Normana
Scored this on eBay today for not much at all. Information online on Normana is all but nonexistent — I don’t even know when or even necessarily if they went out of business or just got swallowed up by another brand somehow — yet there seem to be a fair number for sale always and they had pretty interesting designs for their times. No idea what the year is on this but I’m guessing somewhere in in the 1955-1965 range. Does anyone recognize the movement? I am relatively certain no one is faking these, they sell for peanuts overall, but maybe got a different movement at some point etc. 35mm is smol and my wrist is big, but for an actual vintage piece i do not mind.
I need to buy fewer watches so I can afford to buy more watches. The four rules of Watch Collecting, stolen from @JaeBust: 1. I can resist anything except temptation. 2. It is easier to beg forg...
Looks real to me. The movement resembles the Unitas or ETA movements that I’ve seen, but I don’t profess to know much.
It’s a good looking movement and the watch looks good too. What’s the quality of the case?
Found these images on a watch repair site.
Your watch is definitely ‘real’! 😄
classy pickup, wear it well!
Found these images on a watch repair site.
Your watch is definitely ‘real’! 😄
Thanks so much!
classy pickup, wear it well!
Thanks!
From The Watch Forum (UK)
Link: Normana - Going Postal | UK Watch Forum (thewatchforum.co.uk)
Normana, FEF 310,15 jewels, Normana Watch Co/Nordmann & Co/J.J Nordmann/Benoît Nordmann & Fils. La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Mid 1940's.
The only watch company I know of who actually operated, (sponsored?), an airmail service in South America.This watch is another of my favourite watches. Gold plated and in excellent condition for its age, and has been serviced a number of times during its life.
The watch has obviously had a great deal of use though, as the gold plating on the back of the watch has been virtually all worn away. It is a very large watch for that era, at just under 37mm including the crown. The face has a certain purity to it, very simple but with style and grace. The indices and very thin hands look black, but in certain lighting conditions they reveal themselves to be gold coloured.
The Normana marked FEF 310, (Fabrique d'Ebauches de Fleurier, Fleurier, Switzerland), with Incabloc shock protection, looks really attractive, and keeps very decent time for a movement around 80 years of age. It runs really well and times out at +27s/24h, plenty good enough for me.
In 1874, Joseph Nordmann founded Normana. In 1895, after Joseph Nordmann retired, his younger brother, Binovat Nordmann, took over the company together with his son Lugan. They renamed the company Benoit Nordmann & Fils.
In 1912, Benoit Nordmann & Fils launched the "Chronometro Sidola" series of watches and components. In 1915 the company changed its name again to Nordmann & Cie. Helena Nordman Weir, wife of Novart Nordmann, became a limited shareholder. She was apparently an outstanding administrator, and her management is said to have laid a solid foundation for Normana in the future.
In 1920, the company decided to officially change its name to Normana Watch Co., Ltd. At the same time, the company began to base itself on promoting the brand to all parts of the world.
In 1926, at the request of the German aviation engineer, airplane maker and friend of Lugan Nordmann, Claudius Dornier, Normana Watches became the first operator of the postal route between the Chilean Andes and Argentina. The route used a WAL-type Dornier seaplane. The apparently famous aviator Antonio Locatelli completed the flight wearing a skeletonised "Fantasy" series watch produced by the Normana Watch Company. I don't really believe that Normana ran and operated the postal route after this, but in reality only sponsored the first flight of Locatelli.From 1928 to 1940, after the great success of new launches, Normana decided to develop a women's watch with the same qualities but more fashionable.
In 1941, Lugan retired and his two sons, Albert and Georges, joined the company. The two men concentrated on expanding their business to North America. In the summer of 1954, hundreds of watch connoisseurs and Normana watch fans celebrated the 80th birthday of Normana at an event in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Many new models were launched during the event. In 1955 Normana registered a company in New York engaged in the import and production of jewellery and 14k gold watches. The sale of watches in the US market is said to have established a new international image for the Normanna brand and gained global recognition. How true that claim actually is I do not know.
