In many respects the history of Wendt's is a potted history of Australian gold and silver smithing. State directories of the late 1800s show that they sold watches, jewellery, rings, trophies, church plate, optical goods and electroplate. They also repaired watches and jewellery.

Joachim Matthias Wendt arrived in Port Adelaide in 1854, just 18 years after the foundation of South Australia. He was born in 1830 in Denmark. His mother died when he was nine years of age, leaving his father to look after him and two sisters. Joachim became a watchmaker's apprentice.

He brought these skills to South Australia, quickly opening a small watchmaking and jewellery shop in Pirie Street, Adelaide. Business was good and so he soon moved to better premises in Rundle Street.

Wendt's soon became recognised as a top quality shop. The jewellery, silverware, watches and clocks were equal to the best which more...

23 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

International Watch Company, 18ct gold wristwatch with original…

IWC 18ct Gold Wristwatch with Original Leather Band (1988)

International Watch Company, 18ct gold wristwatch with original leather band, with Wendts receipt and guarantee certificate c.1988

Australiana pocket watch holder with antique sterling silver…

Antique Sterling Silver Pocket Watch in Australiana Holder

Australiana pocket watch holder with antique sterling silver pocket watch, dial signed 'J. M. Wendt, Adelaide and Mount Gambier' housed in a period glass dome 19 cm high overall. Provenance: The John Stephens Collection

Station clock by Joachim Matthias Wendt early 20th century…

Early 20th Century Hand-Painted Station Clock, Cedar Case

Station clock by Joachim Matthias Wendt early 20th century cedar case and hand painted dial diameter 46 cm, depth 16 cm, a/f split to case

18ct gold full hunter pocket watch, the case by J.Wendt (glass…

18ct Gold Full Hunter Pocket Watch by J. Wendt

18ct gold full hunter pocket watch, the case by J.Wendt (glass cover missing)

A lady's pocket watch, white enamel dial, 14ct gold case,…

Antique 14ct Gold Lady's Pocket Watch with Box

A lady's pocket watch, white enamel dial, 14ct gold case, presented in an antique box by J.M.Wendt Adelaide. Weight all in 34.9grams

Silver ladies pocket watch, Swiss made 935 fine silver…

Swiss Silver Enamel Ladies Pocket Watch - J.M. Wendt Adelaide

Silver ladies pocket watch, Swiss made 935 fine silver enamelled and gilt face with Roman numerals marked J M Wendt Adelaide

JM Wendt mahogany wall clock with pendulum and key and Roman…

Mahogany Pendulum Wall Clock with Roman Numerals

JM Wendt mahogany wall clock with pendulum and key and Roman Numerals to the dial

A fabulous Australian pocket watch manufactured by Jm Wendt of…

Jm Wendt 18ct Gold Pocket Watch - Engraved Design

A fabulous Australian pocket watch manufactured by Jm Wendt of Mt Gambia South Australia early 20th century in 18ct yellow gold. Having engraved back front and sides, with gold dial and subsidiary dial. 40 mm diameter. Working order.

Antique 14ct Swiss made ladies pocket watch with beautiful…

Ornate Swiss Ladies Pocket Watch with Fitted Box

Antique 14ct Swiss made ladies pocket watch with beautiful ornate face, J.M. Wendts label and original fitted box

J.M. Wendt Adelaide and Broken Hill, Victorian 18ct yellow gold…

Enamel Face Victorian Pocket Watch in 18ct Yellow Gold

J.M. Wendt Adelaide and Broken Hill, Victorian 18ct yellow gold pocket watch with enamel face and Roman numerals

A Wendt''s diamond ladies wrist watch, platinum set, Swiss made…

Platinum Wendt Ladies Watch with Swiss Movement and Fabric Band

A Wendt''s diamond ladies wrist watch, platinum set, Swiss made movement, with fabric band

A lady's gold open face pocket watch J M Wendt, Adelaide crown…

14ct Gold J M Wendt Pocket Watch

A lady's gold open face pocket watch J M Wendt, Adelaide crown wind, pin set, gold dial. Base metal curvette. 14ct gold engraved case. Weight 38.7 grams.

Antique ladies sterling silver fob watch decorated with a…

Antique Porcelain Dial Sterling Silver Fob Watch by J.M. Wendt

Antique ladies sterling silver fob watch decorated with a porcelain dial, by makers J.M. Wendt Adelaide

J.M. Wendt pocket watch with Roman numerals, 18ct yellow gold…

J.M. Wendt 18ct Yellow Gold Pocket Watch

J.M. Wendt pocket watch with Roman numerals, 18ct yellow gold engraved case c.1900, total weight approx. 26.4gr (working condition, recently serviced)

A Victorian gold lady's open faced thumb wind pocket watch…

Victorian Wendt Gold Pocket Watch, Engraved & Elegant

A Victorian gold lady's open faced thumb wind pocket watch retailed by Wendt, circa 1890, the engraved dial with black Roman numerals and marked 'Jm Wendt, Adelaide & Broken Hill', finely engraved case, 18 carat yellow gold, 36 mm diameter

Early 20th century mahogany bracket clock from Germany,…

German Mahogany Bracket Clock by Wendts of Adelaide

Early 20th century mahogany bracket clock from Germany, retailed by Wendts of Adelaide

14ct gold pocket watch from Switzerland, retailed Wendt Adelaide

Swiss 14ct Gold Pocket Watch by Wendt Adelaide

14ct gold pocket watch from Switzerland, retailed Wendt Adelaide

14carat gold ladies pocket watch with J M Wendt retailers mark…

J.M. Wendt Ladies 14K Gold Pocket Watch

14carat gold ladies pocket watch with J M Wendt retailers mark to face

18ct yellow gold, ladies pocket watch, retailed by J. M. Wendt,…

J.M. Wendt 18ct Gold Ladies Pocket Watch

18ct yellow gold, ladies pocket watch, retailed by J. M. Wendt, South Australia, early 20th century, top wind movement (needs service). Engraved gold dial with subsidiary second hand. Engraved 18ct yellow gold case. Dial marked J.M. Wendt, Adelaide & Mt…

French brass carriage clock retailed by J.M. Wendt, Adelaide &…

French brass carriage clock by J.M. Wendt, Adelaide & Broken Hill

French brass carriage clock retailed by J.M. Wendt, Adelaide & Broken Hill

A gold J.M. Wendt gold pocket watch. Crown wind Swiss leaver…

1930 Swiss Gold Pocket Watch with Liverpool Set

A gold J.M. Wendt gold pocket watch. Crown wind Swiss leaver rolled gold, circa 1930, Liverpool set in gold, 19 jewel.

18ct gold ladies pocket watch with blue enamelled case set with…

Blue Enamelled Diamond Pocket Watch with Brooch Bar

18ct gold ladies pocket watch with blue enamelled case set with rose cut diamonds and marked Golay Fils & Stahl, Geneve & Paris, with 9ct Wendts brooch bar

Sterling silver hunter retailed by Wendt of Adelaide

Adelaide's Wendt: Sterling Silver Hunter

Sterling silver hunter retailed by Wendt of Adelaide