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Vintage Westfield Parking Meter Timer Wristwatch Art Deco Rare Collectible
Step back in time to an era when the open road called your name, the rumble of a classic Ford or Chevrolet echoed through bustling city streets, and the simple act of parking was a game of wits against the ticking clock. This isn't just a watch—it's a portal to the 1930s and 1940s, a tangible slice of American ingenuity that whispers stories of hurried commuters, Sunday drives, and the golden age of automobiles. Imagine slipping this rare Westfield Parking Meter Timer Wristwatch onto your wrist, feeling the weight of history, and reliving the clever dodge of a parking ticket that could have ruined your day. As modern life rushes by with digital apps and endless notifications, this mechanical marvel reminds us of simpler times—times when a wind-up timer was your secret weapon against the meter maid's chalk mark. But hurry: items like this are vanishing faster than a meter's red flag, their rarity skyrocketing as collectors scramble to preserve these forgotten gems before they're lost forever.
Crafted by Westfield, a storied sub-brand of the iconic Bulova Watch Company (often distributed through Sears catalogs to everyday Americans), this novelty wristwatch was designed for the motorist on the move. Born in the Art Deco heyday of the 1930s-1940s, it features a rectangular base metal case with ornate, swirling engravings that capture the elegance of the era—think streamlined skyscrapers, jazz-filled nights, and the thrill of the first family road trip. The case back proudly bears "WESTFIELD BASE METAL" and the serial number "806740," a unique identifier that ties this piece to its historical roots. Measuring approximately 1.5 inches long (case only, as shown in photos with ruler for scale), it's compact yet commanding, perfect for a collector's display or a bold statement on your wrist. The aged brown leather strap, worn with the patina of decades, adds to its authentic charm, evoking the scent of old leather seats in a vintage convertible.
At its heart lies the ingenious parking meter timer mechanism—a 60-minute countdown dial with a bold, single arrow hand that you wind to match your paid parking time. As the minutes slip away (marked in clear increments: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60), tension builds, mirroring the anxiety of watching a real meter expire. When zero hits, a red "VIOLATION" or "TIME EXPIRED" flag dramatically rises in the window, a clever alert that saved countless drivers from fines in an age before smartphones. Picture yourself in 1940s Chicago or New York, quarters in hand, setting this timer before dashing into a diner or theater. It's more than functional; it's emotional— a reminder of resourcefulness, of outsmarting the system, and of the joy in small victories. Today, as parking apps dominate, this watch stirs a deep nostalgia for tactile, mechanical wonders that connected us to the world in a hands-on way. Owning it isn't just collecting; it's reclaiming a piece of your grandfather's era, when life moved at the pace of a winding spring, not a battery.
But let's be real: this watch carries the scars of its adventures. The dial has yellowed gracefully over time, like an old photograph fading in a family album, adding to its vintage allure without detracting from legibility. There's some dust and minor corrosion visible under the domed crystal, signs of authentic use rather than pristine storage. The hand moves with a shadow of its former precision, but full functionality isn't guaranteed— it may require a gentle cleaning or servicing by a skilled watchmaker to restore its countdown magic (common for pieces this age). The strap shows cracking and wear, perfect for that lived-in look, but easily replaceable if you prefer. No major dents or deep scratches mar the case, preserving its Art Deco beauty. This is sold as-is, a true survivor from a bygone era, ready to evoke tears of joy or sparks of memory in the right hands.
Why now? The rarity of these Westfield parking timers is accelerating at an alarming rate. With fewer than a handful appearing in auctions each year (based on recent market scans), and similar novelty watches like the Buren Minstop or Paul Garnier fetching $200-$400 in comparable condition, this piece is a steal for discerning collectors. As urban legends of mid-century motoring fade—think Route 66 drives, drive-in movies, and the birth of suburbia—these artifacts become priceless heirlooms. Values for pre-1950 novelty timepieces have climbed 10-15% annually, driven by a shrinking supply and growing demand from automotive enthusiasts, horology buffs, and history lovers. Don't let this one slip away like an expired meter; it's not just an investment—it's an emotional anchor to a world where time was savored, not swiped.
Included: The watch as shown in detailed photos (front, back, sides, close-ups of dial and serial). No box or papers, as expected for a vintage find, but shipped securely with tracking and insurance to protect your new treasure. Free US shipping to sweeten the deal—because every collector deserves a smooth ride. International buyers welcome via eBay's Global Shipping Program. 30-day returns accepted (buyer pays return shipping) for peace of mind. Questions? Message me—I'm passionate about preserving these stories. Buy it now, or grab it with Buy It Now, and let this Westfield reignite the spark of yesteryear on your wrist. Time's ticking... and it's more precious than ever.
Item Specifics:
Thank you for looking—may this watch bring you the same joy it once brought to its original owner, dodging tickets one wind at a time!
_gsrx_vers_1730 (GS 9.9.4 (1730))
_gsrx_vers_1730 (GS 9.9.4 (1730))
_gsrx_vers_1730 (GS 9.9.4 (1730))
_gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))
Condition: For parts or not working
| Brand | Unbranded |
|---|---|
| Type | Wristwatch |
| Department | Men |
| Customized | Yes |
| Features | 12-Hour Dial |
| Model | A. Lange & Söhne 1815 |
| Movement | Mechanical (Automatic) |
| Country of Origin | Switzerland |
Ships from the United States with tracking.
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