August 17, 2014, 00:31
Jocelyn EigerCan anyone take an educated guess about this pretty little watch? [A:Swiss Cylinder]
I don't know anything about this watch. My sons purchased it for me several years ago at a flea market for $40. It keeps time well. There is no maker name. The dial is porcelain and the case is marked 800 and K&R. I am not a watch collector and certainly no expert - but I am curious about the age, make, or country of origin. It is small and decorated, so am I right to assume it was made for a lady?
August 17, 2014, 00:32
Jocelyn EigerSorry - I cannot get more than one photo to load at a time.
August 17, 2014, 02:04
William D. WhiteJocelyn,
It's a nice little watch with original hands and a lovely enameled dial. Swiss from around 1880-1890. It has a cylinder escapement which is prone to wear so if you plan on using it regularly, you should have it serviced by someone here on this forum.
William
August 17, 2014, 13:00
David AbbeAs William has already advised, this is a "Cylinder" movement which was popular among Swiss manufacturers in the 19th century. Luckily these smaller Ladies size movements often spent most of their time in a jewelery box hence3 they remain in nice condition today.
As a 10 Jewel movement this is the equivalent of a "normal" 15 jewel movement which was hi-grade for that time. With a good cleaning it will continue to be useful but is best kept for special occasions as the cylinder escapement is more fragile and unrepairable when such is needed.