Harwood Engraved Automatic

Every now and then a watch comes along that doesn’t just tell time — it changes the course of watchmaking.

The Harwood automatic wristwatch is one of those pieces. Invented by English watchmaker John Harwood and patented in 1924, it represents the world’s first mass-produced self-winding wristwatch. At a time when nearly every watch required daily winding, Harwood’s system introduced a new idea: let motion do the work.

Produced in Switzerland in the late 1920s through collaborations with manufacturers such as Fortis and Anton Schild, Harwood watches housed an ingenious 'bumper' automatic movement. Inside, a weighted rotor swings back and forth like a see-saw, winding the mainspring as the wearer moves throughout the day — a concept that would become the foundation for nearly every automatic watch that followed.

The design is just as fascinating. In keeping with Harwood’s crownless concept, there is no traditional winding crown. Instead, the fluted rotating bezel is used to set the hands. A small circular aperture above 6 o’clock acts as a running indicator, changing color to show whether the movement is operating or has stopped.

This example features the classic late-1920s aesthetic: a cushion-shaped case, silver-toned dial with radium Arabic numerals, and a revolving 'reeded' bezel. Even better, the case bears period engraving, a reminder that watches like this were not only technological milestones but personal objects meant to be worn and remembered.

Rare, historically important, and endlessly charming, the Harwood remains one of the most significant early chapters in the story of automatic watchmaking.

Harwood occupies a singular place in watchmaking history. Founded around the invention of John Harwood, an English watchmaker who patented the world’s first practical self-winding wristwatch in 1924, the brand helped usher in the automatic era. Harwood’s innovative “bumper” rotor system allowed a watch to wind itself through the natural motion of the wearer’s wrist, eliminating the need for daily winding.

Produced in Switzerland in partnership with manufacturers such as Fortis and Anton Schild during the late 1920s and early 1930s, Harwood watches were also notable for their crownless design, with time set via a rotating bezel.

Though the brand’s production was relatively short-lived, its impact was enormous. Harwood laid the groundwork for the automatic movements that power the vast majority of mechanical watches today.

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.