By the late 1960's the company was becoming concerned about market trends in Europe and the world, especially the emerging Asian market and eventually formed an allíance with the Chinese Xinguang Group.
By 2009, or perhaps much earlier, all watches were assembled in China, but were said to be designed in Switzerland. As of now it appears that the Chinese Normana no longer exists.
If you want more information on the FEF 310 movement, follow this link:
FEF 310 (ranfft.org)
FEF 310
UPDATE
Basic Information
Name FEF 310 Manufacturer Fabrique d’Ebauches de Fleurier
Launch Year1945 Caliber Family Description 290: 10.5" , sub second 290-1, 330: 10.5" , sweep second 310: 11.5" , sub second 310-1, 340: 11.5" , sweep second
Related calibers FEF 290, FEF 290-1, FEF 291, FEF 291-1, FEF 292, FEF 292-1, FEF 293, FEF 293-1, FEF 294, FEF 294-1, FEF 295, FEF 295-1, FEF 296, FEF 296-1, FEF 297, FEF 297-1, FEF 298, FEF 298-1, FEF 299, FEF 299-1, FEF 300, FEF 300-1, FEF 301, FEF 301-1, FEF 302, FEF 302-1, FEF 303, FEF 303-1, FEF 304, FEF 304-1, FEF 305, FEF 305-1, FEF 306, FEF 306-1, FEF 307, FEF 307-1, FEF 308, FEF 308-1, FEF 309, FEF 309-1, FEF 310, FEF 310-1, FEF 311, FEF 311-1, FEF 312, FEF 312-1, FEF 313, FEF 313-1, FEF 314, FEF 314-1, FEF 315, FEF 315-1, FEF 316, FEF 316-1, FEF 317, FEF 317-1, FEF 318, FEF 318-1, FEF 319, FEF 319-1, FEF 320, FEF 320-1, FEF 321, FEF 321-1, FEF 322, FEF 322-1, FEF 323, FEF 323-1, FEF 324, FEF 324-1, FEF 325, FEF 325-1, FEF 326, FEF 326-1, FEF 327, FEF 327-1, FEF 328, FEF 328-1, FEF 329, FEF 329-1, FEF 330, FEF 340
Is COSC certifiedNo
Technical Details
Lignes Dimensions11.5‴
Dimensions 25.94 mm
Height 3.55 mm
Further Measures
Mounting Diameter (Dm): 25.6mm
Power Reserve 50 hours
Frequency 18,000 vph
Jewels 15
Lift Angle 52 degrees
Complications and Specifications
Shape Round
Complications
Sub Second
Perpetual Calendar
Shock Protection Incabloc
Regulator Type Pinned Regulator (or Index Regulator)
Movement Type Manual
Escapement Type Swiss Lever
Control Type Balance Wheel
Winding Type Stem Winding
Setting Type Stem Set
Additional Information
Hand Sizes 1.30 x 0.60 / 0.21mm
Hand Count 3
Country Of Manufacture Switzerland
Notes
Remarks: differences not known between 310...329
Other data: balance staff: U819 / U3101 balance with/without screws stem: W879 mainspring / battery: Zf1211, 1.50 x 9.0 x 0.10 x 290mm balance staff ronda: 5157 (10,5) balance staff ronda: 949 (11,5) stem ronda: 24 (11,5)
Signature ca. 1945: Swiss Made, 15 Jewels; Incabloc
Metadata
Created AtSep 15, 2023 Updated AtFeb 9, 2024, 6:28:15 PM
© Ranfft DB 2024
From The Watch Forum (UK)
Link: Normana - Going Postal | UK Watch Forum (thewatchforum.co.uk)
Normana, FEF 310,15 jewels, Normana Watch Co/Nordmann & Co/J.J Nordmann/Benoît Nordmann & Fils. La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Mid 1940's.
