New find at a charity shop! It's awesome but what the heck is it?!
My Sekonda died earlier. Boo! But then I went into another charity shop and found this! Yay! Its great and works, but what the heck is it? @chronotriggered and @Aurelian have tried to help me, they've both given me great info and now at @Aurelians advice I'm widening the net. Let me give you what little info I have already.
It's small. Like really small. I've got it next to a 10p coin for scale (i have been reliably informed it is of a similar size to a quarter) and the coin dwarfs it. Engraving on bracelet clasp says "NS CHROME". Caseback is hinged, and there is no movement holder. Movement is free-floating in the case. On the caseback we have a serial number "584850" and an area all scratched up. Bracelet has springs on either side of the clasp (more pics if you need them) and that's about all I know. So @MrBloke @SimplyVintageWatches and @fancy_man, as our resident vintage guys, what do you know?
Far have I travelled and much have I seen Goodison, Anfield are places I've been Maine Road, Old Trafford still echo to the sound Of the boys in red from the City Ground
It will probably be next to impossible to determine who made the watch as it has no branding on it. I guess you would call this a "jobber" watch. Jewelry stores and department stores would order generic Swiss watches from a catalog to stock their shops. The watches were assembled from parts provided from several different specialist companies (dial makers, case makers, movement makers etc.).
The movement does look to be good quality (3adjs. and some nice finishing). You could look under the balance wheel to see if there is a stamp indicating the movement maker. I'm guessing the dial is radium (or just white paint, it's hard to tell lol), and by the look of the design it's from the 1930s.
It will probably be next to impossible to determine who made the watch as it has no branding on it. I guess you would call this a "jobber" watch. Jewelry stores and department stores would order generic Swiss watches from a catalog to stock their shops. The watches were assembled from parts provided from several different specialist companies (dial makers, case makers, movement makers etc.).
The movement does look to be good quality (3adjs. and some nice finishing). You could look under the balance wheel to see if there is a stamp indicating the movement maker. I'm guessing the dial is radium (or just white paint, it's hard to tell lol), and by the look of the design it's from the 1930s.
I've just gone and worn my hands to the bone washing them after receiving that news. Radium?!
Now then. Pre WW2 that makes it very cool indeed. It is very small is it a mens watch? I know they were a lot smaller but this takes the mickey
I've just gone and worn my hands to the bone washing them after receiving that news. Radium?!
Now then. Pre WW2 that makes it very cool indeed. It is very small is it a mens watch? I know they were a lot smaller but this takes the mickey
Based on the size, this was definitely sold as a ladies watch. Men's tank shaped watches were much smaller back then, but no where near as small as that. I believe that particular case shape was referred to as a "lozenge."
Based on the size, this was definitely sold as a ladies watch. Men's tank shaped watches were much smaller back then, but no where near as small as that. I believe that particular case shape was referred to as a "lozenge."
I think that it probably is a men's watch. I have never seen a women's watch from that era so lacking in ornamentation. That is a utilitarian dial. I also think that the bracelet is designed for a man. It is not a "cocktail" watch.
Edit: but the size though, it may be a ladies watch.
I think it’s an FHF movement with a custom bridge from the 40s, but I’d need to take it apart.
3 adjustments means that someone took time and effort with the movement, so if it’s a jobber it’s high end.
I like it.
The inward angle design on the rectangular case in combination with those wire lugs suggests a woman's watch from as far as circa 1924-1930.
My date estimate is also based on the observation of the 15 jewels 3 adj. caliber. It looks to be the work of either the Swiss Watch Federation or Ébauches SA. Although not seen as such by many, that little watch is the reminder of what one can achieve by joinning forces. Collaborating under one roof after the struggles of WWl saved the Swiss watch industry.
It was probably made somewhere in Neuchatel, at least I'd like to think so 😉💪.
Definitely a ladies' watch. 1930s-1940s by the looks of it. The movement... @chronotriggered could be right about it being an FHF. The layout looks a lot like the FHF 190. The wheeltrain arrangement and stem release screw position are a match. However, the balance cock is also slightly different. Not sure what to make of it.
Definitely a ladies' watch. 1930s-1940s by the looks of it. The movement... @chronotriggered could be right about it being an FHF. The layout looks a lot like the FHF 190. The wheeltrain arrangement and stem release screw position are a match. However, the balance cock is also slightly different. Not sure what to make of it.
I had a light-dive on Dr Ranfft, FHF 190 looked closest but not quite, but compared to everything else they were miles off. It’s beyond me without tearing it to pieces.
3 adjustments is not the norm, it’s a movement that has been scrutinised, so it’s a good find from that perspective.
Just had a nose and HOW DID I NOT KNOW THIS SUB EXISTED?