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

grumio
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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
 
DirtyDozen12
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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.
 
JimInOz
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Possibly because of import tariffs on precious metals?
 
grumio
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DirtyDozen12 DirtyDozen12
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.
Interesting, thank you.

Consistent with the 'Fab Suisse' on the dial of the calibre 30 hand wind watch.
 
DirtyDozen12
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JimInOz JimInOz
Possibly because of import tariffs on precious metals?
Could you elaborate? Why would movements need to be marked?
 
JimInOz
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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".
 
DirtyDozen12
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I believe that the markings refer to case material rather than movement material.
 
JimInOz
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DirtyDozen12 DirtyDozen12
I believe that the markings refer to case material rather than movement material.

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.
 
François Pépin
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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!
 
JimInOz
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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."
 
Tire-comedon
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DirtyDozen12 DirtyDozen12
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.
François Pépin François Pépin
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!

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?
 
OMTOM
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DirtyDozen12 DirtyDozen12
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.

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
 
Tony C.
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Well, at least the hive-mind seems to have ruled out "merde"! 🙄
 
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