The only watch company I know of who actually operated, (sponsored?), an airmail service in South America.This watch is another of my favourite watches. Gold plated and in excellent condition for its age, and has been serviced a number of times during its life.
The watch has obviously had a great deal of use though, as the gold plating on the back of the watch has been virtually all worn away. It is a very large watch for that era, at just under 37mm including the crown. The face has a certain purity to it, very simple but with style and grace. The indices and very thin hands look black, but in certain lighting conditions they reveal themselves to be gold coloured.
The Normana marked FEF 310, (Fabrique d'Ebauches de Fleurier, Fleurier, Switzerland), with Incabloc shock protection, looks really attractive, and keeps very decent time for a movement around 80 years of age. It runs really well and times out at +27s/24h, plenty good enough for me.
In 1874, Joseph Nordmann founded Normana. In 1895, after Joseph Nordmann retired, his younger brother, Binovat Nordmann, took over the company together with his son Lugan. They renamed the company Benoit Nordmann & Fils.
In 1912, Benoit Nordmann & Fils launched the "Chronometro Sidola" series of watches and components. In 1915 the company changed its name again to Nordmann & Cie. Helena Nordman Weir, wife of Novart Nordmann, became a limited shareholder. She was apparently an outstanding administrator, and her management is said to have laid a solid foundation for Normana in the future.
In 1920, the company decided to officially change its name to Normana Watch Co., Ltd. At the same time, the company began to base itself on promoting the brand to all parts of the world.
In 1926, at the request of the German aviation engineer, airplane maker and friend of Lugan Nordmann, Claudius Dornier, Normana Watches became the first operator of the postal route between the Chilean Andes and Argentina. The route used a WAL-type Dornier seaplane. The apparently famous aviator Antonio Locatelli completed the flight wearing a skeletonised "Fantasy" series watch produced by the Normana Watch Company. I don't really believe that Normana ran and operated the postal route after this, but in reality only sponsored the first flight of Locatelli.From 1928 to 1940, after the great success of new launches, Normana decided to develop a women's watch with the same qualities but more fashionable.
In 1941, Lugan retired and his two sons, Albert and Georges, joined the company. The two men concentrated on expanding their business to North America. In the summer of 1954, hundreds of watch connoisseurs and Normana watch fans celebrated the 80th birthday of Normana at an event in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Many new models were launched during the event. In 1955 Normana registered a company in New York engaged in the import and production of jewellery and 14k gold watches. The sale of watches in the US market is said to have established a new international image for the Normanna brand and gained global recognition. How true that claim actually is I do not know.
By the late 1960's the company was becoming concerned about market trends in Europe and the world, especially the emerging Asian market and eventually formed an allíance with the Chinese Xinguang Group.
By 2009, or perhaps much earlier, all watches were assembled in China, but were said to be designed in Switzerland. As of now it appears that the Chinese Normana no longer exists.
