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Meaning of a small ‘M’ stamped into the movement bridges

  1. grumio Jan 27, 2017

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    Hello,

    I was wondering about the meaning of a small ‘M’ stamped into the movement bridges on two of my watches.

    Both are 1940’s

    First one is Ref 2421, a 28.10 RA SC PC / cal 350 bumper

    IMG_3302.JPG

    IMG_9150.JPG

    IMG_3286.JPG
    2nd one is a Cal 30, military style hand wind, made for the French market I believe, based on the ‘Fab Suisse’ on the dial. Don’t know the case reference for this - there is only a serial number stamped in the case back.

    IMG_9149.JPG

    IMG_1869.JPG

    Anyone know what these marks mean ?

    grumio
     
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  2. ajg1960 Jan 27, 2017

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    Movement?? :)
     
  3. JimInOz Melbourne Australia Jan 27, 2017

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  4. oddboy Zero to Grail+2998 In Six Months Jan 27, 2017

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    Eek! They found the M! Every body run!
     
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  5. DirtyDozen12 Thanks, mystery donor! Jan 27, 2017

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    It means that the watch was originally sold in France. "M" is for métal as opposed to "A" for argent or "O" for or. This practice seemed to die out by the 1950s. I still do not know exactly why it was done.
     
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  6. JimInOz Melbourne Australia Jan 27, 2017

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    Possibly because of import tariffs on precious metals?
     
  7. grumio Jan 27, 2017

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    Interesting, thank you.

    Consistent with the 'Fab Suisse' on the dial of the calibre 30 hand wind watch.
     
  8. watchyouwant ΩF Clairvoyant Jan 27, 2017

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    2 very fine watches...... respect ! kind regards. achim
     
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  9. DirtyDozen12 Thanks, mystery donor! Jan 27, 2017

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    Could you elaborate? Why would movements need to be marked?
     
  10. JimInOz Melbourne Australia Jan 27, 2017

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    I was actually asking the question.

    A number of countries had various forms of import tariffs and gold and silver watch cases were either heavily taxed or locally produced.
    I thought the "M" might be to indicate to customs inspectors that the movement metal had been certified as "not precious metal".
     
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  11. DirtyDozen12 Thanks, mystery donor! Jan 27, 2017

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    I believe that the markings refer to case material rather than movement material.
     
  12. JimInOz Melbourne Australia Jan 27, 2017

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    That makes more sense, seeing that both cases are SS in this instance.

    Although why they marked the movement and not the case is puzzling.
     
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  13. tamura Jan 28, 2017

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    My (fab.suisse) omega marine movement.
    marine 4.jpg
     
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  14. François Pépin Jan 28, 2017

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    As far as I know, as said above, the M is for Métal, which refers to the material of the case. I do not think it is related to the import duties and it can be seen in watches with Swiss case. Typically, I do not remember I have seen a mark (O for gold) in gold French cased Omegas.

    But I do not know the reason of these marks! I can think of several hypotheses: an internal mark to distinguish between series of movements, maybe (but I am not convinced!) in relation to some quality degrees (the best movements for the gold cases); a way to get more control, thanks to movements, about the use of gold in watches. But I do not have any basis to say that!
     
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  15. JimInOz Melbourne Australia Jan 28, 2017

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    "Hey Rudi, pass me that little 'M' punch on your bench".

    "What do you want it for Märti?"

    "I just thought of a funny prank that will drive watch collectors crazy in a few years time, now pass me the punch Rudi!"

    "You are one funny pranker Märti, here you are."
     
  16. Tire-comedon First Globemaster Jan 28, 2017

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    I also have the same explanation. I think I had found a reliable source for this explanation, but impossible to find any now. Does any one of you have such a source that would confirm?
     
  17. OMTOM Jan 28, 2017

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    I concur. I can’t explain it – but I can provide the evidence (in each case from chronographs – although it was not restricted to chronos, as we know).

    Letters M A O.jpg
     
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  18. Tony C. Ωf Jury member Jan 28, 2017

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    Well, at least the hive-mind seems to have ruled out "merde"! :rolleyes:
     
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  19. Gordon Heavyfoot Feb 3, 2017

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    Here's a watch with the "M" on the movement on Ebay right now. Nice little watch. If I wasn't currently in the dog house with the missus I'd likely make an offer on it.

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/282348109531Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

    $_3.JPG $_3 (1).JPG $_3 (2).JPG $_3 (3).JPG
     
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