This week I am running late to post for VTT so I will show just one item, a watch that is very special to me
It's very unusual, gold marcasite. Most marcasite I see is silver and the only gold I could find was "gold tone" or "gold overlay". This dainty watch is 14 or 18 carat gold [and I can't remember which] but it was made by Olymp, a watchmaker that seems no longer to be in business!
It belonged to a favorite aunt who was very good to me and, very sadly, died of Alzheimer's disease. It hurt to see that clever, witty lady lose her mind and her life to this terrible disease.
Aunty Al [Alison] was a school principal, a pretty, petite maiden lady, handicap golfer, avid gardener and a real fashion plate!
My Mum and Dad gave her the watch around 1952, and she wore it almost constantly for the rest of her life. When I received the watch about twenty years ago I took it to a jeweler who restores antique watches and he told me that the tiny workings were so worn as to be beyond repair. Rather than wear it only as an ornament I had the jeweler replace the worn clock works with a tiny digital one so I would have a working timepiece.
I dearly love and treasure it beyond the actual monetary value and wear it regularly, remembering the one who owned it and those who gave it to her.
Now please visit our hostess Colorado Lady for a list of other VTT bloggers and their vintage thingies!
The watch is so pretty. And what a treasure that it came from family.
ReplyDeleteSweet story to come with a beautiful watch.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful piece, thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteThat was a good idea to replace the clock part. The bracelet is so pretty so it is good that you are able to wear it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely watch, and what a lovely reminder of your sweet Aunty.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful watch, and I'm glad you can still wear it and use it today. Your Aunty Al would be happy about that, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful treasure and memory you have in that watch. I understand why you like and wear it. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteThat is so lovely watch. If only that watch could talk for sure it has so many stories to tell.
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What a beautiful watch and what a special memory of your aunt. Be sure to let me know what your shop name is....I may need to shop there sometime!!! Have a great VTT!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful watch with a beautiful memory to accompany it!
ReplyDeleteThat is a gorgeous watch - I'm glad you got it in working condition!
ReplyDeleteHey there,
ReplyDeleteI have the EXACT same marcasite gold bracelet on a watch with
"Waltham" swiss made works, 17 jewels. I bought it 25 years ago in Manly (Sydney) Australia at a second hand shop. I am giving it to my eldest daughter for her 18th, was doing a search for background info, and found your blog/photo. I understand you are an ex-pat Aussie, does that mean the watch started off in Australia? Guess it was manufactured in early 50's?
Kind regards,
Georgette Poitras georgie@smartchat.net.au