Old Watch query

[pubrunner]

Hi All,

I've been having a general 'de-cluttering' and I've come across this old watch. As a guess, I reckon it's about 120 years old.

Sadly, the watch doesn't run, 'cos it is in need of a good clean, so I can't test my theory that it is a prototype GPS device.

My query is this, it has a very small 'nodule' on the edge of the case, which has a small (sprung) pin in the centre - what purpose does it have ?

Any thoughts/opinions gratefully received.

 

[Profpointy]

it could, perhaps be a "repeater" whereby when you press the button, the watch chimes the hours and quarters, telling the time in the dark. If this is so, the it is likely a rather good watch.

Not my field, but a plausible guess

 

[midlife]

"Pin set" springs to mind for setting it?

Shaun

 

[accountantpete]

It's usually to engage the hands to set the time with the winder.

The winder winds the watch up in normal operation.

 

[rich p]

Looks good, so I'm guessing it's too good for you Pubby.
p.s. No idea mate!

 

[MarkF]

It's usually to engage the hands to set the time with the winder.

My guess too. Love the engraving on the movement, get a chain and wear it!

 

[classic33]

What are the markings on the inside of the back of the watch. Usually three of them, if its silver. From there, you'll get a year of manufacture, the manufacturer and where it was made.
Applies to the case only.

1903 for the case? http://www.silvercollection.it/englishsilvermarksXJDUE.html
Scroll to the bottom of the page, for this.

 

[sight-pin]

Could it be another Harrison "lesser watch" In all seriousness It's looks to be a nice watch, probably worth getting it repaired.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXIFuedsWHQ

 

[pubrunner]

Looks good, so I'm guessing it's too good for you Pubby.
p.s. No idea mate!

Cheeky fecker ! . . . . . . . though you're probably right !

 

[steveindenmark]

This may be of interest to you.

http://www.horologist.co.uk/graves.htm

 

[Salar]

As @Profpointy I think it's a repeater.

 

[Profpointy]

As @Profpointy I think it's a repeater.

it was a.guess - but as the adjusting the hands thing is usually pulling or pushing the winder I thought it might be something else.

Presumably you can check if it is to do with adjusting the time even if it doesnt run

 

[pubrunner]

Cheers for all the replies, fellas - interesting & helpful.

I've accumulated a lot of 'tat' over the years - my solution to this problem, will probably be to leave it in my will and let someone else sort it out.

Yes, I could get this watch cleaned (probably cost a few hundred quid), but would I ever wear it ? Does anyone on this forum use such a watch (regularly) ?

At the best of times, I'm hardly a paragon of sartorial elegance and I'm not sure that I'd use the watch - I'd need to change my entire wardrobe and base my 'style' along the same lines as @rich p . . . . . . .

I've had a similar 'problem' with time pieces previously; a few years ago, I got another watch fixed :

This ^^^ is a high quality watch by any standards - even I know that a Le Coultre watch is worth a few bob . . . . . . . yet, I only wear it about twice a year. (Another for the next generation).

I've also got a nice Longcase "Grandfather" clock; I got it working, but it needs winding every day - I tend not to bother.

Am I the only one, who has a tendency to hoard stuff ? My missus says that if I die before her, she's getting a very large skip for all my 'treasures' & bikes etc..

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

GPS device

It is a GPS device. Just need a sextant to go with it

 

[tyred]

Am I the only one, who has a tendency to hoard stuff ? My missus says that if I die before her, she's getting a very large skip for all my 'treasures' & bikes etc..

Send it all to me