Hello! Hoping someone can advise on Kendal & Dent

[LeytonGeoff]

Hi,

New to this site. My father gave me his dad's Kendal & Dent pocket watch but it has no key. Have seen a K&D key for sale online, but wondered if their keys were standardised so would fit mine. Pix attached.

Thank you in anticipation

Geoff

[LittleWatchShop]

I had a similar issue recently and solved it with this set of keys purchased on ebay

One of them fit. 

[LeytonGeoff]

Thank you for the quick reply. I'd like to be able to be sure that one would definitely fit, which is why I wondered if that company's keys were standard, or if there is one designed for my model. Knowing me, I'd buy a set of 14 and none would fit!

[watchweasol]

Hi  If you have a vernier or such measure the winding square and choose the key number to fit from either Cousins uk, or on ebay there are plenty to be had.

Pocket Watch Key Sizes and Measurement Chart.html

[JohnR725]

1 hour ago, LeytonGeoff said:

K&D key for sale online

I assume you mean the universal key?

30 minutes ago, LeytonGeoff said:

if there is one designed for my model. Knowing me, I'd buy a set of 14 and none would fit!

the old keys do not have markings on them if there was a specific key for your watch there is no way it ever find it today because they're not marked.

I've attached an image the universal key works fine but notice it's diameter? It's diameter is such that it isn't going to go through the opening in the case it's really good for working on movements specifically out of the case. But as long as the backlit is open you could use the universal key most of the time. Sometimes there's a dust ring and you might not really get the universal key in because the dust ring is preventing that. In other words is a ring the size of the case back opening to hopefully keep the dust out of the watch.

then the key set does work with some minor issues. They're not made to an exacting specification even if there's a chart. So they'll be a little bit of variation. Then occasionally the outer diameter is a problem. The original key might have had a much smaller outer diameter than the modern replacement keys

 

[oldhippy]

A good watch repairer will keep a stock of pocket watch keys and he should be able to sell you the correct one. A bad fitting key will round the edges of the square it fits on.  

[LeytonGeoff]

Thank you everyone. I'll pursue these suggestions. Kind regards

[Michael1962]

Welcome to the forum.

Best of luck with the watch. Looks nice.