This 21J 16sz watch is marked "CREST" on dial and movement. Serial number is 5463562. It resembles several American watches but I don't find any exact matches. What do you think it is?

Photo is a little too small for a good look but I am going to say probably Swiss, with the detent stem & the three screws on the center jewel.

Tom

Tom can you have a look at page 164 'United States Horological trademark index' who filed CREST

Gerald

Tom, I just noticed the movement is also marked" R. Strachan, Port William"

Crest was filed as a trademark for the Gruen Watch Co, Cincinnati Ohio. Filed March 27, 1937, used since Feb. 26, 1937 watches, cases & movements.

Tom

There was a R. Strachan that was a watchmaker, jeweler & optician listed in Fort William, Algoma, Ontario, Canada in Lovell's Directory of Manitoba and Northwest Territories for 1900-1901

Tom

It bears the likeness and workmanship of IWC and Gruen watches.

You guys are amazing, thank you very much..Keith

The Gruen trademark was used in 1937 for a curved wristwatch.

In 1906 the Tavannes Watch Co had a bridge model that should be your original Crest, also the later art-deco Crest pocket watches are similiar to Tavannes movements of that time. (It may be a spin-off for the Canadian market ??) All Crest PWs seem to be located northern America.



Gerald

Nice Crest. Can anyone help me with this Swiss pocket watch, as it looks similar? It's a 16s with 17J and adjusted to 3 positions. It has a metal dial with no markings other than Swiss Made and behind the dial is marked Progressia (macker of dial?)
Thx, Roland.

I wonder if it is not the same as Keith's, the micro regulator appears identical.

Tom

Hi Roland

Is the Progressia mark on the backside of the dial or on the dial plate ? I've only seen Progressia on some Hebdomas dials.

It is a nice watch of good quality but I think it will remain anonymous. Swiss make fitted for american case and with an american touch to catch the customers eye.
I think someone bought a run of stock ebauches. They were likely 3/4 plates like most bridge or finger movements at this stage of production. For unknown reason the makers mark was milled out the 18lg or 19lg movement was turned smaller and a adapter ring was added to fit an american case. In a very skilful way the bridges wer cut, a nice spotting was made and the movement was nickel plated to get the american touch. If you look where the hairspring stud is attached to the balance cock.Seems like a former rectangular form was rounded.

Regards,
Gerald

Good eyes and info Gerald. The name progressia is on the dial. Absolutly nothing on the movement at all. Shame really as it keeps awesome time and is pretty to look at, yet the maker can't get credit.