A beautifully honest, late-1930s Vertex wristwatch that nails what we love about early British-market pieces: practical sizing, crisp legibility, and a quietly special level of detail once you get it in hand. Vertex were producing proper, workmanlike watches during this period, and when you add a Dennison-made English case and a porcelain dial, you end up with something that feels far more “considered” than its simple layout suggests.
This example is housed in a stainless steel, 3-piece Dennison case and is signed internally with Vertex “Made in England” – a lovely period touch that firmly places it in that UK supply chain we’re always hunting for. On the wrist, the watch wears exactly as a 1930s piece should: compact and neat at around 32mm, with a clean bezel profile and a dial that does all the talking. The enamel/porcelain dial is bright and sharp with classic Arabic numerals, a clear minute track, and a small seconds register at 6. There are a few light hairlines visible in the glaze, but nothing distracting – just the kind of gentle ageing you expect with real enamel.
Powering it is the Swiss Vertex calibre 59, a manual-wind movement that suits the watch perfectly: straightforward, dependable, and built for daily use. It’s paired here with a period stainless steel bracelet of genuinely good quality, Swiss-made and stamped to a patented design – a great match that keeps the whole package feeling coherent and “of the era”, rather than retro-fitted.
Extra Points
Vertex was the brainchild of Claude Lyons of London born in 1885. At the age of 17, he started his involvement in the watch Industry. With the help of a £1000 loan, he set up Dreadnaught Watches in 1912. In 1915 they were producing watches for the British armed forces during WW1. In 1916 he founded Vertex Watches Ltd in both Hatton Gardens and in Switzerland. In 1927 Vertex became the exclusive importer of Movado Watches to the UK. 1938 Henry Lyons Claude's son-in-law joins the company. In 1940 their Hatton Gardens premises were destroyed by a Luftwaffe bomb. In 1941 as a Captain in the British Army Henry was asked to create a watch suitable for the British military. 1944 saw the production of the Cal.59 W.W.W. Nav watch. Business continued successfully throughout the 50s, and 60s, Sadly in 1972 due to the emergence of the Quartz revolution and the expiration of his lease in Hatton Gardens, Henry closed the Company. In 2015 Claude’s Great Grandson Don Cochrane re-established the Company. And the rest is history as they say.
The watch comes fully serviced from our onsite workshop along with our 12 months service over. You can also Find out more about the company and history via our Friends at Vertex watch coHere!
Thanks to Don at www.vertex-watches.com for Keeping his family business alive and we look forward to whats coming next from them.
For a watch of this age, we would recommend that it is considered for occasional use, once or twice a week. This is largely because watches of this age weren't built to deal with modern life. They do not have dust proofing, shock absorption and are easily magnetized. Please do try and keep the watch away from magnets such as computers, phones, speakers etc.
This watch comes fully serviced by our on-site workshop and with a 12 month, non-waterproof service cover.
What we think
This is the sort of watch that wins you over quietly. It isn’t trying to be loud, rare-by-hype, or overly “curated” – it’s just a properly made, late-1930s Vertex with the right ingredients: a Dennison English case, a beautiful enamel dial, and a quality period bracelet that makes it feel like a complete little time capsule.
If you like vintage watches that sit flat, wear comfortably, and reward close inspection, this one is a superb choice. It’s also a great “first proper 1930s watch” for someone who wants authenticity without fragility.
Spec Stuff
Reference : 9628
Movement : Manual Wind Swiss Vertex caliber 59 Age : 1931/1940 Specific Age : 1930s Case Size : 32mm Case Thickness : 11mm Lug to Lug : 38mm Lugs :16mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : No Case Material : Steel Service History : Our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1930s Vertex of London unusual Wristwatch with white enamelled dial in steel English Made Case
