Vintage Watches UK

The Dial

This original and unrestored silver burst dial has aged graciously. The patina is thick and even and brings out a broad array of colours from its grained surface. The original silver colour is still bright and clear, and clearly comes through in the reflectiveness of the dial. However, the dials age has introduced a spectrum of tints to its surface, fading from gold to mint green with different lights. The dial is furnished with applied batons in yellow gilt, with unique larger batons at 6, 9 and 12. A gilt framed aperture at ‘3’ displays the watch’s date function using a white date wheel which seems to have been spared by the patina. The matching yellow gilt pencil hands have also aged beautifully, peppered with a delicate spotted patina, causing the hands to appear flaked with gold, as the untouched rich yellow sections of the hands still boldly reflect in pure yellow. Overall, this is a beautiful vintage dial oozing with character, exactly the kind of thing that secured my tight obsession with vintage watches. The lens has recently been replaced and is completely perfect. The dial is simply signed ‘Avia’, with ‘Swiss Made’ barely visible below 6.

The Case

This solid 9ct gold London made case is a real stunner. There is absolutely zero significant damage to this case, just the standard ‘vintage brush’ that comes to all gold with age and can always be removed with a routine professional polish. The case is of two-piece construction with a press-fit bezel and lens. The bezel presses on with an affirming pop, indicating the case hasn’t warped or bent and that the watch has always been well cared for. The watch measures 32mm in diameter, excluding the crown which has been slightly worn on the outer surface, though in use still feels firm and tactile. The lugs are thin and nicely tapered against the outer edge of the case. I have no doubt in their structural soundness, both because of their physical appearance, and the lack of structural damage to the case anywhere else. Once the movement is removed, the inscriptions can be read. Inscribed are 9ct London hallmarks, the case makers mark, the case reference number 40846 and finally ‘London Made’.

The Movement

This 15-jewel Swiss-made mechanical date movement is simply beautiful. The fact that a watch can look so aged from its surface yet house such a gleaming movement like this is one of the miracles of vintage watch collecting. I was very pleased at the condition of the movement when I first opened the watch, as it tells me that although the watch shows very little ware and tare, the movement has still been maintained and serviced throughout its life. The plates and bridges are very clean with almost zero discolouration and there are no obvious visible causes for alarm. The watch winds and sets very smoothly, with very little play in the drivetrain between the hands and the crown. The seconds hand skips smoothly and consistently across the dial and after a few days of use the timing is perfectly adequate for everyday carry. The movement is signed ‘Swiss Made’, ‘15 Jewels’ with the calibre number 73-4 inscribed below the balance wheel.

Strap & Buckle

This watch is fitted with a brown Alligator embossed strap and matching yellow gold-plated buckle. If a different strap would be preferred, I can fit a 16mm lug width strap provided by the buyer at no extra expense.

Conclusion

I'm a private seller, not a company so unfortunately returns aren't an option, unless of course the watch is broken when it arrives. I may ship 1-2 days after I receive payment, as I work full-time and may not find time to get the package away immediately.

Feel free to ask any questions.

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