First off I really like this forum, you guys are very entertaining and I am learning allot and I enjoy seeing all your great time pieces. I just received this watch today and cannot identify the maker. any ideas?

a "generic" Swiss watch from the period (40/50's) from the look of it. The "Cased and timed" bit on the back, you would need to check the movement to see what's actually in there - maybe a Unitas or similar - but it could be a movement from Germany even - all that "King's" have done is literally cased and timed it in a small workshop somewhere in Switzerland.

There were a multiplicity of these small companies - almost cottage or village industries, many of whom just disappeared during the Quartz revolution. Shame in some respects, many of these turned out good enough medium quality pieces to be sold by mid to high end jewellery companies worldwide, the "kudos" of owning a Swiss watch was one that persuaded lots of folks to part with that bit of extra cash to be able to get a "Swiss" watch!

The Ebauche (movement) maker and calibre on generic watches can often be seen in the balance wheel area, or under the balance and you can reference the Ebauche logos and calibres from sources on the net - google for Swiss ebauches or similar if you find such a mark.

e~gards

Mel

Frae Edinburgh, Bonnie Scotland

http://www.timekeepers.me.uk
Affordable and Everyday Watches

http://www.sequencedance-online.co.uk
My other hobby - Sequence Dancing

Only a little to add to what Mel said. When I run across one of these, I look for a movement number, (usually semi-hidden under the balance) and try to reference it athttp://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?10&ranfft&0&2uswk. You won't get a complete identification, but you can find some information, usually including the general era.

International watch detectives, for solving mysteries one question at a TIME. I will let you know what I find once I can get the movement looked at. Excellent web site for identifying movements.
Thanks again.


Mike, So Cal "Inept Watch Enthusiast"