1930s Solid Rose Gold ”English” Harwood Bumper Automatic. Restored!

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$1,251.00

• Details
  Welcome to Vintage Watch Corner, where precision meets preservation. What you’re looking at isn’t just rare—it’s the origin point of automatic wristwatches. A true landmark in horological history.
  
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  🔹 The Watch
  
  This is an original 1928 Harwood Automatic—the world’s first self-winding wristwatch, released to the public just five years after the patent was filed in 1923. Designed by John Harwood, the English watchmaker who revolutionized timekeeping by eliminating the crown, this piece is more than vintage—it’s foundational.
  
  Less than 30,000 were ever made. Survivors in this kind of condition? Almost unheard of.
  
  This example features:
  
  • A solid rose gold case
  
  • A refinished silver dial with black Roman Numerals, classically sublime
  
  • A fully serviced bumper automatic movement
  
  • A custom open-ended black alligator strap with a rose gold-tone buckle
  
  Every element has been restored with exacting care—movement cleaned and tested, case hand-polished, dial reconditioned with respect to the original aesthetic. No shortcuts. No compromises.
  
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  🔹 Why It Matters
  
  • First automatic wristwatch (patented 1924, released 1928)
  
  • Crownless design: Time is set via rotating bezel
  
  • Bumper movement: Winds via motion—no manual winding
  
  • Fixed lugs and correct 28MM case size (typical for the 1920s)
  
  • Complete mechanical restoration—inside and out
  
  This isn’t just collectible. It’s foundational. Every automatic watch that came after—Rolex, Omega, you name it—traces its lineage back to Harwood’s invention.
  
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  🔹 Provenance & Condition
  
  Sourced from a respected French collector. Restored to be wearable, dependable, and faithful to its 1928 origins. The movement runs smoothly. The feel is pure 1920s mechanical brilliance.
  
  This is my third Harwood, and I still get chills winding it—wait, you don’t wind it. That’s the point.
  
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  🔹 Important Notes
  • 28MM case – Please review sizing photos carefully before purchase. It’s period-correct and looks stunning on the right wrist but is smaller than modern watches.
  
  • Bumper movement – Subtle clicking/feel is part of the original design, not a defect.
  
  • No returns due to case size. Ask all questions up front—I’m happy to provide extra photos or measurements. I care deeply about collector satisfaction.
  
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  📜 The Harwood Legacy
  
  In 1923, John Harwood patented the concept of a self-winding wristwatch—an idea born from trench warfare, where dirt and moisture ruined manually wound watches. His design eliminated the vulnerable crown and introduced a centrally mounted oscillating weight.
  
  By 1928, Harwood watches were in full production, manufactured by A. Schild, Blancpain, and Fortis, then sold across Europe and the U.S. Sadly, the Harwood company succumbed to the Great Depression in 1931. But the legacy lived on.
  
  Even Rolex later acknowledged Harwood’s invention as the true beginning of the automatic age.
  
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  This Is One of the Few
  
  A piece of horological history. A fully restored, solid gold, original automatic. If you’re a serious collector, you already know how rare this is.
  
  Ready to make it yours?
  
  Harwoods like this don’t last long—and they rarely look this good.
• Shipping & Policies

  Shipping from United States

  Processing time

  1-5 business days

  Customs and import taxes

  Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.

  Payment Options

  Secure options

  • Accepts Etsy gift cards

  Returns & Exchanges

  I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations

  Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery

  Ship items back to me within: 30 days of delivery

• Custom or personalized orders
• Perishable products (like food or flowers)
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Conditions of return

Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.

Questions about your order?

Please contact me if you have any problems with your order.