Imperial watch. need some advice

[RESTIONY]

Hi there,

Hope to find some advice here 🫣

Attaching some pictures of my vintage watch that I got from a yard sale. I’m not a specialist, and neither have profound knowledge about watches. But I found it pretty catchy and representative. The point is that I got it for 15$ and I wonder if it is worth more than that. I’m not thinking of reselling it but it would be good to know if it has some value. It might keep it as a family relic . What are these engravings? what's the material used? and those numbers? Do they suggest anything?

Is anyone familiar with vintage here? Would appreciate any kind of info. If it’s hard to say anything about it, maybe you could recommend somebody in Colorado that could have a closer look at it

 

[igivente]

From what I see in the pics I can conclude that the Buren Watch Co was the manufacturer of this accessory. It is a Swiss Co. The brand dates back to 1898, so the watch has, at least, historical value. The name of the watch does not refer to this accessory particularly. The company used the Imperial to describe an entire collection that was made around the 1900s.

As for the movement, can’t really say that it is valuable. Considering that in the modern era watches come with around 63 jewels, the 7 jewels of your Imperial aren’t something spectacular. Maybe it was in that period. What’s more remarkable is the brand itself, I would say. Because for the 1900s it was rated as one of the elders in the US market. But, as many watch factories collapsed during the quartz revolution, the Buren also has been majorly affected. As far as I know, it was taken over by the German company Hamilton Watch Co during its fall down. Currently, it is held by the German “Swiss Watch Edition”.

The case of your watch seems to have been produced by the Wadsworth Watch Case Co which had a pretty good reputation, especially across North America. Basically, it was the primary cause supplier for that territory during the 20s. I might be mistaken, but I think I could notice the “20” referee grade in the pics. This tells that the gold layer of the watch is meant to last 20 years without being critically affected by aging. On the whole, similar watches are rated around 30-40 bucks. At least, haven’t seen something pricier, especially considering that they are in non-running condition. And can’t even say if they could be somehow fixed to run. Most probably not.
In terms of feelings, they can have value, but in terms of price, don’t really see high demand for them. So, they remain cheap, usually

 

[YellowSnowman]

I love such accessories, and it's true that they are usually associated with some sentimental value rather than price value. keep it for yourself. It’s a good piece to be shown to the next generations. It’s a piece from a ghost company )) considering that the Buren completely lost its status as a company in 1972.

 

[Nobbing]

I love such accessories, and it's true that they are usually associated with some sentimental value rather than price value. keep it for yourself. It’s a good piece to be shown to the next generations. It’s a piece from a ghost company )) considering that the Buren completely lost its status as a company in 1972.

no no...I mean yes, there is. But they have nothing in common with each other. Actually, the one you talk about has its headquarters in Egypt. Don’t really know the exact location. But it began to produce watches only in 2001, though it was officially opened in the 50s. Kinda strange. Either way, these are two separate entities.

 

[ondOntra]

Im not sure that this is a gold watch. The reddish hue suggests more like bronze or copper. Bronze watches were highly popular in the 20th century snd its not excluded u have one of those. Also, looking at the strap, I might think that it is more like a necklace. And in the 16th-century people used to wear clock watches specifically around the neck. I don’t think that your piece dates back to those times since the watch case certainly has been made closer to the 20th century. Either way, it’s a good accessory to have in the family collection. Though u wont get much on it

 

[RESTIONY]

thanks guys for the insights,
even though it doesn't seem to cost a lot, ive already attached a kind of sentimental value to it))

 

[blablablih]

Vintage pieces, especially pocket watches have a specific appeal. Even though not all of them are highly valued (like yours), their patina is spectacular. So, make abstraction from the $ worth; u should look at this watch through its historical prism)) is that a necklace instead of a strap? I couldn’t figure it out from the pictures

 

[ObeisDexter]

Not a big profi in vintages. My uncle had a vintage watch inherited from my grandfather. It was a Tudor made in 80’s with plenty of functional problems. He went to a Rolex dealer to have it restored. My uncle spent some pretty money on the restoration but the functionality remained impaired since it was impossible for the repair expert to get some specific parts that the watch needed. So, the watch looks good and has a precious patine but doesn’t function at all. My uncle keeps it in his collection because he says “that’s a masterpiece”)) Some objects simply keep historical value even if they don’t function any more) just enjoy the beauty))

 

[DanielDJZI]

sorry for interrupting here...
any ideas about the year and type of movement of this vintage Tissot? kinda difficult to find info on it...

 

[igivente]

It seems to be a SEASTAR model. I might be mistaken, but I think the movement is an eta 955.114. looks like its an A665/765K ref number

 

[cheetahapple]

not competent here, sorry((

 

[hATeAndLovewaTCheS]

id recommend u never think of restoring it... with its restoration you might lose its precious look. It's its patina that makes it special even if it doesn't cost much. with this original look it is worth more than restored