This pocket watch has 24K Gold Roman Numerals and a basket weave design in the center. It is a key wind with a double dust cover. The only numbers on the movement are 404523. No makers name anywhere. Any information would be appreciated.
Alex Wood

Hi Alex, more pictures wold help us help you. Your camera should have a "macro" setting icon that looks like a little potted plant. If you engage that it will focus on a "flea's eyebrows". That will help you get some better pictures to show us this watch.

Here is the movenent...

Reverse side of case...

Hello David: Thank you very much for your suggestions on my picture taking. I wanted to add the 3 pictures that you now see, but in some manner I managed to add the one picture that I did not want. It was my good fortune that Lindell phoned me today and assisted me in getting the right pictures posted. In addition, many thanks for your added suggestions when we were on the phone. You have increased the mystery of the origin of my pocket watch. Again, as per your suggestion I will endeavour to sent you some better pictures, hopefully giving you a better opportunity to identify this pocket watch.

Thanks again,

Alex

Everything I am seeing so far is pointing to an English Key-wind/Key-set with the back on a spring loaded hinge for "speed winding"

Without seeing a fuller picture of the movement, it will be anyone's guess

regards,
bb

Alex, I agree with Buster's appraisal to the point that it appears to be a Swiss-made movement. Where it is finished is another guess that requires more detailed examination. Also the winding arbor end which is offset from the motor barrel suggests very convincingly that this could be a very rare and interesting "late" Fusee, which further piques one's imagination to the possibility that this could be a Chronometer! The jeweling would say a lot more, and what is under the dial could help a lot too.

Thanks to you, Buster and David, for your input into my pocket watch. I showed this watch to a local jeweller who suggested that he could take off the top plate of the movement and perhaps show the makers name or mark on the underside. The fact that as you say, this could be a very rare and interesting Fusee, I am loath to give a local jeweller the OK to take it apart. Especially when I do not know how proficient he is at his trade. Do you have any suggestions as to taking this chance ? I do not want the value of this watch to be compromised by someone who is not used to dealing with antique watches. I would very much appreciate your opinion and suggestions.

Alex

Alex

HI Alexander, looking at the 7 jewel type movement picture you sent me pretty well rules out the Chronometer idea, and that leaves the mystery of the offset winding arbor. If you want, send it down to me and I can carefully take it down and see what is inside.

Hi David: Thanks for the speedy reply and I agree that it would be a good idea if you would be kind enough to have a go at taking my watch apart and hopefully be able to determine the maker and perhaps the value, if it is significant.
Now, all I need is your mailing address where I will mail the watch. Once it is mailed I will send yyou mailing particulars and the tracking number.

Thanks again for offering to check this out for me. My e-mail address is <alexwood@telus.net> in case you do not wish to place your address in this posting.

Alex

Check your e-mails

Good Morning Dave: Just wondering if my watch arrived safely and if you have had a chance to check it out. No rush on this, just wanted to make sure it arrived.

Alex

YOur watch arrived fine yesterday. I should have a look at it this weekend. Also, please post a picture of your 100% Hallmarked link Royal Albert Chain with the original 1723 English Soverign and "Piece of Eight" Fobs attached. You could start that posting in the Pocketwatch section just for openers.

Thanks David for the suggestion to post my watch fob and chain. I will follow through and do so.

Alex, I post a collage of your watch here, and report;
1. It is a 4 Jewel Swiss copy meant to look like of a (sort of) Waltham model 72-83 KW.
2. It has a nicely hand engraved dial which cleaned up.
3. Looking at the dial plate shows a pair of winding wheels that could be employed with a stem wind or (as in this case) assembled to a square shaft for "Key wind".
4. The mainspring was broken, so I installed a new one and it does not run, a watchmaker could probably get it to run with a day of hard work.
5. The stamped winding shaft cup meant to look like a "key guard ring" disappeared into the ether when I was pulling it off it for inspection. I sincerely regret that I have yet to find it, it must be hiding under a large dust mote.

The watch looks nice, but that is all. I returned it to you today.