'No name' military pocket watch

[DigitalM]

Picked up a military pocket watch non-runner for around £20, which to me at present with my ultra-noob skillset means "curiosity value".

From what I'd seen you usually screw the back off, but this one isn't budging and has some pry marks font and back either side of the crown. Should I have a go too with a pry tool? Thought I should check before adding to any damage!

Also, just read about radium. Maybe I shouldn't be messing with it at all and just find a lead-lined safe to put it in! How concerned should I be. Obviously you wouldn't want to be inhaling deeply with the front off, but what is the danger level with this sort of thing? Should a noob be messing with this at all?

[jdm]

3 hours ago, DigitalM said:

Also, just read about radium. 

Have a read below 

 

[DigitalM]

And the back is off. It just needed careful prying. Still no name. Seems to say GEISS and CR544 on the back plate. Feel free to ignore this post only to me, this was major progress!

[watchweasol]

That looks like a fine watch a litte bit of quality,  If you are taking off the dial and hands you may find some ID on the front plate.  look after thay guy.

[DigitalM]

Thanks info Watchweasol. It's not working at the moment. Winding the crown turns the crown wheel which turns the winding wheel which makes the winding click go clicky all very nicely, but nothing fires up.

Can anyone tell me how you set the hands? If it's anything to do with the crown then I can't figure it out.

[Klassiker]

Could it be this?

http://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?10&ranfft&0&2uswk&Record_433

Looks like military issue (Broad Arrow on the case back) which makes it more collectable.

 

 

Edited April 14, 2022 by Klassiker

[watchweasol]

I think Klassiker is on the money ,  some watches you have to press the crown down and hold and turn to set the hands       Check out the attachment looks identical.

5325_Record 433.pdf

[DigitalM]

Thanks guys! Much appreciated!