The Swiss used the ebauche system where dozens of companies made incomplete movements. These were then purchased by any of thousands of individuals or companies that then finished the movement. They could finish an ebauche to high, medium or low level depending on how much time and money they wanted to put into it. They were often not signed or were signed by any of many names used by the finisher. It is nearly impossible to identify the maker.
Swiss ebauche were purchased and finished in many countries. We know that your watch was finished for an English speaking country. It has "fast" and "slow" on the regulator. I believe the case has Swiss silver hallmarks. I seem to remember the grouse is Swiss for 0.800 silver.
The bird like mark on the case is Swiss too, and the .800 is the silver mark, although the Bird itself also indicated that it was .800. Swiss Sterling is .925 however, in the early days .800 was considered a fine silver case.
Nice watch.
Sheila
Posts: 3094 | Location: La Plata, Maryland U.S.A. | Registered: May 22, 2004
Thank you all for your input. My wife surprised me with this watch for my birthday back in March. She picked it up along with an Elgin 12S men's 17J art deco style watch from a local shop for a very nominal amount. The Elgin has been serviced and is running fine. She picked this one up as well because it was very appealing to her. This little watch has also been serviced, is running, but is still in the hads of the watchmaker being timed and adjusted. Looking forward to getting it back.
