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Help me Identify this Pocket Watch...

sevenhelmet
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Family heirloom. NOT FOR SALE- I will not respond to offers. Looking for information only.
What make/model is this? Possibility of an age?

Known info:
Owner "PW" was born in 1885 and died in 1952. Lived in the UK. Unknown if this was the original owner.
Winding is accomplished by key- the key has an inscription on it, possibly where it was purchased or serviced.
FRONT (appears to read): "EDWARD ORMES 242 HOE ST. WALTHAMSTOW"
BACK (appears to read): "WATCH MAKER AND JEWELLER"

Serial number appears to be 16264, but shows signs of polishing inside the case.

FullSizeRender.webp FullSizeRender (5).webp FullSizeRender (4).webp FullSizeRender (3).webp FullSizeRender (2).webp FullSizeRender (1).webp
 
Dan S
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One would typically show photos of the movement when asking for information about any watch, but particularly a PW. In this case, without the movement there’s not much to go on about the watch itself.

It’s cool that the key has survived but you can’t know if it’s original to the watch at this point.

With a bit of research you can date the case using the hallmarks.
 
sevenhelmet
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Dan S Dan S
One would typically show photos of the movement when asking for information about any watch, but particularly a PW. In this case, without the movement there’s not much to go on about the watch itself.

It’s cool that the key has survived but you can’t know if it’s original to the watch at this point.

With a bit of research you can date the case using the hallmarks.

Thanks- I'm not comfortable opening the watch, but I do intend to take it to a local watch shop and can get photos of the movement then. If someone has a "this is easy, no tools or risk required" to open it, let me know. Otherwise, I'll leave well enough alone- I don't want to break this watch with my good intentions.

Is "PW" a maker's mark, and not the initials of the owner, then? We have a PW on the family tree, but it could be a coincidence. I know next to nothing about pocket watches.
 
Dan S
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That PW on the inner dust cover appears to be a makers mark or hallmark of some type. The other hallmarks can be decoded, e.g. assay office and year.
 
Pastorbottle
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sevenhelmet sevenhelmet
Thanks- I'm not comfortable opening the watch, but I do intend to take it to a local watch shop and can get photos of the movement then. If someone has a "this is easy, no tools or risk required" to open it, let me know. Otherwise, I'll leave well enough alone- I don't want to break this watch with my good intentions.

Is "PW" a maker's mark, and not the initials of the owner, then? We have a PW on the family tree, but it could be a coincidence. I know next to nothing about pocket watches.
The Australian coat of arms featuring the kangaroo and emu is on one of the coins and what appears to be a parrot hatching out of an egg on the other, so there must be a strong Aussie connection there somewhere along the way.

In order to open the case to see the movement, if you look at the first pic you will see a small lip below the sub seconds dial @ 6 'o'clock (there should be a hinge opposite, though not visible in the pix) This lip is there so you can use your finger nail to pry it open. it might be fairly stiff with lack of use, so it might break you finger nail, but don't be tempted to use something metal that might scratch the case, if you have soft finger nails, you could use a plastic guitar pick (plectrum) they come in different thicknesses, to get it started, once it opens a bit, it should be easier to open it fully. But don't force it! Indeed if you're not confident then take it to a proper watchmaker. not the bloke that changes watch batteries along side doing shoe repairs and selling mobile phone covers and ciggies from a booth at the mall!
Edited:
 
JimInOz
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The hallmarks are:
Leopard Head - London Assay Office
Lion Passant - Mark for gold fineness (18 carat?)
Shield with "I" - Date letter for about 1885/1886
PW - Most likely the case maker, not the watchmaker.
 
sevenhelmet
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Pastorbottle Pastorbottle
In order to open the case to see the movement, if you look at the first pic you will see a small lip below the sub seconds dial @ 6 'o'clock (there should be a hinge opposite, though not visible in the pix) This lip is there so you can use your finger nail to pry it open. it might be fairly stiff with lack of use, so it might break you finger nail, but don't be tempted to use something metal that might scratch the case, if you have soft finger nails, you could use a plastic guitar pick (plectrum) they come in different thicknesses, to get it started, once it opens a bit, it should be easier to open it fully. But don't force it! Indeed if you're not confident then take it to a proper watchmaker. not the bloke that changes watch batteries along side doing shoe repairs and selling mobile phone covers and ciggies from a booth at the mall!

Guitar pick trick did it. Nice suggestion.

IMG_1265.webp
 
Pastorbottle
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OK that's lovely.
Is it a runner? It probably needs a service, I can see it's set fast so the service is probably well overdue. The lube has probably dried up.
Tell us your general location and someone here will probably be able to recommend a watch doctor localish to you.
 
sevenhelmet
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Pastorbottle Pastorbottle
OK that's lovely.
Is it a runner? It probably needs a service, I can see it's set fast so the service is probably well overdue. The lube has probably dried up.
Tell us your general location and someone here will probably be able to recommend a watch doctor localish to you.
I am told it does not run, and I know better than to try and wind it. The balance spring looks like it's in good shape though.

Nearest city of any size is Wichita, KS. I can also get to the Kansas City metro area fairly easily.
 
Pastorbottle
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sevenhelmet sevenhelmet
I am told it does not run, and I know better than to try and wind it. The balance spring looks like it's in good shape though.

Nearest city of any size is Wichita, KS. I can also get to the Kansas City metro area fairly easily.
I sure someone from around those parts will be able to offer a recommendation
 
sevenhelmet
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Bump for any vintage pocket watch maker/restoration recommendations in the Wichita / KC metro areas... willing to drive a few hours if need be, but I'd prefer not to go to Denver or Chicago.
 
Pastorbottle
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You might be better of starting a new thread with this request. Include something along the lines of "Need a good watchmaker in the Wichita or KC area" in the title, There's probably not enough general traffic in this thread for folks in that region to notice.

When I said tell us you location, I meant on the Omega Forum in general not just this thread.......My bad for not being more specific!
Edited:
 
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