Hey everyone, I’ve got a really fantastic watch for you all today. This watch is recognized as the very first self-winding wristwatch, invented by Englishman John Harwood in 1923, and granted a Swiss patent in 1924. This is a stunningly engraved example in a 14K, signed white-gold case, in wonderful original condition. The base has no nicks or dents, and the bubble-back is smooth and blemish-free. It sets and winds properly (many don't), but has been in my collection for more than 30 years, so it probably needs a basic service (In the close up photo of the movement, all flaws are highlighted by the detail, there is no rust in the movement and wear is normal for a watch of this age). I would guess that there are fifty nickle-cased examples for every 14k gold one, and hand-engraved white gold cases are the rarest of all! Examples are also found made for sale in Britain, in 9kt cases. My 14k watch is in absolutely original condition, and is a rare addition to any watch collection. It is also an attention-getter on the wrist! It has a beautifully-aged swirl pattern to the dial, with patina. Although the first public announcement of the Harwood Self-Winding Watch was in 1926, it was not until two years later that the company began production, with A. Schildt and the Fortis Watch Company supplying the high-quality 15-jewel movements, adjusted to two positions. Unfortunately, due to the impact of the Depression on luxury items and the complexity of manufacture, the company went out of business only three years later in 1931, with relatively few watches made (they had been granted the rights to produce 14,000 examples by the Swiss authorities, but they reached only a small fraction of that number). This is a “bumper” movement, that is the rotor moves back and forth in an arc, cushioned by small “bumper” springs at either end of its travel. As there is no crown, setting is with the bezel, which is rotated to set the hands. The bezel is then backed off a small amount until a red dot is visible in the window on the dial, at which time the setting mechanism is disengaged. The watch is wound by normal action of wrist movement. A beautiful and important watch, but one that can be worn every day (I did for about 2 years!) The watch is in running condition and functions normally however I cannot guarantee timekeeping ability and a service is recommended. The watch ships in as is condition. Price on this one is set at $2950 TO ME shipped via USPS! Timestamp: https://imgur.com/a/1fLsQpJ