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Help me ID this watch
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Deafboy
··His Holiness Puer SurdusIt dates from the early 1940's. The rose gold case and "coral" colored dial aesthetic dates from that period.
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sleepyastronaut
·This is likely not a very expensive or desirable watch. It was my grandfather’s watch and quite old. It has sentimental value more than anything but I would love to know what it is.. Case back is blank, not even sure how to open it.
There may be a slot on the case back at 6 or twelve where you can gain purchase with a fingernail for prying. Pry against the lug at your own risk. I've owned a watch from this era that was sealed at the case back with shellac, so check nothing is sealing the back to the case before you go at it.
P.S. I have bracelet length for you if you'd like
Edited:
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fiberguy
·Thanks guys, going to try to pop the case back this weekend, see if I can glean more info
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TimeODanaos
·Do let us know a little more about the bracelet as well when you next post - any inscriptions in there? It looks nice, but possibly not the original companion of your (also nice) watch.
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Deafboy
··His Holiness Puer SurdusDo let us know a little more about the bracelet as well when you next post - any inscriptions in there? It looks nice, but possibly not the original companion of your (also nice) watch.
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TimeODanaos
·Looks like a Kreisler Basketweave
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Foo2rama
··Nowhere near as grumpy as he used to be...Redialed poorly at some point.
I’ve got a suspicion on what the movement might be.
either US or perhaps a JLC…
I’ve got a suspicion on what the movement might be.
either US or perhaps a JLC…
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JimInOz
··Melbourne AustraliaI'm guessing Bulova.
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gatorcpa
··ΩF InvestiGatorLooks like vestiges of the word “International” on the dial:
I know that IWC had some US national production watches made in the 1930’s and ‘40’s. Some just said International on the dial.
Only way to know for sure would be to have it opened and view the movement.
gatorcpa
I know that IWC had some US national production watches made in the 1930’s and ‘40’s. Some just said International on the dial.
Only way to know for sure would be to have it opened and view the movement.
gatorcpa
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sleepyastronaut
·Looks like vestiges of the word “International” on the dial:
I know that IWC had some US national production watches made in the 1930’s and ‘40’s. Some just said International on the dial.
Only way to know for sure would be to have it opened and view the movement.
gatorcpa
I doubt this is an IWC, case looks like a Wadsworth.
I'm guessing it's going to be an Elgin, with "Elgin National" on the dial. Definitely redial, wonder if it could have started life as a Lord Elgin.
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gatorcpa
··ΩF InvestiGatorI doubt this is an IWC, case looks like a Wadsworth.
gatorcpa
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Foo2rama
··Nowhere near as grumpy as he used to be...Oh no doubt it’s an American made watch in my mind.
the question is who made the movement 😀
the question is who made the movement 😀
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fiberguy
·@Deafboy and @gatorcpa - you guys nailed it! Can't read all of the serial number with out some disassembly but it is a 6 digit number starting with 99xxxx so from what i have found appears to be from 1937-1938. HXB stamp along with the 17 jewels seems to indicate a Swiss made movement for US import. I do believe the redial comments are highly likely as the empty screw holes appear to have once had screws in them for mounting.
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sleepyastronaut
·Wow, there's a lovely watch hiding behind that nondescript redial.
HXB is the correct US import code for IWC.
@fiberguy will you have this restored? (I would!)
FYI, I found what might be the same dial, in yellow, used on a Tiffany-branded piece; dial hardware matches up. Seller did not post movement pics.
HXB is the correct US import code for IWC.
@fiberguy will you have this restored? (I would!)
FYI, I found what might be the same dial, in yellow, used on a Tiffany-branded piece; dial hardware matches up. Seller did not post movement pics.
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fiberguy
·Wow, there's a lovely watch hiding behind that nondescript redial.
HXB is the correct US import code for IWC.
@fiberguy will you have this restored? (I would!)
FYI, I found what might be the same dial, in yellow, used on a Tiffany-branded piece; dial hardware matches up. Seller did not post movement pics.
Wow very similar dial on that Tiffany.
Trying to figure out next steps with this watch. I absolutely love the movement, hate the dial, case etc. What I would like to do is find a round case, dial and hands that would fit the movement. I suppose I could just have the movement serviced, clean up the rest as best as I can, but I would likely never wear it. If I got it into a little larger case, nice leather strap etc it would be very wearable.
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gatorcpa
··ΩF InvestiGatorThe case was made by an American company called Cresarrow. The “C” with the arrow is their trademark. As I understand it, Cresarrow did a lot of work with Tiffany & Co. My guess is that the dial was probably double branded with IWC and Tiffany. You can find information on the relationship between Cresarrow and IWC here:
https://www.gregsteer.net/IWC/Cresarrow/Henry Blank and Cresarrow.html
Unfortunately, your watch dial is in poor condition and looks to be missing a marker. That can probably be reproduced by a good jeweler. But it only makes sense if you are also going to restore the dial. As much as I dislike redials, there is a point where it becomes necessary and I think you are there.
As far as repurposing the movement, I think you are going to find that a rather expensive proposition. The movement looks to be an IWC cal. 83, but if you plug the full serial number into this site, it should tell you exactly what you have.
I’m not sure there are good answers for what to do with this watch in the future. My advice would be to get the movement serviced and leave the rest alone. It should run well and will probably outlive you.
Good luck, whatever you decide.
gatorcpa
https://www.gregsteer.net/IWC/Cresarrow/Henry Blank and Cresarrow.html
Unfortunately, your watch dial is in poor condition and looks to be missing a marker. That can probably be reproduced by a good jeweler. But it only makes sense if you are also going to restore the dial. As much as I dislike redials, there is a point where it becomes necessary and I think you are there.
As far as repurposing the movement, I think you are going to find that a rather expensive proposition. The movement looks to be an IWC cal. 83, but if you plug the full serial number into this site, it should tell you exactly what you have.
I’m not sure there are good answers for what to do with this watch in the future. My advice would be to get the movement serviced and leave the rest alone. It should run well and will probably outlive you.
Good luck, whatever you decide.
gatorcpa
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