Hi,
Can anyone help me with the identification of the case sponsors mark F.W as per picture.
Cheers Russell.

 

Francis Webb Ltd Birmingham?

Can you show us the other marks?

 

Agree

 

Hi Jiminoz,
Please find pictures of the other hallmarks in the back of the case. It is a 40 millimetre silver case with military markings on the outside of caseback. I am in the process of getting the movement and watch restored. Please also find attached the movement which is a 15 ligne size and I am having trouble finding the maker. It could be a General Watch Company movement? Cheers Russell.

 

Sorry here is the movement pictures....
Cheers Russell.

 

The case is sterling silver (925) assayed in Glasgow (sideways Fs) in 1908 (letter L).

So maybe made by Webbs in Birmingham and sent for assay in Glasgow by the retailer of the watch who got the case made cheaper in Birmingham than they could in Glasgow (Aye, those canny Scots, dinna waste a penny ye ken).


I'll check the movement after I've had a coffee. Any dial pictures?

 

Hi Jimi,
The dial is at my watchmakers and didn't take any pictures. Standard white enamel dial. Did you see above the military markings on the outside of the caseback? It is an early piece.
Cheers Russell.

 

Your watchmaker is going to be busy .

The closest I can get with the movement is a Helvetia (one of the brands of La Generale).

Edit: Here you go:



See more info on this great site.

https://www.helvetiahistory.co.uk/trench-watches

 

Thanks Jimi,
I have a complete donor movement which has taken me 2 years to find. Yes i was pointing to Helvetia/La Generale Watch Co. The picture you posted has the top plate jewels in a different position from mine?
Cheers Russell.

 

Yes, but the basic full train train bridge and general layout point to it being a variant of GWC or one of their offshoots.

It's a bit late as your movement is with your watchmaker, but you could try David Boettcher as he is my go to authority on these items.

 

Hi, I'd be interested to find out if it is actually a General Watch Co movement as I am going to add a page on allied military Helvetia watches to my site.

It does look similar but the keyless works are also similar to this Omega from David's site.



Thanks. Carl.

 

Hi Jimi,
The previous owner had correspondence with David and i have emailed him to find out what he said.
Cheers Russell.

 

The movement is now overhauled and running as well as we can get to. Just popped into my watchmakers....Just need the case back from my jeweller.
Cheers Russell.

 

Hi Russell,

Found this weeks ago then couldn't remember where!

Looks like it's by Elida.



Thanks. Carl.

 

Thanks Carl,
Yes the second movement from the RH side bottom is exactly the same as my one above.
Cheers Russell.