Help with an old Oris
Discussion
Hi
I wonder if anybody might help me identify this watch.
It belonged to my Grandfather and my parents asked me today if I would like to have it. I would think its from around 1950's to 1960's
There are no identifying marks on the back and ideally I'd like to know a little more about what model etc it is.
Its a non runner and has been sat for along time in this state. Sorry I about the poor Iphone pic.
The only words on the face are "Oris" and then it says "Swiss Made" across the bottom
I wonder if anybody might help me identify this watch.
It belonged to my Grandfather and my parents asked me today if I would like to have it. I would think its from around 1950's to 1960's
There are no identifying marks on the back and ideally I'd like to know a little more about what model etc it is.
Its a non runner and has been sat for along time in this state. Sorry I about the poor Iphone pic.
The only words on the face are "Oris" and then it says "Swiss Made" across the bottom
Struggling to remember the details of Oris's history, I found my own post here:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Sadly there's little than can be gleaned from that picture. The watch could be anything from late 50's to 80's.
If it's a pin pallet movement (pre 1971 and it will be, post '71 it could be), you may struggle to find a watchmaker willing to service it. If you pop the back off and post a movement picture we might be able to narrow down the date of manufacture.
Where in the country are you?
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Sadly there's little than can be gleaned from that picture. The watch could be anything from late 50's to 80's.
If it's a pin pallet movement (pre 1971 and it will be, post '71 it could be), you may struggle to find a watchmaker willing to service it. If you pop the back off and post a movement picture we might be able to narrow down the date of manufacture.
Where in the country are you?
Thanks for the reply.
Grandad was killed in an accident in 1962 and purchased the watch at some point prior to that. It looks a bit war torn so I suspect it spent a lot of time being worn prior to that.
I'm based in Somerset in the UK, I will try and get the back off but I don't want to damage it.
Grandad was killed in an accident in 1962 and purchased the watch at some point prior to that. It looks a bit war torn so I suspect it spent a lot of time being worn prior to that.
I'm based in Somerset in the UK, I will try and get the back off but I don't want to damage it.
OK, a 7 jewel Oris Calibre 451.
The go to resource for dating movement's is Dr. Ranfft's website :
http://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?10&...
Sadly the Oris 451 isn't listed.
A quick google around shows a few watches with this movement. Sellers are claiming dates ranging from 1940 (I don't believe that one) to 1955.
It also appears that the movement was produced in two grades, 7 and 15 jewels. The higher grade 15 jewel one was sold as a chronometer.
It's definitely a pin pallet movement, also known as a Roskopf. The problem with these is that they are prone to wear. They were also very cheap to manufacture, so they found their way into cheap watches and so they became synonymous with junk.
That's not the case with Oris. Oris refined the pin pallet to the point where it was just as accurate as the Swiss Lever escapement.
I suggest that you contact Joe Horner of the Anglesea Watch Company. He used to post on here as Variomatic, but we've not seen him for a fair while. Explain to Joe that the piece has sentimental value, if don't he may just tell you it's uneconomic to repair.
Alternatively, the British Horological Institute maintain a list of members who take repairs. You may be able to find someone local to you who will take a look.
I hope that helps.
The go to resource for dating movement's is Dr. Ranfft's website :
http://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?10&...
Sadly the Oris 451 isn't listed.
A quick google around shows a few watches with this movement. Sellers are claiming dates ranging from 1940 (I don't believe that one) to 1955.
It also appears that the movement was produced in two grades, 7 and 15 jewels. The higher grade 15 jewel one was sold as a chronometer.
It's definitely a pin pallet movement, also known as a Roskopf. The problem with these is that they are prone to wear. They were also very cheap to manufacture, so they found their way into cheap watches and so they became synonymous with junk.
That's not the case with Oris. Oris refined the pin pallet to the point where it was just as accurate as the Swiss Lever escapement.
I suggest that you contact Joe Horner of the Anglesea Watch Company. He used to post on here as Variomatic, but we've not seen him for a fair while. Explain to Joe that the piece has sentimental value, if don't he may just tell you it's uneconomic to repair.
Alternatively, the British Horological Institute maintain a list of members who take repairs. You may be able to find someone local to you who will take a look.
I hope that helps.
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