I’ve had this hand-winder for many years but rarely worn it. It was my grandfather’s. He probably bought it new. I’ve tried to do some research but haven’t found much about it. Yeoman appears to have been a middle of the road Swiss brand. Then I see it attached to the Seiko name so I assume they bought the Yeoman marque. Other than that I’ve come up with nothing.

This watch looks to be c1940. It certainly hasn’t had a service for over 50 years so I imagine the oil is dry. It runs well, with reserve energy of about 32 hours.

I’m trying to get an idea of value. A very similar looking watch went for £165GBP recently, that was under the Zenith brand. I’m guessing these 15jewel movements were generic and makers were churning similar watches out under many names.

I like the watch and will keep it. Things like the Art Deco lugs, the sub-dial, and even number / brass dot arrangement I find very attractive. The condition could be described as, at best, fair.

My question is, is this a “good” watch, is Yeoman a respected brand, or as ordinary as I imagine it to be?

 

I have never heard of the brand, but the plated case and 15 jewels does suggest ordinary. The small size of the case for watches of this period limits there appeal. I imagine more to service than the value in it, so its good that is is still running well!

 

Unprotected A Schild AS 984 or similar movement (in very tidy condition), probably 1940s as the OP suggested. The only Mikrolisk entry for Yeoman connects it to Adie Brothers Ltd/Atlas Works, in Birmingham, England, which is interesting. The value is mainly sentimental.

 

Thank you for this. I wonder if, given it's a wartime model, my grandfather picked it up while traveling around the country (mostly Scotland, to be precise)? He was blind in one eye and so didn't see active service. Instead, as an electrical engineer he installed and maintained tannoy systems at airfields.

Yes, some sentimental value, but not a lot. I don't get sentimental about things. I've decided to have it cleaned and serviced anyway. Showed it to a guy today who said it needs a new centre wheel. It won't be expensive and I think a watch that age that's had nothing spent on it in nearly 80 years deserves a bath and a haircut.

 

Yes it deserves a reward and a nice vintagey fixed bar strap for its longevity. Its got great patina.

 

For size, lug to lug is 18mm

 

AS 984? Not that it makes a big difference, but I think it is as AS 1123 as shown in the Ranfft image. There are some cosmetic differences between the subject watch and the one in the Ranfft image, but the differences between the layout of the bridge over the train wheels on the 1123 and the 984 are notable. Probably many of the parts would be interchangeable. Same mainspring, yoke cover, and balance staff, but different stem.



AS 1123



AS 984

 

I stand corrected.

 

(thanks)