02 October 2016

Skeleton, Marriage, Chess Watch

Here on Top eBay Chess Items by Price, it's been a few years since we last saw a watch with a chess theme. Two others were Time Is on My Side (July 2010; Tissot watch) and From Pocket to Wrist Watch (April 2013; Doxa watch).

The item pîctured below was titled 'Mens/Ladies Skeleton Vintage Watch by OMEGA Factory with CHESS from 1920's', and subtitled 'Quality Gold-Filled Engraved & Skeletonized Movement'. The winning bid was US $910 after receiving 12 bids from nine bidders.

The description included a 'History of Omega Watches'. About the item on auction it said,

This is a MARRIAGE watch. A marriage watch is the term used for a new, modern case that has been used to house a vintage pocket watch movement. [...] I am happy to offer for sale this beautiful amazing large skeletonized dress marriage watch that dates to ca 1920s and decorated of the HIGHEST QUALITY ENGRAVING with CHESS. It was made by the "Omega Factory" in Switzerland. [...]

This gorgeous, men's watch is a very handsome specimen and features a 60 minute outer track borders, black enameled Roman numerals and original blue steel Plume-style hands. The dial is made in the form of a CHESSBOARD. [...] It is fitted on a new 22mm black alligator style high quality genuine leather strap with fold-over ends and matching gold steel buckle, ready to be worn and enjoyed or made the new "prize" of your wristwatch collection.

Diameter (with crown): 57.00 mm
Diameter (without crown): 52.00 mm
Watch crystal diameter: 45.00 mm
Thickness: 19.00 mm

What's a skeleton watch? From Bare Bones: 10 Standout Skeleton Watches (watchtime.com; 'USA's No.1 Watch Magazine'):-

In skeleton watches, the watchmaker strips the watch's dial and/or movement to their bare essentials, revealing as much of the watch's interior as possible.

Of the many photos showing the watch, I chose the one that best illustrated its size.

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