Posted 11 years ago
cindylynne
(1 item)
I HAVE ALWAYS WONDERED .....This was handed down to me and I have never found info on it. I've never seen another wrist watch like this it's like a defective one or proto type see the 12 is in the wrong place and it uses a key and is marked I think in dutch, swiss? was this one of the first ones made.Cindy
This watch was probably converted from a ladies pocket watch dated circa 1910. Most likely it has a Swiss movement. The bracelet is not as old as the watch.
well it looks all factory like it was ment to be, plus how did they get the same colored rolled gold to match,wouldn't it have marks from covertion? The band is marked with deutschdbl mempo patent. inside the watch case it says 43113
oh plus the face is like enameled, or ceramic? Do you think it's really that old?
Hi Cindylynne, I suspected this piece is a conversion from a small size vintage ladies pendant/pocket watch for the following reasons : the position of 12 o'clock, the hinged bazel, decorated case back and the lugs for attaching the bracelet do not line up which could be a later addition.
Also the width of the bracelet is too narrow for the lugs hence I thought it could be a later addition. Enamel dial and style of the hands are typically used for watches in the early 1900s.
When I used the term conversion, I was only referring to 2 lugs welded to the case at 3 and 9 o'clock position so that a bracelet or leather band can be attached to and be used as a wristwatch. No other work to the piece is necessary.
Hello cindylynne, first welcome to CW. I believe George is on the right track. Wrist watches were first introduced around the turn of the century. Original called "Wristlets" and were directed mainly for women. The term "Conversion" is used for these because the movement style and size were originally designed as Ladies Pocket watch. as stated by George, the lugs were added to enable these to be worn in the newer fashion. As most quality watches from the late 1800's thru the early 1900's I venture to say the dial in porcelain. The bracelet is an add-on accessory from sometime , as stated earlier in above comments the attachment clips are not proportionate to the lugs. I'd also venture to say it from the mid teens to the early 1920's. These style of timepiece were very popular in the 20's for Women's fashion.
Have you seen this before because I have yet to find another? I love the information. I am going to make a info card to go with this in it's box.Thank You.