Rare vintage 1940's men's Swiss Tellus / Cortebert 15 jewel copper dial wristwatch, run well and keeps time.

We are delighted to offer this very rare vintage, Swiss, 1940's Tellus men's wristwatch with storied history

Manufactured by Tellus Watch Company in Switzerland it features a 31.7 mm / 1.25" chrome over brass case, excluding crown and lugs, that surrounds an evenly-aged copper dial with only one slight blemish. The stick hour and minute hands are gold, the Arabic numbers and outer chapter are black, with a sub-second dial @ 6 o'clock.

The renowned Cortbert Swiss 15 jewel, cal. 665 movement sets and winds it should, is running great and keeping excellent time.

It has a snap-down back and is matched with a black, genuine leather 2-piece strap with stainless buckle.

This is a very handsome wristwatch with a proud heritage (Please see below).
It has it's battle scars from the past 80+ years and must have a lot of stories to tell.
I wish we could know them but, what we do know, someone has taken good care of it, cherished it, and past it down from generation to generation.

It will be a privilege to be the next caretaker!

STOCK CODE: T-5

ABOUT THE BRAND:

The History and Significance of Tellus Watches

A Journey Through Time and Craftsmanship

Founded in 1926 in the picturesque town of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, Tellus watches emerged as a collaborative venture between the esteemed Swiss watchmaker Cortébert and Wilhelm Ulrich, a notable German watch wholesaler. This partnership marked the beginning of a brand that would soon captivate watch enthusiasts across Europe.

Early Beginnings and Expansion

The inception of Tellus was a strategic move to combine Swiss precision with German distribution acumen. Shortly after its founding, the brand began its distribution in Germany, tapping into a market known for its appreciation of quality timepieces. The early thirties were a period of significant growth for Tellus, as the brand expanded its reach to Hungary, Romania, and the Netherlands. Although there is concrete evidence of their presence in these countries, it is speculated that Tellus may have ventured into other regions as well. In Hungary, during the 1930s, Tellus became one of the most revered mid-range watch brands, second only to Doxa.

The Impact of World War II

The year 1942 brought turmoil to many industries, and the watchmaking world was no exception. The original Tellus company was liquidated, almost certainly due to the challenges posed by World War II. Despite this setback, the brand did not vanish. Instead, Tellus became a trademark owned by Cortébert. Watches bearing the "Tellus" name continued to be produced, albeit less frequently as the years progressed. By the late 1950s, Tellus watches had become a rarity.

The Demise of Cortébert

The early 1960s marked the end of an era for Cortébert, which ceased to exist as an independent manufacturer well before the onset of the quartz crisis that would later shake the watchmaking industry. This period signaled the conclusion of regular production for Tellus watches under the Cortébert name.

Tellus Watches in the Modern Market

Today, Tellus watches are cherished by collectors and enthusiasts for their historical significance and vintage charm. Prices for Tellus timepieces can vary widely. Common models often cost under £500 and can be found on platforms like eBay. However, rarer models, particularly the highly sought-after Calatrava designs, can command significantly higher prices. These watches are renowned for their attractive and striking dials, making them prized possessions for those who appreciate the artistry and heritage of vintage timepieces.

Conclusion

The story of Tellus watches is one of collaboration, resilience, and timeless p. From its origins in La Chaux-de-Fonds to its expansion across Europe and its enduring legacy in the modern market, Tellus has left an indelible mark on the world of horology. As collectors continue to seek out these vintage treasures, the spirit of Tellus lives on, a testament to the enduring allure of fine watchmaking.
We are Stonehenge Watch Company and have been selling vintage timepieces and new watches on the internet for over 18 years with hundreds of happy, satisfied, often repeat customers.

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