Trench watch movement identification help....

Raymondo5508 · Apr 20, 2020

Hi,
Just wondering if any of the members can please help me out on finding the movement maker for this 32-33mm trench watch. Non precious metal case.
Cheers Russell.

UncleBuck · Apr 20, 2020

I don't believe it's Omega/Patria/Tissot etc.
Can we see the inner caseback?

I'm guessing American(nickel cased? A-R+ F-S), calling @OMTOM , @Tire-comedon, @JimInOz

Wish I knew how to google that engraving on the back......unit symbol, I bet.

Raymondo5508 · Apr 20, 2020

There is only a serial number on the inside of the caseback. It is a military issued watch hence the caseback marking. I sort of thought Tissot or Eterna?? Maybe Lanco.
Cheers Russell.

JimInOz · Apr 20, 2020

What is the diameter of the movement?

UncleBuck · Apr 20, 2020

The engraving on the caseback is similar to artillery symbols I've seen.
You may want to bring this to MWR's forum for help.

UncleBuck · Apr 20, 2020

Close but no cigar.
These are German WWII, by the way.

JimInOz · Apr 20, 2020

British pheon (broad arrow) surmounting the letter I, possibly indicating an Indian service watch.

Or possibly not, it may remain one of life's smaller mysteries.

Raymondo5508 · Apr 20, 2020

JimInOz
British pheon (broad arrow) surmounting the letter I, possibly indicating an Indian service watch.

Or possibly not, it may remain one of life's smaller mysteries.

Yes it is British military to India I'm guessing. The movement diameter is around 27.5-28.0 mm using my ruler.
Cheers Russell.

Raymondo5508 · Apr 20, 2020

UncleBuck
The engraving on the caseback is similar to artillery symbols I've seen.
You may want to bring this to MWR's forum for help.

I have had over on MWR but nothing back as yet.
Cheers Russell.

Foo2rama · Apr 20, 2020

UncleBuck

Close but no cigar.
These are German WWII, by the way.

Those are unit type markings for maps. More specifically just the artillery symbols. When you draw locations of units on maps you use those or pieces of paper with those symbols to denote unit type. US and British use almost identical markings.

there are markings for every conceivable unit type out there.

Raymondo5508 · Apr 21, 2020

UncleBuck
I don't believe it's Omega/Patria/Tissot etc.
Can we see the inner caseback?

I'm guessing American(nickel cased? A-R+ F-S), calling @OMTOM , @Tire-comedon, @JimInOz

Wish I knew how to google that engraving on the back......unit symbol, I bet.

Inside caseback pics....

joeshoup · Apr 21, 2020

Looks an awful lot like this movement sold by Dimier Bros, which David Boettcher speculates was made by Fontainemelon or Schild: https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/movements.php#dfc

His whole site is worth a browse for a look at many movements from this era. Nice piece!

Raymondo5508 · Apr 21, 2020

joeshoup
Looks an awful lot like this movement sold by Dimier Bros, which David Boettcher speculates was made by Fontainemelon or Schild: https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/movements.php#dfc

His whole site is worth a browse for a look at many movements from this era. Nice piece!

Hi,
Yes I often reference David's site which is fantastic. I have checked the movements and the one you link but still not the same.
Many thanks.
Russell.

bubba48 · Apr 21, 2020

JimInOz
British pheon (broad arrow) surmounting the letter I, possibly indicating an Indian service watch.

Or possibly not, it may remain one of life's smaller mysteries.

Not only pocket but first wrist watches too

JimInOz · Apr 21, 2020

bubba48

Not only pocket but first wrist watches too

👍

No longer a small mystery.

However, the toe at the foot of the barrel bridge is proving a problem.
I can find may calibers from different ebauche makers of similar design, but so far none with the tell-tale toe.

Raymondo5508 · Apr 21, 2020

bubba48

Not only pocket but first wrist watches too

Of course I completely missed it when looking through Ziggy's book.
Cheers.

Raymondo5508 · Apr 21, 2020

JimInOz
👍

No longer a small mystery.

However, the toe at the foot of the barrel bridge is proving a problem.
I can find may calibers from different ebauche makers of similar design, but so far none with the tell-tale toe.

Any movement maker with that picture?
Cheers Russell.

JimInOz · Apr 21, 2020

Raymondo5508
Any movement maker with that picture?
Cheers Russell.

That's your picture. I just took the colour down and cropped it. Makes it easier when going through books to compare.

Raymondo5508 · Apr 21, 2020

Haha....Didn't give it a thought. The movement has a serial number on it so it could well be associated with a watch company rather than a standard ebauche movement? What do you think JiminOz?
Cheers.

JimInOz · Apr 21, 2020

Many watch companies purchased ebauches in various states of completion/finish and them made them their own.

Then again, there were many companies (mostly all defunct now) from the first half of the 20th century that made movements very similar to yours, i.e. the train bridge shape, balance cock style etc.

One good thing is that your movement has an unusual round hairspring stud and that "toe" on the base of the barrel bridge, so good identifiers.

Another way to help identify is to check the shapes of the setting parts under the dial, there may also be makers marks under the dial.

Trench watch movement identification help....

Raymondo5508

UncleBuck

Raymondo5508

JimInOz

UncleBuck

UncleBuck

JimInOz

Raymondo5508

Raymondo5508

Foo2rama

Raymondo5508

joeshoup

Raymondo5508

bubba48

JimInOz

Raymondo5508

Raymondo5508

JimInOz

Raymondo5508

JimInOz

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