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 Submariner with date.  This watch could be considered the most iconic, and certainly the most recognizable watch in the Rolex stable. Since its inception into the Rolex line up in 1953 this watch has been worn and loved by deep sea divers, members of the military, movie stars and today's watch collectors. This version marked a fairly large design change with the continuation of the applied circular edge around to the hour indices that were introduced on the 16800.

This reference is quite rare and unusual in the more 'modern' Rolex Submariner, or any reference for that matter, field of production. It was introduced circa 1987, remained in the line for around two years, was never mentioned in Rolex literature and seems to have many collectors confused about its place in the evolution of the Rolex Submariner. The 16800 became this, the 168000. Perhaps the biggest change here was the use of a new type of stainless steel. Out went the 316L, in came the 904L. The case remained the same, bezel insert the same, bracelet etc.

The dial appears to have two variants; this the Mark I; a more matte finish and a non-serif font used. The dial in this watch is very attractive for the fact it is not quite as glossy as they went on to become. It is almost like a mid way point from the matte to the glossy. Being that tritium luminous material is still being used here, the color is already has turned into a deep cafe latte colour and will continue to only get better looking with age. The hands are lighter in colour, and under UV lighter everything matches and holds the light.  It is possible that they have been replaced later on in the watch's life.  However, there are examples of all original watches from this period where dial lume plots change colours at differing rates, and to different colours.

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. Among a number of improvements was the extension othe power reserve form the caliber 1570 from forty two hours to fifty, made possible thanks to a fast-rotating barrel. It is regarded as one of the best calibers produced by the company, and testament to that is the fact it remained in use for around twelve years.

The case is in superb condition, very lightly polished, showing solid chamfers and thick lugs, rare with watches from this period. The bezel insert is correct and original to the watch. The pip set in the arrow at the sixty minute mark has already turned a warm coffee colour, and looks great sitting atop the watch. The bracelet is also all original. Marked 93150 with 593 end links. It should be pointed out that it is worn, and stretched, but not polished also and original to the watch, with diver extension, and five removable links. A bonus feature to these bracelets is the addition of the date code. In this case it is stamped 'L4'; L for 1987, and 4 for April. This also coincides with the case serial number which starts with 9,869,XXX for having been made in 1987, and is nearer to the start of this serial range.

Overall, this is an excellent watch, and as far as more contemporary Submariner models go, soon to be a future classic and rare oddball.


Price $0.00

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Item Dimensions
Width not inc. Crown
1.5748 inches (3.999992cm)
Length
1.87 inches (4.7498cm)