QuestionI am trying to find out further information, an approximate date, maker and possibly a valuation for an antique ladies watch which I have inherited through the family.
There is very little I can tell you about it, but the description is as follows:
It is in a gold case which has 2 sets of hinges, one to open the front of the case and one to open the back. Inside the back case it is stamped as 18ct gold and also with a mark showing 0.755 but I don't know what that means. It is also stamped 17 with 78730 directly below it. There is also a faint hand engraving inside of 7891, I'm not sure whether this is the issue number.
On the opposite side of the back case there is a matching gold case which seals the rear of the clock works, it has been engraved with the owner's name and address.
The front of the watch has a ring of 26 stones on the outer case surrounding the face which I think are pearls but may be opals (I'm hopeless at identifying stones). The watch face inside the case is white with blue roman numeral numberings from 1 to 11 and red numerals for number 12. There is no maker shown on the front of the watch.
It is very difficult to see the back of the watch works as it is held in the case by the winder, however I can see engraving on the edge which states 'SWISS MADE'. I'm not sure if there is anything else as I don't want to break it by trying to remove the winder to remove it. The works themselves are very pretty and exposed on one side (but again I'm no expert so this could just be a standard construction).
The only other thing I can tell you that may be of help is that the address engraved was Halifax which suggests that it was bought in the north of the UK.
any information you may be able to give me would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
AnswerHi Julia, The watch sound beautiful. Here is what I can tell you on what information you have given me. The case seems to be 18k gold, the .755 is the european designation for this. The hand engraved number quite possibly be a part number relaced by a watch maker upon a repair of the wsatch at some point. Your best bet is to take the item to a reputable antique jewelry appraiser and they can can better give you all the information and value the item since without seeing it I am at a disadvantage of course. Good luck.
Steve Kretser
