Whats this? SS Barlom?

Internet Horology Club 185

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February 23, 2012, 15:09

Patrick Wallin

Whats this? SS Barlom?

Found in in a box of junk movements. It even tries to run but is so filthy it can't. I don't see it listed in the fat book. Can you give me a What, Who, When & Why?
Thanks
Patrick 1616

February 23, 2012, 15:10

Patrick Wallin

Dial side

February 23, 2012, 15:38

Lindell V. Riddle

Hi Patrick,

That is a definitive "Swiss Fake" << Click those words for other references and see the additional information on pages 97 and 98 in the Complete Guide to Watches 2012 Edition.

Watches like that one were made to confuse the buyer by using familiar sounding names and highly misleading terminology that sounded like something they could never really be. Close examination will reveal the example you found does not even have a compensating balance.

Lindell

February 23, 2012, 15:39

Tom Brunton

Hi Patrick; clearly SS Barlow on the dial and looks like the engraver may have reversed the letter in the engraving machine so on the movement it looks like an "M" !!! Private label so perhaps Tom brown will find something on him. I believe the watch to be a Swiss fake, regards,Tom

February 23, 2012, 19:14

Patrick Wallin

I'll go along with you guys. Maybe i"ll get it to run just for S & G's.
Thanks for the info.
Patrick 1616

February 24, 2012, 11:48

Larry Buchan

Hello Patrick:

I think the SS Barlow, sounds close to PS Bartlett a higher grade Waltham, you see a lot of that in Swiss fakes using names that sound a lot like the American pocket watches.

Larry

February 24, 2012, 15:13

Richard M. Jones

Patrick if you notice the regulator it looks a bit like a Chalmers and Larry is correct that the Swiss fakes are many times found with "sounds like" names. Hamlin for Hampden, HWC for Hampden Watch Company, Barlow for Bartlett and many more. They are collectable and in Nebraska and Iowa they were often called Gypsy or peddlers watches. My grandfather told me they could be had for 50 cents if you drove a hard bargain and that would have been around 1900-05.