Rumors say that Civic Watch Co. was used by Omega Watch Co., New York on some of their less expensive watches which were exported to the U.S.A. from WWI to the 1920's. Also, another story says that Civic Watch Co. was (in some way) associated with the Buren Watch Co., of Buren, Switzerland. In the same way, Civic was a trademarks of Civic Watch Co. S.A., Buren, Switzerland registered on December 11, 1911. They were named for watch cases, pocket watches, watch movements, dials and jewelry. Maybe they were traders and somehow had connections with Omega.

In the other hand, the Illinois Watch Case of Elgin, registered the name Civic for watch and cases on May 14, 1926 after buying the original company Civic Watch Co. of Buren, Switzerland (registered Dec. 11, 1911).

Civic Watch Co. is known as pocket watches, early wristwatches (trench watches) with soldered-on wire lugs.


ELLIS BROS

From the Birks family, in 1903, another Toronto jeweller was founded, Ellis Brothers.

In 1832, the Birks family immigrated to Montreal from Yorkshire, England. "They brought their wealth and a history of manufacturing cutlery for British royalty and the upper classes since the sixteenth century." Henry Birks, born in 1841, was apprenticed with the top jewellers of the pre-confederation Province of Canada, Savage & Lyman. By 1968 he was a partner of the firm. In the same period he discovered the horological excellence of Swiss watchmakers.

In 1893, in partnership with his three sons, Henry founded his own store, Henry Birks & Sons. "Often referred to as the Tiffany's of the North, they had a long association with Vacheron & Constantin, retailing the Swiss brand and also casing Vacheron movements under the Birks label.

By 1903, when Ellis Brothers was founded, the jeweller was exclusive agent for Vacheron & Constantin in Canada. As they expanded, Birks absorbed several luxury jewellery stores. Ryrie Brothers was a prominent jewellery in Toronto; in 1917, Ryrie Brothers amalgamated with Henry Birks & Sons.

In 1933, Ellis Brothers and Ryrie Birks amalgamated and they become Birks Ellis Ryrie, "advertising themselves as Canada's Largest Jewellery Store."


ELLIS BROS
By Civic Watch Co.
- TRENCH WATCH -

TRENCH WATCHES - "A transitional design between pocket watches and wristwatches."

Today, we are offering a VERY UNIQUE timepiece that you do not find very often. It is a vintage trench watch signed ELLIS BROS, a private label watch made it by Civic Watch Co, dated from the 1910's. From the era where the wristwatch born and probably used or made it for officers during WWI.

It is a manual wind watch with a caliber signed Civic Watch Co., 7 jewels movement, three adjts., sub-second, Swiss made.

It is a very good example of a "transitional design", looking very similar to a pocket watch with round case and crown design; this one with wire lugs design, a trench watch.

After 100 years, it still the original white ceramic dial with bold Arabic Numerals and minute marks, the 12 number is red colored and luminous hands. The sub dial is located at 6. Also, the dial is signed "ELLIS BROS".

This watch is coming with a vintage brown one-piece bund strap.

This watch is still in lovely condition, runs very well, keeps great time! It is a very good looking watch.

Thank you for looking! Please feel free to contact us with any questions, or respectful offers.

Movement:
Civic Watch Co.
7 Jewels
Three Adjts.
Swiss

Case Back Markers:
Civic Watch Co.
Swiss
171297

Measures (mm):
Case Diameter 34.3
Case Lug to Lug 39
Case Thickness 10.5
Lug Width 12
Band Width 21

Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men's watches typically measure between 29-36mm (some larger, some smaller) wide excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women's watches from the 1900s-1970s were also much smaller than todays offerings. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size.

We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust light when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.

The condition is pre-owned.
The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended.
See all the photos, feel free to ask questions if you have any.

It will be carefully packed.
 
Check out my other items listed.
Thanks for looking!

WA-2198