Hello dears,

This very large watch caught my eye with its disarming simplicity. It is 64 mm wide without the crown (!) and weighs 195 grams (!) which makes it a bit cumbersome for pocket carrying (who would carry around such a watch...?)

Can you learned eyes please give me a clue as to the origin and age of this one?

- No markings on dial or movement except for the number "17342" stamped on the movement and case (destined for a private label and did not reach its planned destination?),

- Melamine dial uncracked, mineral crystal, chrome-plated brass case. Keeps incredibly accurate time.

I do appreciate your help on this one.

I would say it is Swiss. It looks like a very well made and of good quality watch (just my 1 cent).

I agree, it does look Swiss.
I know what R and A stands for on the balance but what does the N V stand for? Could that be a clue as to origin or destination.

Thanks,

Mike

It should run well with that 17-19 Jewel Movement. The capped Escape wheel jeweling makes it very high end. The Matching numbers on the case back, face plates and movement suggest a Swiss "made for" Government job. Maybe German.

No doubt you will have noticed the regulator needle has dipped well off the Fast end of the scale. Does this really mean a COA is called for now, even though it runs well?

Mike,

Your comment about the markings R, A, N and V prompted me to do some investigating...

Slow (En) = Retard (French) = Nacheilung (German)
Fast (En) = Avance (French) = Voreilung (German)

Now which country has French and German as their main official languages (from four)? You guessed it, Dr. Watson: Switzerland.