Post military watch I.D.

[markr]

This one needs a new balance staff.  On the bottom of the back I think it's dated 45.  Anyone know what the movement is?  Anyone have a tech sheet on it?  Thanks for helping.

[WatchMaker]

Hi @markr - looks like a Helvetia 80: http://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?10&ranfft&0&2uswk&Helvetia_80

In fact is that an '80C' by the crown wheel? Difficult to tell from your picture but that would clinch it.

@watchweasolis usually a genius for tech sheets

[watchweasol]

Hi wou;d agree with watchmaker   80C   Helvitia data is thin on the ground  only Ranfft has the tech spec  will look round but not too hopeful.  cheers

[JohnR725]

2 hours ago, WatchMaker said:

In fact is that an '80C' by the crown wheel?

if we make some assumptions from your link looks like the C only affects the crown will then all the parts should be for the base 80. I have links below looks like the staff is still available.

 

http://cgi.julesborel.com/cgi-bin/matcgi2?ref=GEN_80

http://cgi.julesborel.com/cgi-bin/matcgi2?ref=U\ZDZIS

http://www.julesborel.com/s.nl/it.A/id.22908/.f

 

[Penfold]

On 4/27/2021 at 7:08 PM, watchweasol said:

Hi wou;d agree with watchmaker   80C   Helvitia data is thin on the ground  only Ranfft has the tech spec  will look round but not too hopeful.  cheers

Have a look at my site here:

https://www.helvetiahistory.co.uk/movements

The 80C is the only version of the Cal 80 so any parts marked 80 should fit.

Thanks. Carl.

[Penfold]

On 4/27/2021 at 4:24 PM, markr said:

This one needs a new balance staff.  On the bottom of the back I think it's dated 45.  Anyone know what the movement is?  Anyone have a tech sheet on it?  Thanks for helping.

Hi, POST was a registered trade name of General Watch Co. like Helvetia.

For more info have a look at my site here https://www.helvetiahistory.co.uk/history

I would be interested in a picture of the inner case back mainly for the serial number as it will help with my serial number/date lookup if the watch is also inscribed 1945. That date is about correct but the serial would be useful.

Can you make out exactly what it says on the back?

Thanks. Carl

[markr]

Factory stamped on the back is-stainless steel back 3152 P 2.  Inside back - Post watch co. Switzerland 4247330.  engraved on the back is -Virginia C.  then some mark I can't read.  Then engraved more professionally - N.R. Laczniak    947-78-62  U.S.N.R.  12-25-45.  Looks like it might have been a Christmas present.

[Penfold]

41 minutes ago, markr said:

Factory stamped on the back is-stainless steel back 3152 P 2.  Inside back - Post watch co. Switzerland 4247330.  engraved on the back is -Virginia C.  then some mark I can't read.  Then engraved more professionally - N.R. Laczniak    947-78-62  U.S.N.R.  12-25-45.  Looks like it might have been a Christmas present.

Thanks, that is really helpful. From the database of serial numbers I have created 4247330 comes out as being made in 1945 so to have the inscription back that up is really helpful.

Try it yourself:

https://www.helvetiahistory.co.uk/serial-numbers

Looks like an interesting watch.

[Penfold]

2 hours ago, markr said:

Factory stamped on the back is-stainless steel back 3152 P 2.  Inside back - Post watch co. Switzerland 4247330.  engraved on the back is -Virginia C.  then some mark I can't read.  Then engraved more professionally - N.R. Laczniak    947-78-62  U.S.N.R.  12-25-45.  Looks like it might have been a Christmas present.

By the way, I think the top bit reads 'Virginia C. To N.R. Laczniak'.

Thanks.

Carl