This Velis Tramway Super-Automatic watch has an ETA 2789 movement in the top version with 25 jewels (it was also manufactured in versions with 17 or 21 jewels), central second and double calendar (date and day of the week). This type of movement was only manufactured between 1969 and 1976. From this modified movement, the Dugena 3338, Durowe 621 and Wyler 278 movements were also developed. Both calendars are quick-set from the winder, as follows: pull the winder to position 1 and, by turning it forward, quickly set the date, and by turning it backward, quickly set the day. Experts agree that this is the first ETA caliber with quick-set for both calendars. The dimensions of the watch are 36×40 mm and the distance between the lugs is 20 mm, and the diameter of the movement is 25.6 mm and the height is 5.9 mm. The smooth balance wheel beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour and is equipped with Incabloc shock absorbers. The fully wound mainspring provides a power reserve of 47 hours. The stainless steel caseback, in very good condition, is threaded and has the serial number 27371. The dial with a beautiful burgundy gradient color is excellently preserved, with the brand name and the silhouette of a tram applied. The bracelet is the original one, with special workmanship and with the brand name and logo embossed on the clasp. But what makes this watch truly special is the hand-engraved inscription on the caseback: „10 years from Operation Tramway”, Lord Latham – John Cliff, 1962, next to the silhouette of a tram. The inscription marks the 10th anniversary of the entry into history of the old London trams.
In 1952, after almost a century of service, the tram made its last appearance in London. The last tram to run on the streets of the capital arrived at New Cross depot in south-east London in the early hours of the morning. It was driven by John Cliff, vice-chairman of the London Transport Executive (LTE), who had started his career as a tram driver. The trams carried placards proclaiming „Last Tram Week” all week, and special tickets were produced with the same message. Conductors stamped souvenir tickets, and enthusiasts rode or cycled alongside the tram – carriage number 1951 – for the entire journey. The tram’s journey time was extended by almost three hours by the crowds of Londoners who surrounded it along the route from Woolwich to New Cross. At New Cross depot, the tram was met by the LTE chairman, Lord Latham. “On behalf of Londoners, I bid you farewell, old tram,” said Lord Latham as the vehicle entered the tram depot. The first electric trams appeared on the streets of London in 1901, following the horse-drawn trams introduced in 1861. However, by the 1930s, trams were considered noisy and dangerous to other road users. In 1931, a commission of inquiry recommended replacing trams with buses, which did not need rails – but many trams were temporarily spared with the outbreak of World War II.
Charles Latham (26 December 1888 – 31 March 1970) was the 1st Baron Latham, a British politician and leader of the London County Council from 1940 to 1947. Latham had served on the London Passenger Transport Board (LPTB) from 1935 and, a month after resigning as leader of the LCC, his appointment as chairman of the London Transport Executive (LTE), which was to replace the LPTB from 1 January 1948, was announced by the Labour government on 20 August 1947.
John Cliff (7 March 1883 – 18 October 1977) was the first deputy general secretary of the Transport and General Vehicle Workers’ Union and later a prominent member of the board of directors of Transport for London. He began his career in 1900 as a tram conductor and later became a tram mechanic. In 1948, he became vice-president of LTE, a position he held until his retirement in 1955.
Very little is known about the Swiss brand Velis: registered in Biel \ Bienne on April 2, 1970, Velis Watch SA seems to have been a dedicated brand, a manufacture that produced custom-made, private labels for various events. The connection between Velis and the tram, which seems to have become an emblem of the brand (although the Velis logo is the planet Uranus), is unknown. What is certain is that the Velis Tramway has been present at most major tram-related events throughout Europe !
The watch is in very good technical and aesthetic condition. It is delivered with the original bracelet, and the buyer is responsible for shipping. For this watch you can choose a beautiful strap made of genuine ostrich, snake or calf leather (find watch straps in the „leather straps” section), 100% handmade. Other watch accessories can be found in the „cushions” and „watch boxes” sections.
Warning: protect the watch from strong mechanical blows or shocks. Although it has a solid mechanism with shock absorbers on the balance, it is still just a watch! Protect the watch from water and humid, acidic atmospheres. Even if it has seals, over time they weaken a little. Avoid proximity to intense (electro)magnetic fields. The balance spring is sensitive, and may remain with a weak magnetism that disrupts its operation. Periodically, every 4-5 years, it is good to have it checked again by a watchmaker. Even the best oil degrades during long mechanical operation.
