Mantooth
AKA Brian Heiler author of "Rack Toys: Cheap, Crazed Playthings" and co-editor of "Toy-Ventures Magazine". Co-Host of the "Pod Stallions" podcast. Host of the Brick Mantooth Youtube channel, painter, designer, writer, mental health advocate, toy collector, Mego, and Mego Knock-Off enthusiast. I have large feet, ADHD and I live in Canada. Talk toys, not others.
Holy smokes…. these watches are epic in their awesomeness. I have been wanting a more grown-up version of watches like these for ages. In this age of stainless steel watch bands, there’s just something so comforting about a watch with an interchangeable face and a band made out of wide leather, isn’t there?
These remind me of the one watch I had as a kid. It was called the Teeter Totter watch. The face part of the watch was so thick, it was like wearing a pillbox on your wrist. You like wide straps, Wurwolf? This thing’s strap was huge. The best I could do at finding an image is to search “Teeter Totter Watch” on Ebay, where there are currently 3 for sale at ridiculous prices.
While Googling the item, I came across a Wiki page for the inventor, which contained the following info:
“Bruce A.Kock was well known for creating the financially successful Teeter Totter Watch. This unique watch, a children’s toy capable of keeping accurate time, is the only watch with traditional moving parts ever produced entirely of plastic.”
I never knew that it held such distinction in the watch world!
I think it was filled with water too. Unless I’m having a manufactured flashback I believe the commercial jingle even said:
“Teeter Totter
Teeter Totter
The wonderful watch
That runs on water”
I still can remember the tune, but unfortunately can’t find it on Youtube.
This thing has been stuck in the back of my head for years. I believe it went:
“Teeter Totter
Teeter Totter
The wonderful watch you’ll watch for hours
Just for the fun of watching a watch
And it keeps time too!”
Didn’t have one then. Bought one a few years ago at a flea market. I had the Hot Wheels watch on the right in the picture. It still keeps good time.