Hello everyone I recently acquired this piece from a local seller in a Sydney. I would love to know more about it, and unfortunately google hasn’t come up with much. Any information or opinion would be greatly appreciated.
Looks like a transitional watch (from pocket to wrist). Movement, or at least part of it, manufactured around 1922. There is something engraved underneath the balance, could you tell what exactly? Also the movement diameter?
Certainly looks like a trench watch - wristlet with hinged covers and so on, like a pocket watch - but the numerals look like they are from a modernist typeface, too modern for it to date from WWI. Looks in pretty good nick too, which suggests it might be younger than 100yo. But I’m not expert, I’m sure others here will be much more helpful!
Movement and case numbers date the watch to about 1920 (+/-). Watch has been redialed and the crown replaced.
I believe it is the 35.5L+S T1 movement that was made from 1918 until about 1930. A T1 would be a transitional movement and that could explain the seconds hand at 9. As Jim and Lug said above, redialed with a modern look. I bet engraved under the balance is 35.5L. Intrepid, does the movement measure 35.5mm?
I would lean towards a pocket watch transformed into a wristwatch. The movement looks like a 35.5 indeed, even if usually this movement came with a silver plating. Because of its size, many "marriage" watches were made with this caliber, as well as several transformations of pocket watches into wristwatches.
Thanks a lot for the interest. The movement measures in the 34mm and the case is 40mm. I’m measuring the movement edge to edge on the bronze coloured section, is that correct? Case serial is 6384985 Movement serial is 599569 The engraving under the balance does read 35.5L
Glad that you've joined us! Not much more I can make out, just have it serviced if you are going to wear it. It's not particularly valuable or collectible but it's definitely unusual! Thanks for sharing and welcome to the forum.