One such firm was Cresarrow of New York, one of the best case manufacturers of the day. Founded by Henry Blank in the late nineteenth century, Cresarrow contracted with Patek Philippe, Vacheron & Constantin, and Tiffany & Co. and other firms to build some of their very fine cases for the U.S. market.
Today these special watches are sought-after by men of distinction and anyone desiring to own a world-class timepiece.
Encased in platinum, the most expensive precious metal of its day, and made by one of the premier watchmakers in the world, IWC, this special piece was one of Tiffany's top-tier offerings. It was made at a time when wristwatches were just beginning to catch on, and many if not most men hadn't transitioned yet from carrying a pocket watch.
For convenience sake the watch was equipped with IWC's masterful ultra thin movement based on a Lepine caliber 95. Incredibly the watch without the crystal crystal measures a mere 5.7mm thick! Ultra thin watches have always captured my admiration because the watchmaking skill and extra care needed to make them are extraordinary. The tolerances are so small that each one is a horological achievement itself. This watch posseses a lot of technical sophistication and luxury for a timepiece in this price range.
Think of the kind of gentleman who in the 1920's would have carried a platinum and diamond Tiffany watch!
Our photos couldn't do it justice. It is all original and in very pleasing condition.
Its case has two pin prick indentions in the back - otherwise it is in better than near mint condition. Its dial, which appears to be original, shows only fairly mild aging.
One of our Master Watchmakers, who has done contract work for IWC and their Richemont Service Center and also used to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker for a Rolex authorized dealer, has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components with genuine IWC parts, installing a new mainspring, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $795 value).
Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, and a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.
If you are looking for a special treasure for someone in your life, this is it. Modern platinum and diamond Tiffany watches normally carry price tags in the $30,000 range and don't match the charm and romance of this carefully-preserved vintage original.
Please note: Similar watches are published in John Loring's work Tiffany Timepieces, 2004.
- Retailer: Tiffany / made by IWC & Cresarrow
- Country of Manufacture: Switzerland/USA
- Year built: 1928
- Serial no.: 889,909
- Functions: Hours, Minutes
- Designed for: Men
- Case material: Platinum
- Case style: Open face
- Setting type: Stem wind, stem set
- Case condition: Two pin prick indentions in the back - otherwise it is in better than near mint condition.
- Case markings (inside): Cresarrow stamp, Irid. Plat., and 66618
- Case markings (outside): Initials "JB"
- Dial: Silvered, signed Tiffany & Co., applique pyramidal indices with diamonds at the primary hours, appears to maintain its original finish, shows only very mild aging
- Dimensions: 5.7mm thick not including the crystal
- Hands: Original, "feuilles"
- Movement type: Very high grade, Lepine 95 caliber finished by IWC, manually wound, 3 adjustments for precision timekeeping, rhodium plated, fausses cotes decoration, lever escapement, bimetallic compensation balance, self-compensating flat balance spring
- Crystal: Mineral glass, excellent condition
- Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers, who has done contract work for IWC and their Richemont Service Center and also used to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker for a Rolex authorized dealer, has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components with genuine IWC parts, installing a new mainspring, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $795 value).
- Timing: Timed on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts.
- Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email [email protected] for details
- Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