If you want more information on the FEF 310 movement, follow this link:
FEF 310 (ranfft.org)
FEF 310
UPDATE
Basic Information
Name FEF 310 Manufacturer Fabrique d’Ebauches de Fleurier
Launch Year1945 Caliber Family Description 290: 10.5" , sub second 290-1, 330: 10.5" , sweep second 310: 11.5" , sub second 310-1, 340: 11.5" , sweep second
Related calibers FEF 290, FEF 290-1, FEF 291, FEF 291-1, FEF 292, FEF 292-1, FEF 293, FEF 293-1, FEF 294, FEF 294-1, FEF 295, FEF 295-1, FEF 296, FEF 296-1, FEF 297, FEF 297-1, FEF 298, FEF 298-1, FEF 299, FEF 299-1, FEF 300, FEF 300-1, FEF 301, FEF 301-1, FEF 302, FEF 302-1, FEF 303, FEF 303-1, FEF 304, FEF 304-1, FEF 305, FEF 305-1, FEF 306, FEF 306-1, FEF 307, FEF 307-1, FEF 308, FEF 308-1, FEF 309, FEF 309-1, FEF 310, FEF 310-1, FEF 311, FEF 311-1, FEF 312, FEF 312-1, FEF 313, FEF 313-1, FEF 314, FEF 314-1, FEF 315, FEF 315-1, FEF 316, FEF 316-1, FEF 317, FEF 317-1, FEF 318, FEF 318-1, FEF 319, FEF 319-1, FEF 320, FEF 320-1, FEF 321, FEF 321-1, FEF 322, FEF 322-1, FEF 323, FEF 323-1, FEF 324, FEF 324-1, FEF 325, FEF 325-1, FEF 326, FEF 326-1, FEF 327, FEF 327-1, FEF 328, FEF 328-1, FEF 329, FEF 329-1, FEF 330, FEF 340
Is COSC certifiedNo
Technical Details
Lignes Dimensions11.5‴
Dimensions 25.94 mm
Height 3.55 mm
Further Measures
Mounting Diameter (Dm): 25.6mm
Power Reserve 50 hours
Frequency 18,000 vph
Jewels 15
Lift Angle 52 degrees
Complications and Specifications
Shape Round
Complications
Sub Second
Perpetual Calendar
Shock Protection Incabloc
Regulator Type Pinned Regulator (or Index Regulator)
Movement Type Manual
Escapement Type Swiss Lever
Control Type Balance Wheel
Winding Type Stem Winding
Setting Type Stem Set
Additional Information
Hand Sizes 1.30 x 0.60 / 0.21mm
Hand Count 3
Country Of Manufacture Switzerland
Notes
Remarks: differences not known between 310...329
Other data: balance staff: U819 / U3101 balance with/without screws stem: W879 mainspring / battery: Zf1211, 1.50 x 9.0 x 0.10 x 290mm balance staff ronda: 5157 (10,5) balance staff ronda: 949 (11,5) stem ronda: 24 (11,5)
Signature ca. 1945: Swiss Made, 15 Jewels; Incabloc
Metadata
Created AtSep 15, 2023 Updated AtFeb 9, 2024, 6:28:15 PM
© Ranfft DB 2024
Thanks! I saw that, but it’s the only thing I could find and he doesn’t seem to cite anything else either! Clearly did his homework but man there seem to be a lot of gaps, like leaping from the late-60s to 2009.
In general it sure feels like the history of watches is very poorly documented. I have collected vintage cameras too and those are nearly always well-documented. a kind of funny how it seems to be this blind spot.
From The Watch Forum (UK)
Link: Normana - Going Postal | UK Watch Forum (thewatchforum.co.uk)
Normana, FEF 310,15 jewels, Normana Watch Co/Nordmann & Co/J.J Nordmann/Benoît Nordmann & Fils. La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Mid 1940's.
The only watch company I know of who actually operated, (sponsored?), an airmail service in South America.This watch is another of my favourite watches. Gold plated and in excellent condition for its age, and has been serviced a number of times during its life.
The watch has obviously had a great deal of use though, as the gold plating on the back of the watch has been virtually all worn away. It is a very large watch for that era, at just under 37mm including the crown. The face has a certain purity to it, very simple but with style and grace. The indices and very thin hands look black, but in certain lighting conditions they reveal themselves to be gold coloured.
The Normana marked FEF 310, (Fabrique d'Ebauches de Fleurier, Fleurier, Switzerland), with Incabloc shock protection, looks really attractive, and keeps very decent time for a movement around 80 years of age. It runs really well and times out at +27s/24h, plenty good enough for me.
In 1874, Joseph Nordmann founded Normana. In 1895, after Joseph Nordmann retired, his younger brother, Binovat Nordmann, took over the company together with his son Lugan. They renamed the company Benoit Nordmann & Fils.
