Gladstone - Automatic Bumper - No reserve price - Men - 1950-1959

Gladstone – Automatic Bumper
Swiss Made – Vintage Mechanical Character

Offered for auction is a charming and authentic Gladstone Automatic Bumper, a beautiful example of early Swiss automatic watchmaking featuring the distinctive bumper rotor system.

During the 1940s and 1950s, bumper automatic movements represented an important stage in the evolution of self-winding technology. Instead of a full 360° rotor, the oscillating weight moved back and forth between springs — producing the characteristic “bump” sensation on the wrist that collectors highly appreciate today.

Technical Details:

Brand: Gladstone
Model: Automatic Bumper
Country: Switzerland
Case Material: Gold-plated case
Case Diameter: 33 mm (excluding crown)
Crystal: Acrylic glass
Dial: Silver dial with visible age patina
Movement: Swiss automatic bumper movement
Jewels: Seventeen 17 jewels
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Central Seconds
Water Resistance: Not tested
Strap: Generic black leather strap
Wrist Size: Fits up to approximately 20 cm wrist
Condition: Grade B – visible signs of use consistent with age
Box: Generic box included

The 33 mm gold-plated case reflects classic mid-century proportions, offering elegant vintage presence. The lugs are slim and refined, enhancing the timeless dress-watch aesthetic. The case shows honest signs of wear and light plating aging, consistent with its age and history.

The silver dial has developed a beautiful natural patina over time, giving the watch strong vintage character. Applied Arabic numerals and bold markers provide excellent legibility, while the red central seconds hand adds a subtle touch of contrast.

The dial is signed “GLADSTONE WATERPROOF” and “NON MAGNETIC SHOCKABSORBER,” highlighting the technical ambitions of the era — durability, anti-magnetic protection, and shock resistance. The minute track around the perimeter enhances the classic tool-watch feel of the piece.

The acrylic crystal preserves the warm vintage appearance and may show minor marks typical for age, which can often be polished if desired.

The caseback is engraved with “ANTIMAGNETIC – WATERPROOF – SHOCK ABSORBER,” reinforcing the technical identity of the watch.

Inside, the Swiss automatic bumper movement is visible, signed “Seventeen 17 Jewels – Swiss – Adjusted,” showcasing traditional mechanical construction with visible gears and jewel settings — a true pleasure for mechanical watch enthusiasts.

Story & Heritage:

Bumper automatic watches represent an important chapter in horological history, bridging the gap between manual wind watches and modern full-rotor automatics. The unique tactile sensation of the oscillating rotor gives these watches a living, mechanical personality rarely experienced in contemporary pieces.

This Gladstone Automatic Bumper embodies the optimism and technical innovation of post-war Swiss watchmaking — elegant, practical, and mechanically fascinating.

A beautiful and characterful vintage Swiss automatic watch, ideal for collectors who appreciate authentic patina and historical movement design.

The watch will be carefully packed and shipped insured.

Express Delivery Via UPS Express
Internal Reference Number - Itm. 684