A friend just sent me these pictures and asked for help in identifying. I can't seem to find this movement in Guide to Watches. I am begining to suspect it might be a Swiss fake. I have asked for better photos. ANy Ideas.

Thanks
Doug

#2

Doug, it is an interesting watch and I don't know if it is a fake, but I do think it is a Swiss....

Interested in what some of the others have to say about it....

Regards,

Jerry

Better pictures are definitely needed.
I would not attach the phrase 'swiss fake' just yet. A real Swiss fake mimics a worthwhile, usually a high class, watch. From what I can see, this is interesting, but not high class. I swear I have seen that "split bar" bridge design somewhere.
M.

For what its worth, here is a Longines (Swiss make) that is similar to your watch.

Here are two mopre photos he has sent. We can now make out Atlas with a world symbol and the s/n of 430595. Maybe we can find more with this info.
Thanks
Doug

And #2
This dial really appeals to me.

The 24 hour dial sets this well away from any suspicion that it is any kind of Fake. It is a well made movement with a nice fial and finish work. Were it not for the motor cover plate I would bet money that it is a military issue Longines.

The owner says that this watch was used in a sea going service but did not know country. He obtained from neighbor and that was info he had. I also received 2 morer photos that are interesting of the case.

And 2

Doug

The case marks are:

Sterling silver - London assay - 1884

Case maker C.N Charles Nicolet registered 1881

Regards,
Gerald

Nice find Doug!

The name 'Atlas' rings a bell, but can't place it right now.

I can add a touch to what Gerald posted about the casemaker though, which I think you'll find Very interesting!

Charles Nicholet did indeed register the mark as Gerald states, but it's first incarnation registered to him was 'CN' incursive (no shield) first registered 1st March 1871.

Nicholet then registered the initials in the shield (as posted) on 10th Oct 1881 and again on 15th Oct 1885.

All of these marks were registered at: 12 Old Jewry Chambers, London, followed by premises at 13 Charterhouse Street, Holborn on 23rd Feb 1887.

Nicholet then registered the same 'CN' letters on 26 March 1896 in an elongated 'diamond' shaped shield, followed by the original 'incursive' style on 4 th Nov 1904, Then, back to the same style on your watch on 3rd April 1905, and again on 17th Oct 1907

Here's the interesting part!
The registration is recorded as:

Charles Nicholet, Stauffer Son & Co, (Importer of Foreign cases).

For the uninitiated, Stauffer Son & Co, is also known as SS&Co - Alias IWC - or International Watch Co!
Stauffer Son & Co were the London arm of IWC.

It gets even more interesting too, because that very same mark, was also registered on 15th Nov 1883 Plus, the 'CN' 'incursive' style on 6th August 1878 by Charles Nicole and Emil Nielsen at the premises of 14, Soho Square, Soho, London.

So, to summarise, the mark on your watch was registered by Nicholet (SS&Co) on 10th Oct 1881, Then, by Nicole Nielsen on 15th Nov 1883, and back to Nicholet again on 15th Oct 1885.

It would appear there may have been some collaboration between Nicholet (SS&Co) and Nicole Nielsen!
I'll leave it to the historians amongst you to sort that one out!

Looks to be something of a 'special case' to me Doug!
The movement is certainly a 'ringer' for a Longines!

Best regards

John

Gentlemen

Thank you very much for all the info you have supplied and may supply.

Thanks
Doug Addy