French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer case

[InnaR]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

I have to admit that I went to look for a similar watch right after I saw yours (even though my “diamond fund” money is tied in a different project), but I couldn’t find anything close to that. I admire your ebay skills.

 

[vickygigi]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

That's one beautiful watch! The princess cut diamonds are spectacular. Congrats!

 

[Laila619]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

Wow, I love it! Congrats!

 

[FrekeChild]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

Those french cuts are freaking amazing Circe! You are amassing a serious collection of them aren't you?!

 

[LD]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

Circe, there's a website/forum where you can get loads of information and have your watch ID'd. I can't remember what it's called and might have it saved as a link but if you type in something like "identification hamilton watch" or something like that into a search engine you'll probably find it. When I bought my Hamilton, I did that and found out quite a lot about it. If you look inside the case and on the movement there'll probably be a ton of letters and numbers, try and get some clear photos of those. Happy hunting!

Oh, sorry, I meant to say, your watch is GORGEOUS! I toyed with the idea of changing mine onto a metal strap and bought a w/gold one in the same style as you have now but actually I prefer mine with the black strap.

 

[artdecogirl]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

Circe, I will say it again, that is just lovely It is so nice to see the french cuts, most of the time it seems they are single cuts in the watches so it is nice to see something different. The guy who has done maint on my watches is quite pricey I feel but he can be because when I looked around to compare prices I found there to be not a lot of competition in my area so I hope you have better luck, Enjoy wearing it, it is beautiful!

 

[woofmama]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

I LOVE THIS. OMG it's amazing! Great find

 

[ariel144]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

French cuts on a watch, how cool is that...lovely just beautiful! Looks like one of a kind for sure.

 

[Circe]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

Thank you all! I took it in to the jeweler yesterday to check the diamonds for me (no inclusions at all, and no fluor in any of the stones, which is kinda unusual, so I felt like discretion was the better part of valor: in other news, need to buy a diamond tester!). It checked out great! Apparently, it's a over two carats worth of diamonds, as opposed to the 1.25 the seller estimated. Woohoo! While I was there, I asked what it would cost to change the cord out for the metal bracelet I got, and was quoted $95. So I took it home and did it myself: I am glad to know I can earn upwards of $95 an hour if I should ever feel the desire to change professions, as that was easier than I was afraid it would be! The bracelet I got is only 10K rolled gold, though, so if any of you happen to comes across pretty bracelets of this type in higher karat white gold or platinum (or, heck, even silver), point me at 'em!

WOW. I LOVE THIS. It is SO STUNNING. Wear it in good health!

Thank you, Thing! You know, you are indirectly responsible for this - it was seeing your gorgeous Rolex at the GTG that got the wheels turning in my head!

Circe, if I'm remembering correctly, you are a professor, right? I think a university is a great environment to wear a beautiful piece like this. It's classy, cultural, historic, tasteful... And not too flashy. It could be dressed up for the opera or dressed down for the university classroom. Perfection. Only if I (or probably most other PSers) were your student, I'd have a hard time concentrating on the lesson!

But I can just imagine a Lit prof wearing something like this while discussing the Great Gatsby!

Hee, I love this image. I have had some students tell me that they're mesmerized by the bling. And then I have felt guilty. But not guilty enough to go without. And, anyway, I was stylistically inspired by one of my college profs - hello, Professor Beaujour, most elegantly named of teachers! - who dressed like Katherine Hepburn, but with the most wonderful collection of goose-egg amber beads and sculptural silver necklaces. So I'd like to think I'm setting a good example for the next generation.

LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

Thank you! Considering the source, I consider this high praise! I was looking at your lovely and going back and forth for quite a while! The french cuts won, but those sapphires still call my name ....

As Sheryl Crow sings, I hope this is your favorite mistake. What a dream watch!
I do have a pretty old one as well that keeps time as well as a Silly Band. It's lovely and I just wear it on night's out and just say "oh it needs to be rewound". I don't expect anything so pretty to have to work, kinda like a Kardashian...

