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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A stainless steel Tudor time only watch.   This is an exceptionally handsome, large proportioned, for its time, and elegant watch and presented in practically unworn condition.  The eggshell colured dial, with applied arrow head hour markers mixed between and Explorer style dial, exudes refined quality with a touch of sportiness.

The dial features the iconic Tudor, small rose, logo, along with the distinctive Tudor script.  But,  very small, so as not to clutter the refined nature of the overall dial design.  The dial is marked "Swiss" at the base below the original outer minute chapter ring below the six o'clock position below the non-serif "Shock Resisting" font.  The dial features its original luminous material at the edge of each hour marker, along the chapter ring, and in the center of the dauphine hands.  All of which is original to the watch, and has developed a beautiful patina over the last fifty plus years.  The lume in the hands and in the hour plots has all turned a stunning warm pumpkin-like colour that is highly desirable in vintage watches, separating it from their modern counterparts.

The "Air" series originated from Rolex and came to pass as a result of Mr. Hans Wilsdorf's, the founder of Rolex, deep admiration for the pilots of the RAF, and the sacrifices made during WWII, and the fact that many had chosen to wear his watches.  Rolex introduced a number of "Air" branded watches;  "Air Giant", "Air King", "Air Lion"  and this the "Air Tiger".  The "Air King" is perhaps the best known model in this series, and the only one that has stood the test of time, still featuring in the Rolex stable today. 

The clean and handsome case is an unusual one.  Quite different from the classic Oyster case seen on both Rolex and Tudor models at the time.  This is almost a hybrid in design from that, and a more dress version.  It has a look a little similar to the 8171 reference "Padellone", longer squared off drop lugs.  The condition of the watch throughout is exceptional.  There is almost no wear at all to the case, and no imperfections or even general wear to the dial.  The Rolex signed case back bears the original reference number, 7957, and serial numbers, 316xxx on the back dating circa 1959, and has never been polished.  It is stamped with the Tudor  logo on the inside.  The original Rolex coronet underline, screw down, crown is also present.

The watch is powered by a Swiss made, seventeen jewel manually wound movement that is based off an ETA ébauche; the caliber 1280.  It is a reliable and durable movement which was used throughout a number of Tudor watches from the 1950's/60's.

Overall, a stunning looking and rare reference from the Rolex sub-brand.  Condition overall is essentially 'like new'.  This is often banded around in the watch selling business. But, in this instance.  It is very true. The other unusual part of the watch, given its production period, is the size.  It wears very well on the wrist, having a great presence.  A watch that will look very much at home under a suit and shirt sleeve, as well as with a t-shirt and jeans.  It is unlikely to ever see an example like this in this condition again

 


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Item Dimensions
Case Size
1.385 inches (3.5179cm)