PS: Wish I could have figured out how to get the links to turn into pics here...BUMMER, pretty awesome watch!
Cinda, first here's two of your images:
Your ancestor's watch is a so-called Jones --named after Florentine Aristo jones, the founder of IWC, and its the first model made by the company, generally between 1868 (or 9) and about 1875. It was considered a high-end watch for its time, with many tehcnical advances. You can read more by searching the archives for Jones (although some posts will reflect a modern watch and movement by IWC made in honor of its founder. You also can read a little more at http://www.iwcforum.com/Articles/MFPocketWatches/text.html
Yours is a Jones --a pattern S Jones savonnette, with just fair movement quality but still very nice. What is interesting is the dial --it's original but the symbolism is rare. Also,it is extremely rare to have the provenance of a Jones; it is the first Jones that I've seen which can be traced definitely back to its original owner to today. The dial would have been customised for your ancestor by the retailer.
Nice watch; nice heirloom. Ask if you have more questions.
Cinda, first here's two of your images:
Your ancestor's watch is a so-called Jones --named after Florentine Aristo jones, the founder of IWC, and its the first model made by the company, generally between 1868 (or 9) and about 1875. It was considered a high-end watch for its time, with many tehcnical advances. You can read more by searching the archives for Jones (although some posts will reflect a modern watch and movement by IWC made in honor of its founder. You also can read a little more at
http://www.iwcforum.com/Articles/MFPocketWatches/text.html
Yours is a Jones --a pattern S Jones savonnette, with just fair movement quality but still very nice. What is interesting is the dial --it's original but the symbolism is rare. Also,it is extremely rare to have the provenance of a Jones; it is the first Jones that I've seen which can be traced definitely back to its original owner to today. The dial would have been customised for your ancestor by the retailer.
Nice watch; nice heirloom. Ask if you have more questions.
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
Last edited: 5 April, 2012 - 19:53