You actually made me laugh out loud. But what, pray tell, is a Silly Band? Ooo, and I DID find that "Show Me Your Vintage Watch" thread. I will resurrect it, and you must (all) post your lovelies!

Oh Circe! Your thread came at a perfect time for me! I am also looking for a vintage watch and your's just blew everything I am watching out of the water!!!!!!! I mean LOOK AT THOSE FRENCH CUTS!!!! I am in awe!!!

I aim to please! What kind are you looking for? Want any help searching?

I have to admit that I went to look for a similar watch right after I saw yours (even though my “diamond fund” money is tied in a different project), but I couldn’t find anything close to that. I admire your ebay skills.

Again, considering the source, I am flattered! I still periodically go back to ogle your OMC. How did you wind up setting that wonderful thing?

That's one beautiful watch! The princess cut diamonds are spectacular. Congrats!

Thanks, Vickygigi!

Wow, I love it! Congrats!

Thank you, Laila! I feel really happy with it.

Those french cuts are freaking amazing Circe! You are amassing a serious collection of them aren't you?!

I can stop anytime I want to?

Oh, who am I kidding. I won't stop until I've gotten a complete set, down to the invisibly set pen, in the style of the one below:

 

[Circe]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

Circe, there's a website/forum where you can get loads of information and have your watch ID'd. I can't remember what it's called and might have it saved as a link but if you type in something like "identification hamilton watch" or something like that into a search engine you'll probably find it. When I bought my Hamilton, I did that and found out quite a lot about it. If you look inside the case and on the movement there'll probably be a ton of letters and numbers, try and get some clear photos of those. Happy hunting!

Oh, sorry, I meant to say, your watch is GORGEOUS! I toyed with the idea of changing mine onto a metal strap and bought a w/gold one in the same style as you have now but actually I prefer mine with the black strap.

Oh, excellent tip! Is this the site you mean? http://www.antiquevintagewatches.com/ladies.html I'm too nervous to pull the back off myself, so I'll wait until I get down to 47th to see my watch guy, but after that, I'll be hunting down every last bit of info I can find. I LOVED your Deco thread! Did you find out exactly when yours dated to? And I meant to ask, a la the thread in "Antique and Vintage" ... do you wear yours every day, or save it for special occasions?

Circe, I will say it again, that is just lovely It is so nice to see the french cuts, most of the time it seems they are single cuts in the watches so it is nice to see something different. The guy who has done maint on my watches is quite pricey I feel but he can be because when I looked around to compare prices I found there to be not a lot of competition in my area so I hope you have better luck, Enjoy wearing it, it is beautiful!

ArtDecoGirl, thank you! That's just how I feel - as much as I love the cut, the unusual nature makes them even more appealing to me, somehow. Rarity value? My dad rather sniffily told me that he'd never really liked french cuts the other day, so I'm glad I'm not alone! I've been going to my watch guy for almost 15 years - I'd be terrified to try somebody new, at this point! So hopefully I can get down to him next week and get his diagnosis.

I LOVE THIS. OMG it's amazing! Great find

Thank you, Woofmama!

French cuts on a watch, how cool is that...lovely just beautiful! Looks like one of a kind for sure.

Ooo, what a thought. Google isn't helping me find any comps (closest is a sold one on Lang's, which is blockier). I do wonder if there were popular during a given period! It just doesn't *feel* '49, in my head.

Anyway! Will try to get some shots with the new cord today, and maybe handshots - it looks very different on the metal cord, at least to me. And in a good way! Before, with the unusualness of the cut, I sort of worried it might look faux, like on of the Metropolitan reproductions - now I feel like it just looks unusual!

 

[GemFever]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

Your *dad* told you he doesn't like french cuts? At least he knows what french cuts are My dad once commented on how I have fun collecting carbon

Circe, you don't have a thread in Pre-Loved yet, do you? I was hoping to be able to contact you via message.

