Hi All, my first question to the forum; another naive Scotsman and my god a virgin too! Is there an on-line source for dating Dennison cases?

Hi Lawrie,
First, Welcome to IHC 185!!!

The way I understand this issue is, that there are basically no records of case serial numbers.

Of course, I'm not one of the experts here, so others can help you too, so hang in there, and others will come in and try to help.

We do however, know a lot about cases, and may be able to help with questions about a Dennison case, if you list the information on the case for us, or post a picture of it.

We can usually tell you the material of the case, and give you a guess of the dating of the piece.

There are those here, that do know cases very well and should be able to help.

Again, Welcome to the Board, your will love it here, we're a huge family of collectors, that love to share.

Post a picture if you can, we would love to see your case.

Hi Shiela
Thanks for the warm welcome.

Ok, here we go, please forgive any slips in terminology.

I believe the case is GP with inside back reading STAR then line below DENNISON then below again is No.191976.

Inside dust cover reads ENGLISH MAKE CASE GAURANTEED 10 YEARS then below repeats 191976 with the number 33 centred below.

The winder is captive by the bow rather than a screw and operates the pull hand set.

Both internal and external finish are plain and the crystal size is 44mm.

The only other marks to case are L976 apparently hand stamped to back rim where dust cover closes.

The "maker or retailer" is unknown with a plain enamel dial marked SWISS MADE below sub second dial 6 o'clock.

The lever movement is nicely made with a breguet spring and 16 adjustment screws to balance. Again un-named SWISS MADE with neither jeweling (15?) or number of adjustments stated.

The PILLAR PLATE does however bear a makers logo being a WINGED STAFF WITH TWISTED SERPENTS. The closest reference I can find is that by MINERVA but it does not have the associted MERCURE text shown in Kochmann.

Any help on dating and movement ID would much appreciated.

Bought on Ebay yesterday for £24 as spares or repair. Received in post today after work and after a quick "unstripped" ultrasonic and oiling just to check where the faults might lie I find that all that appears needed was to reposition hair spring between pin and block. Running a little fast now but will leave it over night and it may well settle down.

And yes I will strip, check and peg it properly.

Sorry for lack of photo and the resultant essay. Don't be fooled I really am an absolute beginer who has read a few books and stripped, cleaned and rebuilt a dozen or so cheap watches for practice. But being me I already dream of poising, springing and turning, well dreams are cheap and good to aspire.

Best wishes from Scotlan