"First Edition" 1933 Mickey Mouse Ingersoll Watch

This is among the Holy Grail of Character Watches. This is the original "First Edition" 1933 Mickey Mouse Watch, second in rarity only to the Chicago World’s Fair First Edition which is differentiated only by the knee position and lack of mice on the sub-second dial.

You will notice that there are many watches for sale that claim to be "First Edition" 1933 Mickey mouse watches, and while they may in fact be "1933" pieces, they are most definitely NOT first edition. The first edition watches have solid wire lugs, where as the second edition 1933 watches have traditional female lugs that accept pins. ALSO, it’s worth noting that this has the engraved bezel, which also appears to be exceptionally rare.

The reason for the wire lug case, is that Ingersoll had many leftover cases from WWI trench watch manufacturing, and they needed to do something with them. Rather than spend money on manufacturing a new case for the Mickey Mouse concept, they used old cases. It quickly depleted the supply of the solid wire trench cases, and thus, the second version was born.

You’ll notice that this is an absolutely exquisite example, and perhaps the finest in circulation. Acquired from a collection where it was stored for more than 60 years, it is now out in public for the first time in a long time. The only unfortunate part of this watch is that the previous owner discarded the box, as it had fallen apart.

Detailed Description:

  Crystal - excellent. No excuses need to be made for it. It's near NOS Dial - It has taken on a slight yellow patina, but all in all, is probably among the finest, if not the finest 1933 dial in existence. Super, super clean, no scratches, no dirt, no blemishes.

  Hands - Again, as can be seen in the photos, immaculate. The sundial is also exceptional, and all of the mice are clearly legible.

  Bezel - one minor, very small, almost unnoticeable blemish. If you don’t look for it, you wont find it.

  Case - 9.5/10

  Crown - 10/10

  Caseback - aside from service marks on the inside, it is scratch free, and actually from the backside, has it’s original brushed finish, with no marring at all.

Feel free to do any research or verification that you may desire. Also, if you find that I am wrong on any of my information, please feel free to correct me, but please provide a link or citation. I have done three months of research prior to listing this piece, but this by no means makes me an authority. I'm just basing this off of the summation of information that I have been able to track down.

This watch is a perfect addition to any Disney collection!
All reasonable questions and offers will be responded to.

Movement:
Ingersoll Watch Co.
Made in U.S.A.
Patented Nov. 14.22 July 2.18

Measures (mm):
Case Diameter 32
Case Lug to Lug 38
Case Thickness 12.6
Lug Width 14
Band Width 16

Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men's watches typically measure between 29-36mm (some larger, some smaller) wide excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women's watches from the 1900s-1970s were also somewhat smaller than today’s offerings in many cases. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size.

We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust light, when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.

The condition is pre-owned.
The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended.
See all the photos, feel free to ask questions if you have any.

It will be carefully packed.

Check out my other items listed.
Thanks for looking!

WA-2033