 

[Circe]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

Your *dad* told you he doesn't like french cuts? At least he knows what french cuts are My dad once commented on how I have fun collecting carbon

Circe, you don't have a thread in Pre-Loved yet, do you? I was hoping to be able to contact you via message.

It occurs to me that whenever we get a thread asking if anybody in your life makes snarky comments about your jewelry, I say "No." What I should say is "my dad." Sigh. Whatevs, not like he's the one who's going to be wearing it!

And no, not yet - I really need to get on that. But at least I got the stuff out of my box to photograph it! Hopefully this weekend? Otherwise, hm ... I'm on FaceBook, under my PS name plus "Hellene." Hope it's not against the rules to post that - if it is, Ella, feel free to delete these last two sentences!

 

[GemFever]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

Sent a message via FB

Regarding snarky comments, I recently bought some frenchies and I was hoping to sell some of them to help cover my costs. DH liked the plan because he likes a good gamble. But when I was talking about how I would keep some of the stones and how I would set them, he said "Don't you know the ground rules of dealing cocaine? You don't try the cocaine!!" I was ROTFLing for a while. Ended up returning the "cocaine" because the risk of not making the money back was too high.

 

[Circe]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

A little mini photo-shoot. As an aside, I think it took taking pictures with these last pieces for me to realize just how much of my pleasure in PS comes from the whole process of photography. I love jewelry whole-heartedly, always have, always will, but one of the things I love about this jewelry forum is that it's driving me to discover a whole new skill set of visual composition. Yay!

So: a few wrist-shots, a few shots posed directly next to my french-cut band and contemporary transitional.

 

[Circe]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

And, the closer shots, concluding with the whole french-cut family:

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

I have to admit, I've never really looked at french cuts and I'm not much of a watch person, so I haven't spent much time looking at watches and comparing, so maybe it's just me in thinking that is ONE-OF-A-KIND in styling! It's very gorgeous.

Enjoy!

 

[JaneSmith]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

That watch is excruciatingly gorgeous. A wonderful addition to the family.
You will now never know if the wrapt attention of your students is because of the subject matter or the bling.

 

[pandabee]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

Love the family shot!!!! Everyone looks so happy. What are the details on your diamond French cut band, so I don't have to dig through your old threads?

 

[Circe]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

Love the family shot!!!! Everyone looks so happy. What are the details on your diamond French cut band, so I don't have to dig through your old threads?

Appraised at 2.85, F-G, VS, size 6. With it and the watch, actually, the sellers estimates of carat weight were extremely conservative - I wonder if they measure according to modern standards without accounting for depth.

 

[pandabee]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

Love the family shot!!!! Everyone looks so happy. What are the details on your diamond French cut band, so I don't have to dig through your old threads?

Appraised at 2.85, F-G, VS, size 6. With it and the watch, actually, the sellers estimates of carat weight were extremely conservative - I wonder if they measure according to modern standards without accounting for depth.

Thank you Circe!! 2.85 is already a VERY respectable size already...wonder how much depth they are not able to account for?

 

[Circe]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

Whoops, didn't mean to mislead - it was sold as 2.2, appraised at 2.85 (which matched my own measurements). It's great at this size as a stand-alone, or paired with other rings.

 

[pandabee]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

Whoops, didn't mean to mislead - it was sold as 2.2, appraised at 2.85 (which matched my own measurements). It's great at this size as a stand-alone, or paired with other rings.

Oops, no that was my bad. I skimmed over the sellers part of that sentence It is definitely a great size for pairing with others or as a stand alone! Will keep a mental note for future reference

 

[Christina...]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

I've never worn a watch or a bracelet for that matter, they make me claustophobic for some reason. But when I saw your watch, I thought, I could totally get past this weakness!! Absolutely gorgeous and unique! I love it!!

 

[stci]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

Circe your antique watch is adorable! Incredible! I'm in love with this beauty! Congratulations!

 

[Circe]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

I have to admit, I've never really looked at french cuts and I'm not much of a watch person, so I haven't spent much time looking at watches and comparing, so maybe it's just me in thinking that is ONE-OF-A-KIND in styling! It's very gorgeous.