In 1912, Benoit Nordmann & Fils launched the "Chronometro Sidola" series of watches and components. In 1915 the company changed its name again to Nordmann & Cie. Helena Nordman Weir, wife of Novart Nordmann, became a limited shareholder. She was apparently an outstanding administrator, and her management is said to have laid a solid foundation for Normana in the future.
In 1920, the company decided to officially change its name to Normana Watch Co., Ltd. At the same time, the company began to base itself on promoting the brand to all parts of the world.
In 1926, at the request of the German aviation engineer, airplane maker and friend of Lugan Nordmann, Claudius Dornier, Normana Watches became the first operator of the postal route between the Chilean Andes and Argentina. The route used a WAL-type Dornier seaplane. The apparently famous aviator Antonio Locatelli completed the flight wearing a skeletonised "Fantasy" series watch produced by the Normana Watch Company. I don't really believe that Normana ran and operated the postal route after this, but in reality only sponsored the first flight of Locatelli.From 1928 to 1940, after the great success of new launches, Normana decided to develop a women's watch with the same qualities but more fashionable.
In 1941, Lugan retired and his two sons, Albert and Georges, joined the company. The two men concentrated on expanding their business to North America. In the summer of 1954, hundreds of watch connoisseurs and Normana watch fans celebrated the 80th birthday of Normana at an event in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Many new models were launched during the event. In 1955 Normana registered a company in New York engaged in the import and production of jewellery and 14k gold watches. The sale of watches in the US market is said to have established a new international image for the Normanna brand and gained global recognition. How true that claim actually is I do not know.
By the late 1960's the company was becoming concerned about market trends in Europe and the world, especially the emerging Asian market and eventually formed an allíance with the Chinese Xinguang Group.
By 2009, or perhaps much earlier, all watches were assembled in China, but were said to be designed in Switzerland. As of now it appears that the Chinese Normana no longer exists.
If you want more information on the FEF 310 movement, follow this link:
FEF 310 (ranfft.org)
FEF 310
UPDATE
Basic Information
Name FEF 310 Manufacturer Fabrique d’Ebauches de Fleurier
Launch Year1945 Caliber Family Description 290: 10.5" , sub second 290-1, 330: 10.5" , sweep second 310: 11.5" , sub second 310-1, 340: 11.5" , sweep second
Related calibers FEF 290, FEF 290-1, FEF 291, FEF 291-1, FEF 292, FEF 292-1, FEF 293, FEF 293-1, FEF 294, FEF 294-1, FEF 295, FEF 295-1, FEF 296, FEF 296-1, FEF 297, FEF 297-1, FEF 298, FEF 298-1, FEF 299, FEF 299-1, FEF 300, FEF 300-1, FEF 301, FEF 301-1, FEF 302, FEF 302-1, FEF 303, FEF 303-1, FEF 304, FEF 304-1, FEF 305, FEF 305-1, FEF 306, FEF 306-1, FEF 307, FEF 307-1, FEF 308, FEF 308-1, FEF 309, FEF 309-1, FEF 310, FEF 310-1, FEF 311, FEF 311-1, FEF 312, FEF 312-1, FEF 313, FEF 313-1, FEF 314, FEF 314-1, FEF 315, FEF 315-1, FEF 316, FEF 316-1, FEF 317, FEF 317-1, FEF 318, FEF 318-1, FEF 319, FEF 319-1, FEF 320, FEF 320-1, FEF 321, FEF 321-1, FEF 322, FEF 322-1, FEF 323, FEF 323-1, FEF 324, FEF 324-1, FEF 325, FEF 325-1, FEF 326, FEF 326-1, FEF 327, FEF 327-1, FEF 328, FEF 328-1, FEF 329, FEF 329-1, FEF 330, FEF 340
Is COSC certifiedNo
Technical Details
Lignes Dimensions11.5‴
Dimensions 25.94 mm
Height 3.55 mm
Further Measures
Mounting Diameter (Dm): 25.6mm
Power Reserve 50 hours
Frequency 18,000 vph
Jewels 15
Lift Angle 52 degrees
Complications and Specifications
Shape Round
Complications
Sub Second
Perpetual Calendar
Shock Protection Incabloc
Regulator Type Pinned Regulator (or Index Regulator)
