Help identifying a watch
Help identifying a watch
Author
Discussion

Thebaggers

Original Poster:

378 posts

149 months

Tuesday 12th August
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Hi, hoping people can help to identify this watch. My grandad acquired it during WW2.

Thebaggers

Original Poster:

378 posts

149 months

Tuesday 12th August
quotequote all
Here is the back.

Thebaggers

Original Poster:

378 posts

149 months

fflump

2,448 posts

54 months

Tuesday 12th August
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You’ll definitely learn more by opening up the back. Lovely piece and history!

Thebaggers

Original Poster:

378 posts

149 months

Wednesday 13th August
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Will do.

redstar1

174 posts

7 months

InitialDave

13,465 posts

135 months

Thursday 14th August
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This looks very similar, though not quite identical

https://ebay.us/m/nQ7Gtc

fflump

2,448 posts

54 months

Thursday 14th August
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redstar1 said:
Different watch but similar. They didn’t seem to know what it was either. Opening it up is needed

BrokenSkunk

4,894 posts

266 months

Thursday 14th August
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Thebaggers said:
Chat GPT is spot on.

About the only things to add are:

  • Dial and case appear to be in original unrestored condition. Please keep them that way. Don't let anyone polish it on a buffing wheel.
  • You can and probably should polish the plexi glass crystal. The proper industry paste designed for the job is called Polywatch, however toothpaste works surprisingly well and has the advantage of leaving your watch smelling minty fresh. Be careful, the watch will be as waterproof as a sponge.
  • Whilst it clearly is 18K gold, generally these cases are not solid gold! I seem to remember reading that the lugs on these are often hollow and the cases quite thin.
  • You should get it serviced. Likely to cost around £200-ish, You wouldn't run a car engine on oil that's been in it since the 1940s, the same applies to your watch. If you need advice as to where to take it, ask (and tell us where you are located.)
  • It's rather nice.
Edited by BrokenSkunk on Thursday 14th August 09:41

Thebaggers

Original Poster:

378 posts

149 months

Thursday 14th August
quotequote all
Thanks all, it looks similar to the one linked above but with different hands. I will open the back up and share, and take the advice on care and servicing.

CaptainScarlet1967

43 posts

1 month

Thursday 14th August
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The Google application can work wonders, too.

Here is a screenshot of the image search results.


Thebaggers

Original Poster:

378 posts

149 months

Thursday 14th August
quotequote all
BrokenSkunk said:
Thebaggers said:
Chat GPT is spot on.

About the only things to add are:

  • Dial and case appear to be in original unrestored condition. Please keep them that way. Don't let anyone polish it on a buffing wheel.
  • You can and probably should polish the plexi glass crystal. The proper industry paste designed for the job is called Polywatch, however toothpaste works surprisingly well and has the advantage of leaving your watch smelling minty fresh. Be careful, the watch will be as waterproof as a sponge.
  • Whilst it clearly is 18K gold, generally these cases are not solid gold! I seem to remember reading that the lugs on these are often hollow and the cases quite thin.
  • You should get it serviced. Likely to cost around £200-ish, You wouldn't run a car engine on oil that's been in it since the 1940s, the same applies to your watch. If you need advice as to where to take it, ask (and tell us where you are located.)
  • It's rather nice.
Edited by BrokenSkunk on Thursday 14th August 09:41
Advice on where to take it would be appreciated, I am near Romsey, Hampshire. The glass does have a small crack in it.

Thebaggers

Original Poster:

378 posts

149 months

Saturday 16th August
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Here is the movement, it looks in wonderful shape.

Edit to add that my buddy chatgpt5 says it is a Landeron 48 movement.

Edited by Thebaggers on Saturday 16th August 10:51

BrokenSkunk

4,894 posts

266 months

Monday 18th August
quotequote all
Thebaggers said:
Advice on where to take it would be appreciated, I am near Romsey, Hampshire. The glass does have a small crack in it.
You're close to me! Try Cephas Mckeough in St. James's Road, Shirley.
https://www.yell.com/biz/cephas-mckeough-southampt...
You'll need to go there in person. He is not open on Mondays. Don't be put off by his shop, the guy is very good. I get him to do all of mine.

Thebaggers

Original Poster:

378 posts

149 months

Monday 18th August
quotequote all
BrokenSkunk said:
You're close to me! Try Cephas Mckeough in St. James's Road, Shirley.
https://www.yell.com/biz/cephas-mckeough-southampt...
You'll need to go there in person. He is not open on Mondays. Don't be put off by his shop, the guy is very good. I get him to do all of mine.
Brill., thanks. Shirley, I'll get the stab vest on smile

BrokenSkunk

4,894 posts

266 months

Monday 18th August
quotequote all
Thebaggers said:
Brill., thanks. Shirley, I'll get the stab vest on smile
Says the man from Romsey!

Cephas is on the edge of Shirley's "golden triangle" (the area enclosed by Winchester Road, Hill Lane and St. James's road) a.k.a Upper Shirley. Golden triangle house prices start around £400K [/dail mail reader]. You will be fine.

Although his shop is on the wrong side of St. James's road. smile

nikaiyo2

5,402 posts

211 months

Monday 18th August
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Thebaggers said:
Brill., thanks. Shirley, I'll get the stab vest on smile
Maybe try Carter Marsh in Winchester... for a less stabby, but perhaps more costly day out :P

Thebaggers

Original Poster:

378 posts

149 months

Monday 18th August
quotequote all
I was sold at "golden triangle".