Sorry for delayed reply and thanks so much for the advice... I did set the back with my fingers first, it was dumb but it was the orientation of the seahorse that I wasn't happy with and it ultimately wound up exactly where it was. Really dumb of me but will force me to get a better case wrench.

As for the ring, I didn't leave anything out... So if a retention spring ring is supposed to be there, it didn't come with the watch. I did see case clamps though. Would it have all 3 (rubber bumpers, clamps and spring ring)?

I know my 176.007 is missing the movement retention spring ring and think I finally found 1 so I can start wearing that once I get it, but for contrast, without it that movement flops around terribly, however that isn't the "case" (couldn't resist) with the Sparkly.

Thx again for the advice!

 

A wonderfully Rare RCAF Wittnauer.

Buster

 

One hand?
Or is it just hidden under the minute hand?

 

Two hands, It is just hidden. The watch will be with me in about a week, it is with my Canadian watchmaker for a service.

Buster

 

Wittnauer Un-numbered prototype. Early 1950s.

 

The clamps just hold the movement to the spacer ring. This spacer ring actually just doesn't do anything since it doesn't reach anything by itself. It requires the rubber bumpers to hold the movement/spacer ring combination between the sides of the case. The spring ring is then required to hold this combination towards the crystal when you close the back. This floating design seemed like a nice idea, but over time the rubbers got deteriorated and the ring often got lost with no service replacement available.

It's because it doesn't have the rubber bumpers to "float" the movement, but it would become obvious when something is missing, unlike the other watch. I also like the 176.007. Any pictures?

 

This is just a questio
This is just a question because I don't know the answer. If this was for the RCAF why is the a US import stamp AXA on it? Did it have to be sent through the US?

 

My understanding is that AXA is the Swiss import stamping for Wittnauer (this making sense that the movement would have been made in Switzerland then imported to the US), and with Wittnauer being a USA company, all parts would have been imported through there first before being 'on sold' to Canada.
Cheers,
Buster

 

Thank you, I figured it must be something like that, just wasn't sure. I don't do my best thinking before the 4th or 5th coffee.

 

I always stand to be corrected, but that is my understanding of the chain of supply. I was very please to see AXA on this Wittnauer V175 movement, denoting the Swiss import marking. If it were 'made up' most wouldn't have had an AXA part to put on.

From memory a number of movement companies used to stamp them 'unadjusted' to get around import/ tax laws.
Buster

 

This is going to be interesting. Bought a Girard Perregaux V72 on the basis of one terrible picture. The inking on the subdials looks a little suspect, but will have to wait a couple of weeks to see it in the flesh

 

Very nice one, rare bird indeed!

 

The Alligator strap was confiscated and destroyed at customs but they were nice enough to send me the watch and buckle!

 

I've scoured pix of the case and movement... Some seem to have the additional ring, others a rubber ring and most look like the inside of mine. I'll keep my eye out for a retention spring/ring on the 'bay.

I have pix of the 176.007, but will keep you in suspense as I await the wavy retention spring for that one and the new strap I ordered from a seller in Australia. Plus, I still owe the site a "formal new member intro post" w/pix of my 4 Omega Seamasters, and the rest of my collection, which I seriously need to pare down/consolidate, yet I keep adding to it!!! (I must sell my never worn Longines Heritage Avigation and a never worn 1950s woman's diamond adorned Omega that didn't fit my wife though!)

 

I just purchased 2 Orbita watch winders...27 minutes ago. Before I purchased them, I tested the advertised 8 minute wind interval for both winders via Speedy Gonzales...8:03 and 8:07 respectively...not too shabby.

 

Cool beans...Rothco straps rock.

 

Thank you. Indeed it's a very nice watch and I like it very much. I had thr opportunity to wear it on a formal event indeed and it was perfect for the occasion:

 

The most left one.

Can not open the caseback but I suspect 80ies..

 

Just got a Lum Tec B31 Bronze.
It's not Swiss, but I don't give a fk, I think it's cool, and it's made here in Ohio.
It comes in a wood box with 4 NATO straps, and a green rubber strap, all with matching hardware. Limited to 100 pieces. Exhibition back.