Montine 25 jewel automatic

[Shedinn]

Hi everyone hope you knowledgeable people can help me?

My late father bought me this watch in the mid 70's, montine 25 jewel automatic swiss made. The glass and strap have been renewed and it's never been serviced. 

The watch keeps great time and all the functions are working, feels great on the wrist. 

Any information would be appreciated. 

Nigel 

[rogart63]

Montine is a one of the many Swiss watch manufactures. 

[anilv]

Hi Nigel, probably from the late 70s/early 80s right? Nice watch, the 25jewels on the watch lead me to think that it is powered by an ETA2452 or maybe 2836... a higher jeweled version which makes this a better quality watch.

Another clue to the watch's quality is that it seems to be made of steel (as opposed to plated metal) and 'incabloc' which is a type of shock-protection for the balance jewels.

Is that the original band? It would be nice to see it and also the back of the watch.

Since the watch is probably hitting 30years, it would be worthwhile getting it serviced. The original oils would have dried up and the metal parts are probably running dry. A service would see it right for the next 10 years or so if stored sensibly.

Finally, the value of this watch is in the memory of your father..that is one thing money can never buy.

Enjoy the watch and the memories!

Anil

 

 

[Shedinn]

7 hours ago, anilv said:

Hi Nigel, probably from the late 70s/early 80s right? Nice watch, the 25jewels on the watch lead me to think that it is powered by an ETA2452 or maybe 2836... a higher jeweled version which makes this a better quality watch.

Another clue to the watch's quality is that it seems to be made of steel (as opposed to plated metal) and 'incabloc' which is a type of shock-protection for the balance jewels.

Is that the original band? It would be nice to see it and also the back of the watch.

Since the watch is probably hitting 30years, it would be worthwhile getting it serviced. The original oils would have dried up and the metal parts are probably running dry. A service would see it right for the next 10 years or so if stored sensibly.

Finally, the value of this watch is in the memory of your father..that is one thing money can never buy.

Enjoy the watch and the memories!

Anil

 

 

Hi Anil 

Thanks for the reply and advice, the watch is over 40 yrs old. I got it 75/76.

I'll post more photos when I get chance,

Strap is not original. 

Nige 

[Shedinn]

On 10 August 2016 at 2:32 AM, anilv said:

Hi Nigel, probably from the late 70s/early 80s right? Nice watch, the 25jewels on the watch lead me to think that it is powered by an ETA2452 or maybe 2836... a higher jeweled version which makes this a better quality watch.

Another clue to the watch's quality is that it seems to be made of steel (as opposed to plated metal) and 'incabloc' which is a type of shock-protection for the balance jewels.

Is that the original band? It would be nice to see it and also the back of the watch.

Since the watch is probably hitting 30years, it would be worthwhile getting it serviced. The original oils would have dried up and the metal parts are probably running dry. A service would see it right for the next 10 years or so if stored sensibly.

Finally, the value of this watch is in the memory of your father..that is one thing money can never buy.

Enjoy the watch and the memories!

Anil

 

 

Hi Anil

 

As I don't wear the watch on a regular basis, and don't want to throw a lot of money at the watch.

would it be possible to just have the watch re- oiled ?

thanks for any input.

 

Nigel.

[jdm]

6 minutes ago, Shedinn said:

As I don't wear the watch on a regular basis, and don't want to throw a lot of money at the watch.would it be possible to just have the watch re- oiled ?

"Re-oiled" is the same as "serviced" because unlike car engines, watches need to be taken completely apart to be lubricated.

That cost from 100 to 400 dollars, euros, or pounds approximately. No need to do that if the watch is not to be used everyday.

[Geo]

17 minutes ago, Shedinn said:

As I don't wear the watch on a regular basis, and don't want to throw a lot of money at the watch.

would it be possible to just have the watch re- oiled ?

Yes it would be possible, but not really a good idea.  

If there is any dirt in the movement you will end up with what could be described as a very fine grinding paste that may end up causing rapid wear to pivots.  

There is another reason and I found this out the hard way.  If there is any hard dried up oil in the jewels, fresh oil can soften it and cause it to expand.  This results in the pivots being gripped by the expanding hard oil and a stopped movement.

[jdm]

To expand and add on what Geo said. Physically one can "add oil" without taking apart the movement only to the upper and lower balance jewels, plus perhaps to one or two less important ones. Time to uncased the movement, remove hands, dial and redo is at least 30 minutes. Complete service can be done in less than 2 hours by an experienced watchmaker. Not much difference, not worth going for the shortcut, and no serious professional should offer that. 

[anilv]

all valid points above.

When it comes to cost, you get what you pay for and generally good work does not come cheap.

However there are a lot of people who think that they can 'service' a watch but their work is poor (but not cheap!).

How do you know which one is good as even the worst butcher can hide behind the facade of a big modern shop.? The only way is by word of mouth recommendation from a neutral party.

If we know where you are located someone here could probably recommend a shop near to you or maybe tell you whom to avoid!

Anil

[Shedinn]

17 hours ago, anilv said:

all valid points above.

When it comes to cost, you get what you pay for and generally good work does not come cheap.

However there are a lot of people who think that they can 'service' a watch but their work is poor (but not cheap!).

How do you know which one is good as even the worst butcher can hide behind the facade of a big modern shop.? The only way is by word of mouth recommendation from a neutral party.

If we know where you are located someone here could probably recommend a shop near to you or maybe tell you whom to avoid!

Anil

Thanks Anil 

And everyone else for your input, I'll try and source out a local reputable shop and get a quote. I live in Castleford west Yorkshire UK if anyone can make a recommendation. 

Nigel