Enjoy!

Thank you, MC! As much as I loved it at first, I love it EVEN MORE a week out - part of it is the change in cord, but part of it is having done some after-the-fact research. I really love the unusualness of it. Should I have done the research before I bought it? Sh'yeah! But it was too cool to resist. I'm glad that didn't bite me in an indecorous portion of my anatomy!

That watch is excruciatingly gorgeous. A wonderful addition to the family.
You will now never know if the wrapt attention of your students is because of the subject matter or the bling.

Heheheh - hey, on days when the material is less than engaging, it'll be nice to have a backup!

I've never worn a watch or a bracelet for that matter, they make me claustophobic for some reason. But when I saw your watch, I thought, I could totally get past this weakness!! Absolutely gorgeous and unique! I love it!!

It is always worth trying. And, if the wristwatches don't enchant you, the Deco period is full of gorgeous pendant-watches and ring-watches ....

Circe your antique watch is adorable! Incredible! I'm in love with this beauty! Congratulations!

Stci, thank you so much! You know your vintage, so I am flattered!

 

[Malbec54]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

Im in love The numbers are so cute!
Oh and of course the diamonds

Thanks, NeilSeel! It's fascinating how different the styles are - I'm not sure exactly how old mine is (the only info on Dinhofer I can find online is a bunch of patents he applied for in '49 ... but this looks more 30s to me, so I don't know if it's early work, or a relative, or what). But if you compare this to some of the other Hamilton's around, there's the really swirly school, and the blockier sort of Deco school I've got. Wonder which came first, or if they were contemporaneous!

HI:

Ohhh, well done! That IS a tasty treat.

How is it, mechanically?

As an aside, I must check IR's website again.....

cheers--Sharon

Thanks Sharon! I only received it yesterday afternoon, and it's keeping perfect time so far. I need to take it in to have the strap changed: am wondering if I should get it serviced, too, as a matter of principle. The listing said it had been serviced recently, so ... perhaps I will see what they charge.

And, yeah, go look at the pretty on IR! They have one five carater I just like to ogle.

What a wonderful addition to your spectacular collection!

(And I can't wait to see what goodies you put up on Preloved!)

Rosebloom, thank you, thank you! I do quite like the fact they're all sort of from the same period - it looks like I started collecting Art Deco without meaning to! It's sort of funny, since I always thought of myself more as a Victorian, Art Nouveau-y kinda gal. But the heart wants what it wants! And apparently mine wants french-cut diamonds.

wow Circe that's gorgeous!! Will you keep the watch on the cord or will you try to replace it with metal links (if that is even a possibility)

Thanks, PandaBee! One of the first things I did after I got the watch was to track down a metal bracelet. The look of the cord is lovely, but it makes me nervous to wear a jeweled watch on what's basically a piece of string. So I'll hit my local watch shop and have them transfer it! Same look, just on a wheat-chain instead of a silk cord. Now, if I ever hit the lotto, what I'll do is have a bunch more of those two-stone links made up like you see on the end-pieces ...

Wow!!!! I do SO love french cuts, and what an amazing find!!!!

I want to see a closer shot of the watch with your gorgeous rings!

Thanks, DS! I will do my best - I feel like while I'm okay at handshots, wrist-shots are the bane of my existence! I wind up contorting myself like an acrobat. Perhaps I will just pose them together, or see if I can find an accommodating friend ....

Holy Cow!! That is to die for! Congratulations on your find and for scooping it up! It is beautiful!!

Schafenm, thank you so much! I really can't stop staring at it.

That is a gorgeous watch! It looks great with your wedding set.

Thank you, Lula! Am I crazy, or do I remember your posting a gorgeous watch a little while ago?

It's amazing!!! I've never seen anything quite like it, such a gorgeous piece! I'm going to sound really old and say that they don't make 'em like this anymore! Looks absolutely perfect on your wrist and is so lovely with your wedding set!

