Sitting in the drawer for years

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!

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.

For size, lug to lug is 18mm