As there were no other serious bidders on eBay;

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA...geName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

For a "pittance", I won this "Wright Kay" from one of the Gold "melters" who at least does not destroy the movements.

At first glance, it kinda looked like a 12s Rockford Contract . . .

But then there was this little note saying "Swiss"

When I cleaned it up I learned what it really was!

Most of the time I check out the Hairspring attachment area on the movement. It's almost always a quick indicator to see if it is american or swiss. You can easily see the square shape on this movement, which almost always indicates a swiss made movement.

After cleaning it up and puttin it in a ten sided (Decadon?)Wadsworth Gf case, it looks and runs "REAL GOOD"! . . . Especially for 20 bucks! I wonder why these beautifully made Longines Wittnauer movements are not even mentioned in the price guide. . . . .

So who IS "Wright Kay & Co., Detroit - Paris" ? ?

What a nice watch, Dave.!You got a steal...I can remember seeing a Wright Kay Waltham, but I don't remember what size it was....Ted B.

David,
Wright Kay & Co. sold for Patek Philippe too, they were a high end jewelry store in Detroit.

I have no idea why the Paris is there, but I do remember the Wright Kay Co being posted here before.

I also don't remember what kind of watches were posted then, but maybe we should check further.

Oh! and it's a nice Wittnauer too!

No wonder I remembered this!
Check this out.

and if you look down the page at the TED statement about the maker, I bet it was for Patentedand not a makers mark, but was part way covered up.


https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/f...821022891#9821022891

Originally Longines was the factory and A. Wittnauer the importing agent. These Longines movements were intended for the North American market and fit American cases. Note they also have dials with 3 dial feet thus resembling American movements that much more. The tip off that these private label movements are Longines are the fishscale or spotted damaskeening. I have an abundance of these movements and am very familiar with them, and own copies of almost all Longines material catalogs. Good rescue, David!

The Wright-Kay building which used to house the Wright,Kay Jewelers is one of the oldest buildings in Detroit. Check Wright-Kay building in Wikipedia for a detailed history.

Ray

William, Wow, great information. I only remembered the Patak connection. I think I may have a few of these, I will have to check them out, and mark them with the info.

David, thanks for the post, I like putting some of the pieces together. Really nice looking watch you got there.

For those of you that noticed, I DID forget the Pallet Fork Bridge screw, and YES it did lift off, letting down the motor quite gently. After scratching my head, I saw the mistake, and before "wrap-up" I put the screw in, and it is running great.