiss firm (Grenchen) called Wega SA. They didn't exist until 1924 and were one of the early vicitms of the Quartz revolution (1973). This is clearly an early piece - 20s or early 30s.

Hi Again, I think your time table is correct. My grandmother lived in the Bronx/harlem area in that time frame so possibly a New York Jeweler. I have not been able to go to my jeweler to take pictures yet but will soon, its amazing how you have something for so many years in a safe and then you look at it one day and realize how differant and unique it is. Thanks again for all your help and comments. I'm still awaiting arrival of my B01 frank