This vintage watch that is branded Magloire is actually from the HELSA Watch factory Ltd Porrentruy - Swizterland and dates back to approximately 1959. The dial is in good condition for a 64 year old watch and after cleaning and re-oiling of the jewels and mechanism is good working condition for its age.
The balance (the oscillating wheel) is spinning well being powered from a new mainspring. This particular watch does not have shock protection so care should be taken (as with all watches) that is not dropped or damage could occur to the delicate pivots on these moving parts.
Mechanical watches rely on no battery but just from a the power of a spring that is wound on a daily basis. The stunning beauty of these tiny mechanical devices that really have not changed for hundreds of years are a throw back to a more basic era.
Anthony here in the workshop has a special hobby of taking vintage watches apart, cleaning them, re-oiling the parts, replacing any broken parts and putting a new strap.
Restored to its original working condition with lasting quality, it is sure to be an eye-catching piece.
The technical bit about this watch:
Vintage: Magloire from Helsa Watch Company - Switzerland manufacturerd circa 1959
Mechanism:
Jewel count: 17 Ruby
Lift Angle of Balance spring: 52 degrees
Accuracy: +- 60 seconds/day
Beat: 18,000 per hour (5 per second)
Power: approx 36 hours on full wind
What exactly has been done to this particular watch:
1. Every part has been removed and cleaned ultrasonically (except balance and pallet forks)
2. Balance spring and pallet forks have been cleaned in Essence of Renata (solvent cleaner)
3. Crystal (acrylic) is new
4. Dial and hands untouched
5. Moving parts and jewels have been re-oiled with Moebius oils
6. New leather strap
7. New Mainspring
Known defects:
As with all vintage watches, there will be signs of genuine wear and use. These really enhance the beauty of these watches as they are evidence of a history. Every blemish, every scratch is a nod to its past.
On this watch, we have noticed that the case has some of its plating worn off exposing the brass underneath (mainly on the underside). The crystal (acrylic face) is new. The dial, although in really good condition for its age will have some very minor marks and the hands will likewise have signs of age.
Note that the photos are photos of this particular watch and form part of the description of the piece.
If you have any questions at all, then please do not hesitate to contact us and we'll be pleased to help.
This item is also listed on our ETSY shop - in the unlikely event that the same watch is sold elsewhere before we have had time to remove it from this site, then the watch will go to first person to complete and instant refund given to the other party.
