QuestionQUESTION: Hi,
I have a watch which has a gold plated strap but what appears to be solid gols casing. it has the following markings on the case strap class where they join - the number 100 and letters AD.1 or could be AD.L. Any idea would be appreciated.
ANSWER: Hi, Mark. Thanks for the question. First of all, I am not an expert on watches but do have references to check. This is not your answer but a preliminary inquiry if you have the chance to get back to me with the follow -up option.
I assume this is a pocket watch? Does it have a brand name on the watch dial or movement?
I honestly don't believe the numbers and letters you provided have much if anything to to with the quality of the watch case. Generally, the case is marked inside, if a pocket watch, either on the back inside or inside the dust cover (if there is one) which is inside the back of the watch.
Any more info you can provide will be a lot of help. Sometimes, questions like this are like chasing the wind, in the dark, through a bunch of trees. : )
Please get back to me if you can. I will bring home a few references to check after work tomorrow evening.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas. May 20, 2008 7:09pm
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QUESTION: Hi
No ot is not a pocket watch. It is a presentation wristwatch from the Nile Beer Company in Uganda. I have opened it and there are no markings inside and it is just a japanese movement (battery). The wstarp is defintely gold plated as it has worn but the case is not worn at all. Regards Mark
AnswerMark, thanks for the follow-up. I fear the numerals and letters mean nothing at to the quality of the watch case. Oh, sorry for thinking pocket watch; the term case strap made me think of pocket watch attachments which are often gold filled or plated and used with gold watches. As I awoke this morning, I though, Mark likely is speaking of a watch band, the watch strap and I felt a little foolish.
Here is one for you to answer yourself: Is the strap attached permanently to the watch case? Many presentation watches are chosen for some reason I cannot understand with this sort of style. If the strap is not removable, you can be assured the case is also not solid gold although the wear is not showing there. Generally, the case will receive less wear than the band part in normal living.
Also, it would be quite unusual for a presentation watch to use a combination of gold and plated components. Unless the strap has been changed from the original, I suspect the case is also plated or perhaps gold filled, as may be the strap but with more wear showing there.
Gold watch cases will be marked with a quality mark suited to the country of origin or country of import. The marking is generally on the back of the case although some may be marked on the inside of the case back.
The best option to really know is to take the watch to a jeweler and have the metal tested. This can be done with the strap removed in one of the holes used for the pin holding the strap on the case. If not that, the movement may be removed and the case may be tested on the inside of the case.
My suspicion is plated or gold filled, otherwise, if the strap is original this is a more unusual configuration.
Sorry I cannot be definitive on the watch case. Without it in these hands I can only go on what is most likely. Best wishes with the watch.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas. May 21, 2008 7:10pm
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