Hello all,
A family member passed away and this watch was left to me. The only
information I was left with is that it was purchased by my great great
grandmother as a gift and passed down through the years. I was told that the
wrist strap was custom made and put on it. Any information as to a time
frame/model would be greatly appreciated!
I can't seem to find anywhere posted how to remove the backing. I am fairly
mechanically inclined and I see that with pressure and counterclockwise
movement the back will turn. Can someone provide further info that way I can
retrieve the numbers inside .Thank you!!
Hi MOURST,
Your watch is most probably a Calibre 40x 401, 402, or 403. It has snap back
so you can open it with a case opener (looks like a pocket knife). Looking
from the side you will see a small gap between teh case back and the case mid
part. Insert a case opener and caerfully twist it and the case back shoud pop
of. But be careful, one can easily scratch or damage the watch. If feeling
unsecure bring it to a watchmaker to open it.
br
Cromagnonman
Thank you very much for the speedy reply! I was able to remove the backing as
you instructed. Below are photos of the internals.
any info you could provide is greatly appreciated!
Hi MBOURST,
the movement with the number 1781915 is a Cal. 401 manufactured in 1965. The
case numbered 1804515 was produced between 1965 and 1969 it is made of 18k
gold as you can see from the case back image. The wach is reference 1205. The
interesting thing is that your movement is one of the last batch of Cal. 401
produced in 1965. Cal 401 was produced from 1952 to 1965 last movement nr was
1782 400. The total production of cal. 401 was 26400 pcs. It is 23.4mm in
diameter and 3.7mm in height, has 17 jewels and a breguet type overcoil.
Nice Watch in good condition
br
Cromagnonman
THANK YOU! you have been such an enormous help. I will keep this with the
watch for records for many many more years!
Take care
Respectfully,
MBourst
So, now you know what you have there.
And, it's a real beauty. What hasn't been said though is that it's definitely
in need of a little tender love and care - and know, there's no better team to
do that for you, than those Wizzards of Schaffhausen!
I've reason to believe that the person who wrote the above responce, is
previously one of those Wizzards, and I'm sure he would agree with me. This
watch deserves to be sent back to the manufactury for a SPA service. The
moment is in good shape but needs a service badly.
May I ask you to please post some detailed photos of the bracelet and clasp as
well here.
Yes I can definitely agree that it is in need of some TLC and service. It has
been tucked away for many many years. Here are some additional photos as
requested. If you could provide any info on the band it would be appreciated!
I am unable to find the stamped trademark "R" or any info where the band came
from.
See above , I posted additional.
Here's my take on this. I don't believe (but stand under correction from other
experts here) that that bracelet is not original to the watch / is non IWC.
Given that, and the fact that these full gold bracelets are not exactly daily
wear fashion today, I'd say remove the bracelet selling it for gold value.
Unless of course there is very significant emotional value - but even then,
I'm sure the original owner would agree. Use the proceeds from selling it to
pay for sending it back to Schaffhausen for that SPA service, and maybe even a
COA and replace the bracelet with a genuine IWC leather strap and IWC gold
buckle (difficult to find, but are available).
Least ways - that's what I would do and then enjoy wearing the watch.
Thank you for your input/advice! Yes I can confirm the bracelet is not the
original. I had thought of a similar outcome as far as purchasing an original
band for it and putting the gold band on another watch.
Thank you!
Respectfully,
MBourst