HISTORY OF THE TOQUE:In Canada, “toque” is the common name for a knitted winter hat.This fashionable toque is said to have originated with the“Coureurs de bois”; French and Métis fur traders, who kepttheir woolen nightcaps on for warmth during both coldwinter nights and days.SPECIFICATIONS:Navy Blue3/8” overlocked stitchedKnitted, 100% acrylic,worsted spun yarnFour tapered end seamsThree-headedoveredge seam […]
AS many of you may already know, Windy City Watch Collector have been enthusiastic about Marathon’s Navigator watch since the mid-1990s and have supplied literally thousands of these to collectors worldwide since then. Well now we have even more to be cheering about, Marathon Watch has taken a great design and made it even better. […]
On the 100th Anniversary of the end of World War I, The War to End all Wars, I thought this article from the WSJ was interesting: From The Wall Street Journal has selected 100 legacies from World War I that continue to shape our lives today One of these legacies is wristwatches, by Sarah Sloat — Today it […]
This article originally appeared on OCTOBER 15, 2018 in the WATCHES section of Gear Patrol, By JON CUSTIS, Photo by HUNTER D. KELLEY A former Marine speaks about the Marathon TSAR he was issued while in the service and how he used it downrange….. Although an entire genre of horology is dedicated to the military-issued watch, there are very few accounts written […]
The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) promotes horology. This weekend, they are having a sale on extra books from their library as well as tools and parts: Up to 25% off sale on selected items in NAWCC’s eBay store. Be sure to check it out. If you are not already a member, […]
Check out our new category of horological miscellany! From time to time I come across new old stock plates, shipping cases, and other interesting items that related to horology in one way or another. These are often fun and useful bits of history that you won’t find anywhere else.
I started selling Marathon navigators in the 1990s and am always impressed with the way the company continues to expand on its product line and come out with new and improved product. The latest addition to the product line are the general purpose field watches in stainless steel cases. They have introduced both the General Purpose […]
Marathon Watch Repair and Servicing We recently returned from a visit to Marathon Watch Company and learned of some exciting developments regarding Marathon watch repair. It’s always a pleasure to make this visit to their offices in Toronto, Canada. We have a long relationship with Marathon that started in the 1990s and have sold their watches […]
Some of you may know it’s been a challenging 2 months due to my father’s sudden diagnosis at the end of January with a very aggressive brain tumor (Glioblastoma Multiform). After an extremely courageous and determined battle, Dr. James L. Hooper, my Dad, is now at peace. Dad was an integral part of Windy City Watch […]
Welcome and thanks for visiting my vintage watches, military watches and marine chronometers web site! Please be sure to add this vintage timepieces site to your “bookmarks”. My background: I am an active member of the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors (NAWCC) since 1988 and the Society for Military Horologists. Some of my watches and bands appeared […]