Ww1

[corylus]

I have a Cyma government issue pocket watch that belonged to my grandfather called up in WW1, I've just got it out of the tin where it's kept, wound it up and it's STILL ticking away recording the hours, minutes and seconds EXACTLY.

How good is that for a commemoration of a survivor of that war, albeit with a lasting leg injury?

[stuey]

What a fantastic historical article to own. I'm assuming that your grandfather became an officer, as I don't think that the "rank and file" would have been issued with a pocket watch. Here is an interesting thread on those watches from the NAWCC. http://mb.nawcc.org/showthread.php?48920-Help-identifying-a-Cyma-pocket-watch

[stuey]

You say it's running; however, if it hasn't been serviced/oiled for many years you should really get it looked at by a watch repair person (NOT a jeweler!). You can find one in your area by using this site. The cost may be expensive, but you have a very nice time-piece with some sentimental value so look after it.
http://www.bhi.co.uk/repairers-register

[corylus]

No Stuey he wasn't an officer just a private in the Duke of Wellington's regiment.

NB the watch I wound up last night is still going!

[stuey]

They will usually run for about thirty hours (plus or minus a few) on a winding.

[corylus]

He carried the watch in his pocket for the rest of his life until he died aged 80.

I did have it serviced some years ago.

Thanks for your interest.

[heathfield]

Interesting. I know that during WWII wristwatches were tested to keep time correct to 10 seconds in 24 hours. (Important if you're expecting e.g. an artillery barrage to start just ahead of your infantry at a given time) If slow or fast by more than 10 seconds they'd be sent to REME for adjustment. Those that couldn't be adjusted to within tolerance were sold off to the public. Canny traders bought them as job lots, knowing that all they needed was a new hairspring, There was a big market in them after WWII. Whether they were Omegas or lesser regarded brands, they were all made to the same specification, and were a bargain.

[stuey]

If you look at the movement of a "good" watch, pocket or wrist, it will state the number of jewels and the number of positions it has been adjusted to. As a general rule, it should have at least 17 jewels and be adjusted to at least 4 positions in order to be classed as an above average time-piece.