Case back watchmaker markings

G
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This watch is new to me. Is there any standardized markings on the inside of case backs?

Is there any way to know what was done?

IMG_7492.webp
 
Canuck
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G Garrett N
This watch is new to me. Is there any standardized markings on the inside of case backs?

Is there any way to know what was done?

IMG_7492.webp
Meaningful only to whoever put the marks inside the case back, sadly!
 
hant26
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IMO they only need to mark the date of the last service but of course there is no standard so they can write whatever they like 😀
 
DaveK
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My ‘44 Hamilton has a boatload of watchmakers marks on the caseback, many in the same hand, which makes sense since railroad worn watches required regular servicing.

I’m glad hat the watches aren’t getting scratched up like this anymore, but I do think it’d be interesting to do research using these service codes to match watches to the watchmaker (and the related histories behind the watchmaker, watch and owner/region), something AI could probably help with.

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Canuck
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One of my favourite railroad standardpocket watches is a 16-size, 1908 model, 21-jewel Crescent Street Waltham that did service in the bib overalls of a CPR employee who wore this watch from 1917 until retirement in 1962. That s 45 years of service as his only watch. It was maintained by the same railroad watch inspector for about 40 of those years. When I acquired the watch, I noticed 32 repair numbers scribed inside the case back in tiny characters, all neatly in two rows. I was able to access this watch inspectors records to discover what had been done, and when. There is some value in watch repair marks permanently marked inside case backs. However, whatever floats your boat!

Byers Waltham repairs[8703].webp
 
CalgaryJim
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Canuck Canuck
One of my favourite railroad standardpocket watches is a 16-size, 1908 model, 21-jewel Crescent Street Waltham that did service in the bib overalls of a CPR employee who wore this watch from 1917 until retirement in 1962. That s 45 years of service as his only watch. It was maintained by the same railroad watch inspector for about 40 of those years. When I acquired the watch, I noticed 32 repair numbers scribed inside the case back in tiny characters, all neatly in two rows. I was able to access this watch inspectors records to discover what had been done, and when. There is some value in watch repair marks permanently marked inside case backs. However, whatever floats your boat!

Byers Waltham repairs[8703].webp
That is one amazing find.
 
placidof
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G Garrett N
This watch is new to me. Is there any standardized markings on the inside of case backs?

Is there any way to know what was done?

IMG_7492.webp
Does it come from Japan? The calligraphy looks very very similar to the marking I have on the back case of a moon I just bought …
 
placidof
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placidof placidof
Does it come from Japan? The calligraphy looks very very similar to the marking I have on the back case of a moon I just bought …

IMG_4280.webp
 
C
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I belong to those people who like to find old service markings inside the watches. They tell a story that would otherwise be untold. I have several watches with them.

IMG_4296.webp
 
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