I found this going through some of the stuff in the attic. I don't really know much except it was my grandfathers' and at a very rough guess was purchased around the late 50's/60's. He was a miner, so it would have been an expensive outlay for him, although I appreciate even back then it was a very common watch with what I can gather quite an agricultural movement. On his death, it was passed to my father, and in turn was passed onto myself.
The watch itself is a Smiths Empire, as far as I can tell it has some form of gold plating and with a blued handset. Unfortunately it's a non runner, however the dial and hands are still in reasonably good condition for it's age.
Even a quick glance on the likes of ebay indicates that these are not valuable, however I would like to get it running and as such would any of our more knowledgeable member's on this portal give me an indication if the likely expense would be too high ?
Some poor picsprogram for screenshots for windows
Last edited by zippy; 13th March 2021 at 00:36.
That`s a lovely looking pocket watch. Sorry I can`t help with the movement but I agree it needs to be preserved .
My son in law inherited an old pocket watch from his Grandfather also, like yours not working, apologies I cannot remember the make.
I used a chap on the Isle of Bute, About Us | Michael Swift Horologist - Clock and Watch Servicing, from memory it was around £80-£90 to repair.
regards, Daz.
Thanks for the reply. Much appreciated.Originally Posted by Harleyrider
Your Smiths Empire pocket watch likely has the same movement as the similar Ingersoll ... both brands made by Anglo Celtic Watch Co. http://history.powys.org.uk/history/ystrad/anglo1.html
The following illustrates the servicing procedure:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfG443C7fg8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMujLJMQprY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8ZoJ4X1USQ note comment at 7mins 15secs ref pin pallet movements
... fairly simple watch to service provided the watchmaker understands its idiosyncrasies.
Best to find a watchmaker who will completely dismantle, clean and reassemble using correct lubricants.
I imagine a complete service for an important family heirloom would be appropriate.
BW
dunk
Edit: There are a pair of pocket watches with same movement listed on TZ SC https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.p...ith-and-Combat. ...
Last edited by sundial; 13th March 2021 at 18:38.
"Well they would say that ... wouldn't they!"
Excellent, thanks' for the detailed information. I'll definitely get it serviced as it still has a bit of character about it.
You would not need many tools to service the watch yourself ... and the cost of the tools could be less than the cost of a professional watchmaker's service. You might consider buying a similar watch on ebay to take apart and service before attempting servicing your grandfather's Smiths Empire.
BW
dunk
"Well they would say that ... wouldn't they!"
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