Help identifying an old watch

[GaryG182]

Hey guys, my mum seems to think this watch is a nice example, however I'm not too sure really...here are some pics:








Turns out watches are pretty hard to photograph, oh and this ones pretty small (size of ten pence piece)

Markings I can make out are 9 375 on the lid and stamped on side of case (not photographed)

Britannic and 612164 ir is it 6/2/64 ? Also stamped on the bracelet is 9ct (not photographed) my mum says its rose gold?

EH 22275 on lid, heart shaped stamp inside and it appears they are tiny purple jewels inside as well.

Any ideas then guys? if not, any leads or clues/advice where to look next? Ta

[pastrana72]

It looks intresting, but can not throw any light on it sorry,

[HarryW]

A quick google reveals that 'britannic' was an English maker of fine braclets/watch straps, cuff links and jewellery in the 30's, this 1930's Rolex has a 'britannic' gold strap, see item 210 http://www.bonhamsandgoodman.com.au/auctions_catal...

and here's a 1933 advert for the bracelet http://www.historyworld.co.uk/advert.php?id=216&am...

Edited by HarryW on Saturday 23 August 21:06

[Stuart]

I have no idea what that is, but it really interests me, and I love the face. There are some interesting markings on both the movement and the inside of the case which might shed some light on it.

You could do worse than to send these photos to one of the auction houses - if you look at Bonhams' website they make it fairly easy to get in touch with their watch department. I'm sure that they would be able to give you some idea as to its identity and possible value.

[GaryG182]

Good work cheers Harry!

I've actually found one very similar on ebay and it looks as though the seller knows alot more about it than me- http://cgi.ebay.com.my/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&a... Interesting stuff!

[erasuretim]

Hi!

Watches like this were made up by the retailer/jeweller who sourced his case from one place, dial another, movt another etc.

The case is 9ct gold, hallmarked London either 1904 or 1924 I can't quite work out which as i cannot see the leopards head clearly. The case maker is probably Edward Hickman {E.H.} a watch case maker of Allesley Old Road, Coventry.

I have seen the movt before but cannot remember the ebauche manufacturer. Interesting markings on one of the plates - is it a heart in a shield?? I will have a look and see if I can find it. Are there any markings under the balance?

Regards

tim

Edited by erasuretim on Monday 25th August 09:25

Edited by erasuretim on Monday 25th August 19:04

[GaryG182]

Great bit of info there thanks Tim!

Very interesting how they watch was made up. Can you expand on the 'leopards head' as with regards to the date? As far as I can make it is a heart within a shield. Forgive my ignorance but which part is the balance lol, am I able to remove it easily to look underneath?

Cheers, Gary

[Vipers]

I'd pop into your local upmarket watch dealer, (Not Argos if you get my drift), have it valued, could be worth a bob or two.

[erasuretim]

GaryG182 said:

Great bit of info there thanks Tim!

Very interesting how they watch was made up. Can you expand on the 'leopards head' as with regards to the date? As far as I can make it is a heart within a shield. Forgive my ignorance but which part is the balance lol, am I able to remove it easily to look underneath?

Cheers, Gary

Hi!

The 375 and 9 in the diamond indicates that it is 9ct gold, meaning it is 9 parts gold and 15 parts other metal. The Leopards head is the mark for London and it changes slightly every so often along with the font of the date letter [in this case an "i"] Here is a link with the date letters..

http://www.argentinglesi.com/londoning.php

As you can see the cartouche that the letter sits in helps you identify it. However in your example they are embedded in a simple oval. An "i" indicates it is either 1904 or 1924 depending on the style of the Leopards head and the font of the "i". Having blown up your image i think it might be 1904 but you might be able to tell your self as you have the watch in your hands.

The balance is the wheel with a fine blue spring [also known as the "hairspring"] that pulses when the watch is working and acts to regulate it. Do not touch this as it can easily be magnetised or broken this may be fatal to the watch!. Often movt makers place an identifying mark under here, sometimes they do not!

IMHO Your watch is unfortunately not worth a great deal [perhaps the scrap value of the gold] as it is a ladies watch and they are not in demand [most collectors are male]. This is a shame because these watches are little marvels of mechanical engineering.

regards

tim