Ben
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Glash?tte Original
Posts: 1,579
Since: Oct 31, 2005 18:54:08 GMT -6
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Post by Ben on Oct 18, 2007 21:50:17 GMT -6
My understanding of that situation was that there were tarrifs in the US to protect the US watchmaking industry, so many Swiss companies had to make some changes to get around those rules. I believe this involved sending movements over and having them cased in the US, and having a name change. Don't quote me on this, but that's what I've gathered in bits and pieces..... I believe that you're correct. I found a couple of vague references that mentioned that JLC sent the parts to the US distributor and that they were cased in the states. I also saw a couple of photos the interiors of the case-backs that were ungraved "Cased in the US". Makes sense, but I've never heard of any other brand variations from the Swiss major players. I wish I knew more about getting watches apart, because I'd love to see the engraving on the inside. But I have no idea how the back comes off of this one and I ain't messing with it. Anyway, I found a reference that states the Memovox was introduced in 1950 with a manually wound movement (calibre 489) and then between 1956 and 1968 it was fitted with an automatic movement (calibre 815). But...mine is a manual movement so I'm wondering if this watch is actually older than I've always thought it to be. My parents told me that it was my grandfather's retirement watch (he retired in 1968), but now I'm not so sure. I assume that the Memovox could have been produced in multiple calibers that overlapped, but I just don't have the information. In any case, I'm taking everyone's advice and I'm going to start wearing it. I'm going to a wedding of the son of very close friends next weekend. I've spent what I consider a fortune on a new set of togs, as I don't generally do dressed up, and I'm going to wear the Memovox. -Ben
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Archer
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Since: Jan 15, 2007 17:14:14 GMT -6
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Post by Archer on Oct 19, 2007 6:59:45 GMT -6
I wish I knew more about getting watches apart, because I'd love to see the engraving on the inside. But I have no idea how the back comes off of this one and I ain't messing with it. Can you show me some shots of the case from the back and from the sides? I might be able to tell you how the back comes off. In any case, I'm taking everyone's advice and I'm going to start wearing it. I'm going to a wedding of the son of very close friends next weekend. I've spent what I consider a fortune on a new set of togs, as I don't generally do dressed up, and I'm going to wear the Memovox. -Ben Great news! It would make an ideal dress watch for such an occasion IMO.
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Ben
WWF Veteran
Glash?tte Original
Posts: 1,579
Since: Oct 31, 2005 18:54:08 GMT -6
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Post by Ben on Oct 19, 2007 7:57:17 GMT -6
Here's a couple of quickie photos of the back and side. As you can see, the lugs partially cover the caseback so you're not going to be able to unscrew the back and lift it off. The only thing I've been able to think of is that you unscrew the back until it comes loose and then the watch lifts off out of the case from the front. -Ben
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Archer
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Posts: 2,941
Since: Jan 15, 2007 17:14:14 GMT -6
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Post by Archer on Oct 19, 2007 8:16:41 GMT -6
Doesn't look to me like the back screws on. If you tried to unscrew the back you would only turn it a couple of degrees before the recesses for the crowns would interefere with the crowns themselves. Also, there isn't anything to grab onto to turn either - there should be some sort of recess in the case back for a tool to engage in order to unthread it. For example you can see the recesses in this case back where the tool goes to unthread the back...... Most likely this is a snap on case back, or it's possible that the movement comes out the front so the crystal would have to be lifted off to get the movement out. But my guess is the case back snaps on. There should be a spot around the edge of the case where you can get a blade in to pry the case open. I don't suggest doing it though as you can mark up the case pretty easily.
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Ben
WWF Veteran
Glash?tte Original
Posts: 1,579
Since: Oct 31, 2005 18:54:08 GMT -6
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Post by Ben on Oct 19, 2007 8:33:57 GMT -6
Well, believe me, I have no intention of trying to get it open. I suspect that it will have the "cased in the USA" engraved on the caseback and that the movement will be calibre 489. But I doubt that verifying that will provide any more insight into dating the watch. I guess I would need a reference that could date it by serial number ranges.
For now, I'm just going to enjoy it.
Thanks.
-Ben
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Archer
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Posts: 2,941
Since: Jan 15, 2007 17:14:14 GMT -6
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Post by Archer on Oct 19, 2007 9:29:34 GMT -6
I have no intention of trying to get it open. -Ben Probably a good choice. Even if you did get it open, you should really use a case back press to put it back together.... Any watchmakers in the area that could crack to back for you so you could snap some pics?
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