Movement Type Manual
Escapement Type Swiss Lever
Control Type Balance Wheel
Winding Type Stem Winding
Setting Type Stem Set
Additional Information
Hand Sizes 1.30 x 0.60 / 0.21mm
Hand Count 3
Country Of Manufacture Switzerland
Notes
Remarks: differences not known between 310...329
Other data: balance staff: U819 / U3101 balance with/without screws stem: W879 mainspring / battery: Zf1211, 1.50 x 9.0 x 0.10 x 290mm balance staff ronda: 5157 (10,5) balance staff ronda: 949 (11,5) stem ronda: 24 (11,5)
Signature ca. 1945: Swiss Made, 15 Jewels; Incabloc
Metadata
Created AtSep 15, 2023 Updated AtFeb 9, 2024, 6:28:15 PM
© Ranfft DB 2024
Whoa look at all that extra info!! You are a huge help thanks!
Thanks! I saw that, but it’s the only thing I could find and he doesn’t seem to cite anything else either! Clearly did his homework but man there seem to be a lot of gaps, like leaping from the late-60s to 2009.
In general it sure feels like the history of watches is very poorly documented. I have collected vintage cameras too and those are nearly always well-documented. a kind of funny how it seems to be this blind spot.
It is the gaps that make the research interesting. Watch forums are not historical journals, we don't expect citations (as if those would exist for watch companies).
It is the gaps that make the research interesting. Watch forums are not historical journals, we don't expect citations (as if those would exist for watch companies).
I don’t mean citations in an academic way, I mean he wasn’t like “i dug up x from an old magazine”
or “such and such website” etc. It’s great that it exists but I can’t find anything further with much detail and it includes no hints as to where I might loo is all. I probably should have written “links” instead of “citations,” but that’s vague too because it could well be some print sources I don’t know about. My point was specifically that because he doesn’t indicate the source of the info I can’t go
to that source myself to read anything further.
And yes the gaps make it interesting but the post doesn’t reveal any hints as to how to further fill in the gaps.
It's a great looking watch in really good shape. I really like the dial markers and hands!
It's a great looking watch in really good shape. I really like the dial markers and hands!
Thanks! and thanks for inspiring me to go look for a normana!
Thanks! and thanks for inspiring me to go look for a normana!
I'm going to keep and eye out for another myself now
Looks beautiful 😍
I don’t mean citations in an academic way, I mean he wasn’t like “i dug up x from an old magazine”
or “such and such website” etc. It’s great that it exists but I can’t find anything further with much detail and it includes no hints as to where I might loo is all. I probably should have written “links” instead of “citations,” but that’s vague too because it could well be some print sources I don’t know about. My point was specifically that because he doesn’t indicate the source of the info I can’t go
to that source myself to read anything further.
And yes the gaps make it interesting but the post doesn’t reveal any hints as to how to further fill in the gaps.
Oh, I get it. The desire for sourcing is strong. It is really frustrating to read an old Fratello or Hodinkee article from a few years back about a watch or brand and learn something new, all the while knowing that at least one fact in the article you know not to be true. For example: Longines used to own Wittnauer. It must be true because Wikipedia says so. Now go and try to find actual evidence of it. It doesn't exist. There is no news article attesting to a sale. There is no purchase agreement in an archive somewhere. It is kind of odd that Bulova buys the name, but not from Longines. The watch business is opaque, and so is its history.
Just break out the ol’ loupe and look under the balance wheel. Should see the maker’s mark under there