Tiffany & Co. 'Non-Magnetic' Bullseye Dial (Likely manufactured by Movado or Tavannes)
Dress / Field Watch Hybrid · Tiffany & Co. (Retailer), movement/case likely produced by Movado or Tavannes under contract. High luxury tier.
Period: Art Deco to Early Mid-Century (circa late 1930s to early 1940s) featuring 'Bullseye' or 'Tuxedo' sector styling.
Type
Dress / Field Watch Hybrid
Brand
Tiffany & Co. (Retailer), movement/case likely produced by Movado or Tavannes under contract. High luxury tier.
Movement
Manual/Hand-wound mechanical movement; likely a 15 or 17 jewel caliber sourced from a Swiss partner like Movado or ETA.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 30-32mm (standard for the era); thickness: 10mm; lug width: 16mm.
Description
A beautiful example of a World War II era gentleman's watch retailed by the prestigious house of Tiffany & Co. The 'Bullseye' dial design was popular for its legibility, blending the elegance of a dress watch with the ruggedness of early 'waterproof' and anti-magnetic tool watches. Its diminutive size reflects the period's preference for discreet luxury and functional precision.
Key Features
'Non-Magnetic' designation on dial; two-tone sector layout; syringe hands; Tiffany & Co. co-branding; sub-seconds dial.
Dial Description
Two-tone 'Bullseye' sector dial; black outer ring with luminous Arabic numerals; silver/cream center with 'Tiffany & Co.' and 'Non-Magnetic' text; prominent sub-seconds register at 6 o'clock; syringe-style luminous hands.
Case Material
Stainless steel or chrome-plated base metal (likely steel based on lug wear), featuring a polished finish.
Crystal Type
Highly domed acrylic (Plexiglass); shows significant crazing and surface scratching typical of vintage plastics.
Bezel Details
Fixed, stepped polished bezel integrated into the case structure.
Crown & Pushers
Simple oversized 'onion' or knurled push-pull crown, unsigned, allowing for easy winding.
Bracelet or Strap
Vintage expansion 'Bonklip' style or faceted link stretch bracelet; stainless steel construction.
Caseback Details
Likely solid screw-down or snap-on caseback; expected to have serial numbers and 'Stainless Steel' or 'Staybrite' engravings.
Movement Type
Manual/Hand-wound mechanical movement; likely a 15 or 17 jewel caliber sourced from a Swiss partner like Movado or ETA.
Water Resistance
Historically 'Waterproof/Water-Resistant' but currently rated at 0M; must be kept away from all moisture.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made (Switzerland); retailed by Tiffany & Co. in the United States.
Age Estimate
Circa 1938–1945 based on dial typeface, Radium lume, and 'Non-Magnetic' branding.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Golden Age' of the American retailer-branded watch market, where a Tiffany stamp significantly increased the prestige of a Swiss timepiece.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good condition. The crystal is heavily crazed and requires replacement. The dial shows heavy patina and 'veining' in the center. The case has softened edges from wear. Lume is likely original Radium and should be handled with caution.
Value Estimate
$1,500 - $3,500 USD depending on the movement manufacturer and extent of dial restoration vs. original patina.
Care & Maintenance
Full mechanical overhaul recommended every 5-7 years; do not expose to water; replace acrylic crystal; avoid magnetic fields despite the label.
Similar Watches
Movado 'Sport' models from the 1940s, Omega '30T2' sector dials, or vintage Longines Sei Tacche models.
Interesting Facts
During this era, Tiffany did not manufacture its own movements but partnered with elite Swiss firms like Patek Philippe, Movado, and Agassiz to create store-branded timepieces.