Here we have an elegant circa 1935 Parsons Ltd Bristol 9ct gold tank watch. The case measures 21mm x 28.5mm and is rectangular with the bevelled bezel design. It has the neat facetted lugs with the zig zag engraving to the sides. The dial has the two-tone finish with the matte outer sector and satin shine to the centre. It has the eye catching raised Breguet style numerals in the gold tone, with outer 24-hour track. Below 12 is the ‘Parsons Ltd Bristol’ text with the square sub-seconds track. The hands are of a skeletonised diamond style with a bright thermally blued tone. To the right is the neat flat onion style crown with visible hallmarking to the case. The case back is free of engraving and inside it has the hallmarking from London assay office for 9ct gold, dating to 1935. The movement is a good quality 15 jewel Swiss lever movement by AS that is keeping accurate time to within 1 minute variation per day. The watch comes with its beautiful original Parsons Ltd Bristol box. 

Being a Bristol born and bred watch collector/retailer, we love Bristol retailed watches. This is one I have had in my collection for a few years, but with my Wedding coming up, I sadly have to offer it up to find a new home. 

The dial is clean and elegant, with more going on than first meets the eye. It has a two-tone finish with the outer section having the off-white matte finish and the centre with the silver satin shine. Around the exterior is the segmented railroad minute track with the 24-hour markers in between. The hour markers are a beautiful, stylised variation of Breguet numerals, with elongated tails and curving loops. They are raised, which provides welcome depth, and have a bright gold tone. The inner rectangular sector has the ‘Parsons Ltd, Bristol’ signing with the square sub-second track sitting above 6 o’clock. The hands are the skeletonised diamond style, maintaining a bright thermally blued tone which has oxidised in areas to a purple tone. The sub-second hand is also original with a bright thermally blued tone.

The case is a neat gent’s size of the period. measures 21mm wide x 28.5mm in length without lugs. These seems like a petite strict measurement, but the lug-to-lug length of just over 35mm and the rectangular shape, makes the watch feel and appear more substantial on the wrist. 

The case is formed of 9ct yellow gold and is a beautiful Art Deco rectangular form. It has the bevelled bezel with the broad polished framing, much like that of a picture frame around the dial. The straight lugs downturn to mould to the wrist and have the robust bevel to the centre, creating an angular design. The sides of the case have an engraved zigzag pattern which is hand traced. To the right-hand side is the beautiful coin edge crown which has a thin profile. Above the crown there is a clear hallmark visible to the side of the case for 9ct gold. 

The case back has the polished finish which is free of engraving. It is hinged and the hinge is good and strong. Inside the case is signed with the hallmarking for 9ct gold from London assay office. It has the makers mark ‘GS’ for renown London based watch importer George Stockwell. 

The movement is a manual wind, Swiss lever AS calibre with 15 jewels. It is in good condition and is keeping time to within 1 minute variation per day. The service history is unknown, but it has been a reliable timekeeper for years on my own wrist. 

The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference

Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.

Dial:

The dial is original and is in good condition for the age. It has some marks and paint losses to the edge, but the colour is bright and the original signing is clearly defined.

Hands:

The hands are original and are of good condition with the bright thermally blued finish. 

Glass:

The curved acrylic lens is in good condition with only light marking.

Crown:

The crown is original and is in patinated condition. The gold plating has worn with age, but it works well. 

Case:

The case is formed of 9ct gold and is in good condition with the polished finish. It is free of noticeable scratching. There are some light dents to the sides. The fixed bar lugs are good and original. 

Caseback:

The polished finish is good with light scratching. The back closes tightly and is in good condition, as is the hinge.

Strap:

The watch comes on a glue on leather strap for fixed bar lugs. 

Movement:

The movement is a manual wind, Swiss lever AS calibre with 15 jewels. It is in good condition and is keeping time to within 1 minute variation per day. The service history is unknown, but it has been a reliable timekeeper for years on my own wrist and comes with our 1 year warranty.

Case dimensions

Case width: 21mm

Case width with crown: 22.75mm

Case length: 28.5mm

Case length lug to lug: 35.25mm

Case depth: 9mm

Lug width: 16mm