Record - James Walker - 1900-1949

This is a plated vintage pocket watch by Record, retailed by the renowned London jeweller James Walker—an elegant artifact with deep historical roots in Swiss watchmaking and British retail heritage.
The watch is working well. Included the original box of James walker. Year: 1939.

This pocket watch represents a collaboration between two storied institutions: Record Watch Co., a Swiss manufacturer founded in 1903 in Tramelan, and James Walker, a prestigious London-based jeweller known for quality and refinement. The watch features a gold-plated case and a classic white dial with Roman numerals, complemented by a seconds subdial and the hallmark inscriptions “RECORD” and “JAMES WALKER.”

The Record Watch Legacy
In 1961, Record was acquired by Longines, one of the most prestigious Swiss watchmakers. This merger allowed Longines to integrate Record’s calibres into its own lineup, and for a time, watches were co-branded as Longines-Record. The acquisition marked the end of Record as an independent brand, but its legacy lives on in the quality and design of its timepieces.

James Walker: The London Jeweller
James Walker was a prominent British jeweller with a reputation for excellence in the early to mid-20th century. Known as “The London Jeweller,” the firm operated multiple branches across the UK and was a trusted retailer of fine watches, jewellery, and silverware. Their name on the dial signifies not just distribution but endorsement—a mark of prestige and quality. Watches sold through James Walker were often housed in elegant presentation boxes, lined with satin and velvet, reflecting the brand’s commitment to luxury and presentation.

Historical and Collectible Value
This particular watch, with its plated case, Swiss movement, and dual branding, is a fine example of mid-century horology. It combines the engineering precision of Record with the retail elegance of James Walker, making it a collectible piece for enthusiasts of vintage timekeeping and British retail history.