2 Discussions and CommentsMember since Jan. 6, 2013
I have a vintage pocket watch which was my Great Grandfather's retirement present. Dating is easy as he retired in 1918 and the engraving on the back says 11th April 1919. I would like to know more about the watch if possible. Inside there is a small Crown marking with S&Co underneath - I believe that this indicates it is from Staufer & Co. in London. There is also a serial number 249979 with the word 'PEERLESS' underneath it along with the word 'SWISS'.
I have had a response from another forum (watchuseek) that indicates this may be an IWC movement see copy of the post below:-
"Well - you might just have an IWC movement in there. Looks somewhat like IWC 53 19'''H6.5 - but await more informed opinions. Whatever - its a great looking watch. But clearly in need of a service judging from the 'off the scale' position of the regulator."
2,149 Discussions and CommentsMember since March 23, 2001
This is a so called half-hunter IWC cal. 52 from the production year 1901. Jules Stauffer in London bought many IWC movements, which were stamped with his logo (several different exist). Many times the cases, provided by Stauffer, were fitted in london but IWC also delivered complete watches. As the case number is very near to the movement number, I would not be surprised that also the case was delivered by IWC. Sometimes the silver hall marks can tell more about the origin of the case. Kind regards, Adrian, (alwaysiwc).
I hesitate to correct, but given that it's a Savonette movement with the crown at 3, it's an IWC calibre 53.
Most such movements were brass plated, but this appears nickle plated unless white balance is off. The case is especially elaborate and nice. I concur with the watchuseek guy, based on the regulator position the movement should be overhauled.
2 Discussions and CommentsMember since Jan. 6, 2013
Thanks for the replays - very interesting. Have you any recommendations as to where to have it serviced (and how much I should pay). I've had it for 30 years so I guess it's kind of overdue!
IWC can service the watch, which has to be delivered through an authorized dealer. They literally can restore the watch to "like new" condition.
Because this a specialty watch for which only one or two watchmakers work, it will take some time: perhaps even six months. The cost will depend on what's needed, but it won't be inexpensive: I'd estimate not less than 1,000 GBP. But also given that it's a family heirloom, having it fully restored might well be worth it.
2,149 Discussions and CommentsMember since March 23, 2001
Dear moderator, No hesitation please, you are of course correct about the caliber! As an alternative to a "spa"-restoration by IWC, a service by a skilled watch maker can be very rewarding. Movement parts can be get easily but there is a good chance that nothing has to be exchanged. If you look for a good watch maker in the UK, I advice you to contact Ivan Melbourne, member of this forum and a watch/clock maker once himself. his email address is iwcforme@aol.com Kind regards, Adrian, (alwaysiwc).
I have had a response from another forum (watchuseek) that indicates this may be an IWC movement see copy of the post below:-
"Well - you might just have an IWC movement in there. Looks somewhat like IWC 53 19'''H6.5 - but await more informed opinions. Whatever - its a great looking watch. But clearly in need of a service judging from the 'off the scale' position of the regulator."
Any help is appreciated - pictures attached.
Phil
Jules Stauffer in London bought many IWC movements, which were stamped with his logo (several different exist). Many times the cases, provided by Stauffer, were fitted in london but IWC also delivered complete watches. As the case number is very near to the movement number, I would not be surprised that also the case was delivered by IWC. Sometimes the silver hall marks can tell more about the origin of the case.
Kind regards,
Adrian,
(alwaysiwc).
Most such movements were brass plated, but this appears nickle plated unless white balance is off. The case is especially elaborate and nice. I concur with the watchuseek guy, based on the regulator position the movement should be overhauled.
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
Because this a specialty watch for which only one or two watchmakers work, it will take some time: perhaps even six months. The cost will depend on what's needed, but it won't be inexpensive: I'd estimate not less than 1,000 GBP. But also given that it's a family heirloom, having it fully restored might well be worth it.
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
No hesitation please, you are of course correct about the caliber!
As an alternative to a "spa"-restoration by IWC, a service by a skilled watch maker can be very rewarding. Movement parts can be get easily but there is a good chance that nothing has to be exchanged. If you look for a good watch maker in the UK, I advice you to contact Ivan Melbourne, member of this forum and a watch/clock maker once himself. his email address is iwcforme@aol.com
Kind regards,
Adrian,
(alwaysiwc).