Posted 12 years ago
Pimthailand
(1 item)
Hi everyone,
I posted a few photo's of my vintage watch 1950's.
The reason why I posted this was because the antiquer told me that there
were only 8 of them in the world. Unfortunalty I don't know anything about this was so I was hoping that anyone could help me in my search of the history and true origin of my watch.
From the watch indicated this is what I do know.
I was told that the watch Swiss/French was made in the early 1950's and that there were only eight of them in the world.
Engraved on the watch is Bte SGDG which as far as I know stands for:
"breveté" (="patented") - Sans Garantie Du Gouvernement (="without government guarantee").
On the hour work of the watch is written: Astral Antichoc. The watch needs to be wind manually.
I'm new here and I would like to say hi to everyone. I posted my watch as an unsolved mystery since I have no idea of the history of my watch. Please read my description because I would love to find out more about my watch!
- thanks
Pimthailand, sorry I can't help you with any history on this timepiece, but it is very unique in the styling. I wouldn't argue with the 1950's styling, so maybe you were told correctly about it. I will watch this posting and see if there is a solution. I'm interested in the outcome.
Best Regards, Kerry
Hi Pimthailand, I think your day-date Astral is made in England by Smiths. Astral is the brand name used by Smiths for their high end models. I believe you can actually turn the bazel to match up the day with the date hand. Smiths stop producing their own movement by the last 60s and started buying Swiss movement from 1970. If your watch has a Swiss movement, it will date it post 1970. With regard to 8 pieces, I am sorry I cannot comment. By the way, if your watch has a Smiths movement and has hack seconds (ie. If you pull out the crown and the watch stops), it will date your watch to be post 1960.
I ound out that the letters on the bezel stands for the days of the week in French.
L=Lundi Monday
M=Mardi Tuesday
M=Mercredi Wednesday
J=Jeudi Thursday
V=Vendredi Friday
S=Samedi Saturday
D=Dimanche Sunday
Can you rotate the bezel ?
Yes indeed! I can rotate the bezel. Thanks for your kind comment