1

A Day
Observed

A story presented by

Scene 1:
‘Morning’

It was a bright cold day with glassy surfaces that looked hard.
Into the square frame he stood as if in a dream.

What emerged was precisely what he expected to find: a reflection of memory images. Contemplating his face in the photo frame he waited.

1960s lucite and chrome 3 image photo frame

By the steady hands of his watch, he listened to time. Every day for the past sixteen days he saw her. Silver lingered in the crease of
an open book.

Rolex burlwood dial, Jubilee bracelet Miniature
oar English university trophy, sterling silver.

So absorbed in his thoughts
he hardly saw the platinum catch-all, the key, or the revelation locked inside those lapis lazuli cufflinks tossed unmistakably in cold blue.

Hans Hanson catch-all. Mid-century, Danish sterling silver. Stirrup money clip, by Hermès. Padlock keyring, sterling silver " Tie bar-slide " Round lapis lazuli cufflinks" Square cufflinks, two tone rose and yellow gold, diamond."

Only by whirling on his heel could he hope to comprehend
the panorama.

Shoe horn, circa 1930. American sterling silver
Scene 2:
‘Noon’

He remained.Trapped in that enormous room,
unmistakably familiar in feeling yet so peculiar.

Above the mantle was
displayed an Austrian hound
of impeccable integrity.

Hagenauer sculpture, 1930

His gaze fell on the letter opener. By accident she had learnt more about his life from the contents of that letter than anywhere.

Dunhill letter opener with lighter top, circa 1950

Cleopatra’s eye reflected
the sun. Through the hypnotism
of precious metals there
emerged a dark slender shadow.

Cleopatra’s eye magnifying glass. Mid-century, gold plated
Hermès weighted pen. Silver plated.

A lighter presented itself, smooth to the touch
it gave the impression of
intelligent company.

Table lighter St Dupont, circa 1960. Gold plate
Scene 3:
‘Evening’

All this time light was receding from the room.

“I should explain why I spend so much time here”, said the silhouette. Leaves moved like shadows across her eyes.

Hermès rope bottle opener. Plated silver.

It’s not too late to turn back. Time moved with faint sounds.

Venini hourglass. Hand-blown lurid Murano glass.

He unscrewed the telescopic cup, rolled and remained still. Black eyes on the dice prophesied a new cycle.

Telescopic cup, J. E. Cauldwell. Gold plated. Dice,
Cartier for America. Vitreous enamel glass, silver

Staring down at the varnished surface her mouth worried him while her eyes examined the gold cufflink.

Audemar Piguet evening watch. gold plated, Roman dial, alligator strap
Scene 4:
‘Night’

Everything went crashing black.

Pale graceful hands placed
the gold stud box delicately
on the table.

Men’s Edwardian jewellery box, 1910. Gold plated.
Mid-century British cigar ashtray. Sterling silver and crystal.

He lit a match to make sure the watch had really stopped. Smoke lingered from its vesta case.

Realist wrapped tobacco leaf march vesta. Silver.

As the travel clock neared
one the figure vanished into dappled shadows.

Art Deco Jaeger LeCoultre travel clock.
Gold and silver plated. Retailed by Aspray.

On the newly varnished table two bronze shot cups sat alive like in a dream.

Tooth shot cup by Foundwell. Bronze and silver plated.
Set of 4, 3 silver 1 gold. Heath & Midleton champagne decanters circa 1900.
Sterling silver and glass.
The End

‘A DAY OBSERVED’
A story by FOUNDWELL
Photography Matthieu Lavanchy, creative direction OK-RM,
notes by Kate O’Brien and objects selected by Alan Bedwell

‘A DAY OBSERVED’
A story by FOUNDWELL
Photography Matthieu Lavanchy,
creative direction OK-RM
notes by Kate O’Brien
and objects selected by Alan Bedwell

Early and Rare Sterling Silver Gorham Martini Mixing Bucket

Golf Cocktail Shaker
and Matching Golf Bag Cup

Sterling Silver Woven Bottle Coaster

Foundwell

A SELECTION OF ITEMS BY THE PRODUCER OF
CRAFTED GOODS & PURVEYOR OF ANTIQUE WATCHES,
JEWELLERY & OTHER SUCH OBJECTS

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An automatic stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust reference 16000 model. This very rare example has the iconic Chevrolet car company's "bowtie" logo  engraved into the case back.  The very clean and simple dial is perfect.  All original Tritium lume plots are in tact, as well as in the hands, and are not re-finished aging to a light ivory colour. They respond the same to ultraviolet light, meaning they are original to each other. 

This is unlike any other 16000 Datejust model.  The case back engraving was made in collaboration between Rolex and Chevrolet to mark their seventy fifth anniversary of the world renowned car manufacturer. The timepieces were gifted only in very limited limited number to the best selling of Chevrolet dealers across America.  These watches came at two levels, from what we have been able to uncover; Stainless steel and eighteen carat yellow gold with a special logo dial where the bowtie is repeatedly engraved into the dial, along with diamond markers.  A seventy fifth anniversary also being known as the diamond anniversary, it makes since.  On these rare gold versions the brand's signature is also engraved at the case back of the watch together with the signature 'Diamond Jubilee 1911-1986 Award', which further confirms this story.  What is also interesting about those dials is that Rolex created the "Jubilee" dials in 1985 to mark the fortieth anniversary of the Datejust, with the technique of how these dials were made being the same.

The watch is powered by a Rolex, Swiss made, twenty seven jewel automatic calibre 3035 movement that powered the majority of all Rolex models since its launch, from the Datejust to the Submariner. The caliber was introduced by Rolex in 1977, and was such a stalwart that it remained unchanged for twelve years, eventually being replaced by the 3135. A log run for a Rolex movement. 

These later models can be easily identified as they do not have the earlier, characteristic, 'pie pan' style dial. This model also comes with the more ergonomic 'Quick Set' date function, and the newly designed smaller profile case, all of which were introduced in the 1970's. However, this case still has the spring bar holes exposed from the side, which was eventually phased out around the early 2000's.  These watches also still feature the acylic crystals which were replaced not long after this watch to the sapphire versions. 

The watch is fitted to its original Rolex  Jubilee stainless steel bracelet with removable links in place, which, if needed, can be removed to make the bracelet smaller, as well as added. The bracelet has a code for 1984, making this earlier, but more than likely the original bracelet to this watch as this is an early production model for 1986 with serial number 928XXXX.

The watch is in original condition, lightly polished, but overall very strong. The bracelet has some sag, but not detrimental. This is a rare watch, and in excellent condition.  The original Rolex outer box, and inner box are present, along with the original hang tag with printed, correct, serial number. It comes with a Foundwell one year warranty against mechanical failure. A very good example, and a perfect watch for anyone with affection or association to the Chevy car company. 


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Item Dimensions
Case Size
1.42 inches (3.6068cm)