So cool G. Thanks for sharing!

 

Speedway 178

Greg, those are both beatiful watches. I especially like the porcelain dial. I think it is very interesting that they were given to the drivers of the Indianapolis race. Have you ever done the research to see who the 10 leading drivers of the 1929 race were?

I guess this is a good watch to wear on that Ducati, right?:cool1:

Wren

 

wow! The 'perlage' on that movement (that NO one sees) is better than the face.

Very nice indeed.
I love that

 

Adam...
It is SO amazing to see the incredible workmanship of the movements!
In a watch that had a covered back, that for the most part...
NO one would ever see!!!! (except the repairman)

Those fine patterns 'Perlage' just blow me away!

Thanks for pointing that out!:thumbup:

And WREN...

I have looked up the vintage stats on the Indy 500 and have seen the photos
of the cars and the drivers

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1929_Indianapolis_500

All Americans, a Frenchman and a driver from Monaco!

I would Love to find out more about the watch/driver correlation and
know if one of these was an actual "Race Worn" watch.

Also, there is a debate as to which version was actually worn
by the drivers... the Speedway or the Speedway 178?

Some theorize that it is the 178 with the "flag/checkerboard?"
'like' pattern in them... hummmm?

Rick?

 

How do you think these watches would perform under Indy 500 conditions in 1929?

I have to think that the dust, dirt, and vibrations would kill these little gems. But I could be wrong. What do you think?:confused1:

 

Excellent question Jim...

They were NOT sealed, (regular pop on/off back)
and
NOT water resistant!

The Porcelain Dial... :scared:

Crystal?
Smacking against metal, steering wheel, door, rocks...Forget it!

You would think there would have been some kind of "Guard"
but that would have affected the readability.

This is one of the strangest Vintage
"Promotions" for a watch one can imagine.

The accuracy, excellent (for it's day)
Numbers on dial (exploding) very readable (regular dial... Hummm?)

And Barry..."Still a great story and great watches!"

Rick?

 

The conditions that the drivers faced were pretty bad
Old film of motor races, show the drivers covered in oil and crap
But I am sure that these watches were not exposed to this , being tucked away under the overalls of the drivers
Timing, even back then was done by the pits!
Maybe, just a clever bit of ad work, who knows
Still a great story and great watches

 

"When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
-- The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

 

And Superman is alive and well living with Elvis!!:thumbup::thumbup: