Antique 9ct Yellow Gold Australian Hantily Manual Watch C.1930 (Swiss Made Titan Movement) #61536

This interesting piece of Australian history is circa 1930. The 28mm case is made from 9ct gold by Hantily (later rebranded to Handley) and the movement is swiss made. This wind up watch has character as you would expect from an almost 100 year old timepiece, but looks great for its age. It is in good working condition. The clasp is gold plated. Please see the photos.

To avoid the high import duties on complete watches levied by countries after WW1 manufacturers of watches exported the movement only which was then cased by local makers. In Australia, J W Handley of Melbourne was one of these making cases for Tissot Movado Omega Cyma & even Rolex. Established in 1926 Handley sent his partner Mr. Tilley to Switzerland in 1928 to source the most up-to-date watch case machinery. He was not welcomed (as were many others). Threats were also made to block any locals who supplied merchandise with harsh sanctions. Despite this machinery was purchased.

In 1929 Handley built a factory at 655 Victoria st. Abbotsford (5 km from the cbd) employing 100 staff. Other businesses also used this facility eg: Crusader plate & Pyramid plate. The partnership with Tilley was terminated in 1934 & the trademark with the open hand Hantily was changed to Handley. Tilley was then sued in 1935 for making cases & poaching customers resulting in a ?1000 fine paid to Handley in damages. During ww11 this firm made compass cases & gun sights. Handley ceased case production in the 1960 s.