Hello from Coventry UK

[SteveTimes]

Hi all,

I recently got interested in vintage pocket watches after doing family tree research and finding out many of my ancestors were watch makers in Coventry. I met an elderly family member who carries on his family tradition and helps restore pocket watches and clocks for friends and acquaintances. He showed me the intricacy and beauty of these devices and taught me a great deal of history. It is fascinating how the Coventry watch legacy produced so many talented engineers and metal workers, when watch making went on the decline, these talented people used their knowledge to get a head start in the bicycle and then automotive industries, etc etc the stories go on

 

Anyway, my wonderful family member gave me a lovely Coventry Astral watch, my first vintage pocket watch, I feel very lucky. It works but most likely requires some cleaning and lubrication after 100 years as the second hand struggles after a while. So I've joined this forum to read, learn and absorb as much as I can so that I may be able to service these lovely old time pieces just like my ancestors did back in Victorian times.

Thanks and nice to be here

[KarlvonKoln]

How wonderful to have such a history.  I am probably the only one in my family lineage to take up watchmaking.  And I too have a deep adoration for antique pocket watches.  But I have not yet encountered an Astral.  Could we talk you into posting pictures?   

And welcome to our forum! 

[Nucejoe]

Welcome to WRT forum.

[oldhippy]

Thank you for your introduction and welcome to this friendly forum.

I'm also into genealogy and have been for around 20 years. 

[SteveTimes]

Thanks for the welcome guys. As requested here are the photos of the Coventry Astral. From what I know it was original made in 1916, then was repaired in 1938, then further serviced in 45 and 49. I think it is a Swiss movement made in England with a patent. I tried to photograph all the super fine and tiny inscriptions inside the ALG Dennison case. Thanks

 

[oldhippy]

The movement is called a full plate, it is at the low end of the market as the train which we call all the wheels from barrel to pallets are not jeweled. The pattern on the plates is known as Guilloché. Looks to have a Breguet Balance which I'm not sure as the photo is to rar away for my eyes a good clean close up photo is needed for me to be sure. The case is silver and by identifying the marks will give you the age. Enamelled dial with roman numerals and spade hands which I would say are original 

 

[jdm]

1 hour ago, oldhippy said:

 Looks to have a Breguet Balance

It doesn't seem to me, is a flat spiral and regulator. The picture can be magnified, first click on it once and it will appear in a black frame, then swing the mouse across until the pointer changes into plus sign, click again and it will be magnified. Dismiss the picture view mode clicking the X top right.

[oldhippy]

Thanks jdm I keep forgetting that. I have done what you said and I havent changed my mind. 

[SteveTimes]

I will take a better photo later, if possible, if my camera will focus :)

[Michael1962]

Welcome to the forum @SteveTimes