Need some clues to help identify these two items

[Nick M]

We have recently come across some watch related items which belonged to by great grandfather, but I'm a bit stumped about where to look for info as there are no visible markings on either of them.

The first is a movement, with a broken crown:


IMG_1074 by Ethel of Buzzez, on Flickr


IMG_1073 by Ethel of Buzzez, on Flickr

And the second is what I think may be his army issue watch from his time in France during WW1:


IMG_1076 by Ethel of Buzzez, on Flickr


IMG_1079 by Ethel of Buzzez, on Flickr

I've not been brave enough to open the back of the second item, but there are no visible marks on the back of the case.

Any clues to help satisfy my curiosity about them ?


Thanks all

[Spice_Weasel]

I can't help on the first, but I suspect your opinion of the second is correct. Whilst I can't add much more than a view that it looks very much like a First World War trench watch, I can point you in the direction of a few sites that may have some information:

http://www.ww1watch.com/

http://www.qualitytyme.net/pages/rolex_articles/hi... (scroll down the page)

[worsy]

Looks spot on for the second

http://www.ww1watch.com/shop/Sold-Watches/product/...

[Tanguero]

How big is the first movement?

[Nick M]

Tanguero said:

How big is the first movement?

It's a little over an inch in diameter. I wondered if it was maybe the movement from a ladies pocket watch, given the engraving, but that's purely a guess.

[Nick M]

worsy said:

Looks spot on for the second

http://www.ww1watch.com/shop/Sold-Watches/product/...

Agreed - very similar. On my one, the case back doesn't hinge open, and I've not seen any way to remove the back. I' assuming it's a press fit rather than screw on back, but obviously I don't want to guess and risk damaging it.

[Nick M]

Spice_Weasel said:

...I can point you in the direction of a few sites that may have some information:

http://www.ww1watch.com/

http://www.qualitytyme.net/pages/rolex_articles/hi... (scroll down the page)

Grand, thanks - some interesting stuff there. Seems like I'll need to get the back off to see what the movement is if I'm going to be able to properly identify it.

[Tanguero]

Nick M said:

It's a little over an inch in diameter. I wondered if it was maybe the movement from a ladies pocket watch, given the engraving, but that's purely a guess.

Can you give an accurate measurement? Its the easiest way to start identifying it. Also if possible a closeup of the marking next to the balance wheel.

[Nick M]

Tanguero said:

Nick M said:

It's a little over an inch in diameter. I wondered if it was maybe the movement from a ladies pocket watch, given the engraving, but that's purely a guess.

Can you give an accurate measurement? Its the easiest way to start identifying it. Also if possible a closeup of the marking next to the balance wheel.

I shall dig out some calipers and measure it - it's round at my folks' place so will also ask dad to try and get a better picture of the marking, but from what I can see from the photos I took it appears to say '4 2 0'