Junebug, if you sound old, I'll sound antediluvian, because it's a crying shame that our standards have fallen. I look at this, or at the little beaded coin purse I posed it on, or the mother-of-pearl opera glasses, and I want to cry, because outside of a very few toys produced for the very rich, that level of craftsmanship has disappeared from the world. On the other hand, more of us enjoy a better standard of living. It's a worthy trade-off, but ... it's be nice to have both. Eh, that's why I shop vintage so much!

Delicious, delectable, dreamy, divine. I had no idea such a thing as french cuts in watches existed. Congratulations.

Hee, thanks Matata! Until I saw this one, neither did I! Hence the pouncing.

P.S. - I feel like "Hence the Pouncing" might have to be the title of my autobiography.

Oh Circe.

You said auction.. is that an ebay auction? Or elsewhere?

Amazing. Congrats!

Gemfever - thank you! It was indeed an eBay buy: the seller had a best offer up, so we went back and forth for a bit and then I snapped it up. I've been watching your thread on eBay successes with great fascination, btw - you have a wonderful eye!

Me, too! Thank you!

Oh that's beautiful. Just interested but how does it attach round your wrist? Am I seeing a cable chain type strap? Very unique either way!

Thanks, Chel! This one is a silk cord with a clasp at the back, but in a little bit it'll be a wheat-chain. Will post pics!

That is a seriously beautiful & feminine watch. I love it!

Thank you, Alex! It does make me feel very refined.

Circe, your watch is simply stunning! Those french cuts TDF!
What a wonderful purchase!! Wear your watch in health and happiness!!
(and every birthday is special IMO so no need to wait for that milestone bday for a special purchase! )

Thank you, Missy! I know you're right, but sometimes I look for justification. This time around, it will be rarity! And also the fact that I will love it and hug it and etc.

I love this watch -- so unique. You should definitely snap it up because some of the ones I've seen online aren't in great shape.
I have a very similar Hamilton watch (black band, etc.) that was my grandmother's, only the face is round and the diamonds surrounding it are round and baguettes. I've always wanted to find out how much it was worth, but don't know of any jewelers in my area who specialize in this type of thing. I'll try and post a picture when I get home later tonight.

Ooo, please do! I would love to see it. I wonder if there's a "Show Me Your Watch" thread anywhere ... if not, we should start one.

Very beautiful!

Thank you!

OMG! That watch is amaze balls!! What an amazing find!!

Yenny, thank you so much!

oh wow, that is Stunning!!!

Thank you Skippy! I lurves it.

WOW. That's divine!!!

I too am trying to think of a nice marker for my upcoming 35th. I just never wear anything.

Thanks, Ame! I always figure ... it's never too late to start! I didn't wear bracelets until a while ago, and then I found the one I wear everyday, and as I think I put it in Laila's thread ... love at first bracelet!

So here's my Grandmother's watch. The band is in great condition, but the glass has a scratch on the face.
(P.S. I like yours much better)

 

[Malbec54]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

And, the closer shots, concluding with the whole french-cut family:

I'm really liking the new band --- vintage, yet modern!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

That watch is amazing. Really, such a spectacular piece!

Do you mind sharing the seller? I do not have many things on my "list", but I do very much want a watch like that. Frenchies not required But I want a lovely dainty diamond watch that is as much a piece of jewelery as a time piece. But I know nothing about watches and I am a little afraid to dip into the pool!

 

[emeraldluvr]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

That's an stunning gift! I LOVE it!

 

[Circe]

Re: French-cut diamond watch - vintage Hamilton, Dinhofer ca

And, the closer shots, concluding with the whole french-cut family:

I'm really liking the new band --- vintage, yet modern!

Thank you! And I, in turn, adore your grandmother's watch - it has such wonderful fluid lines. Just gorgeous! Do you wear it a lot? If you do, AWESOME ... and if not, you should! Mine gives me a little thrill every time I check the time. Makes me feel somewhat more elegant than my diving watch ever did ....