What I really want here is a nice database with everything linked to it. However given the constraints of Web 2.0 the best I can manage is a link to a google docs spreadsheet:
The serial number spreadsheet
I also have images for most of these watches but until I can find an easy way to link to them to the spreadsheet they will have to stay offline.
Bear in mind this is very much a work in progress and things can and will change.
7/8/2012 - I think I'm going to concentrate on pre-1960 watches. After that they are legion and dateable by the ETA movement. The numbering system also seems to to change around then to only have the 9 character case number one. If I see an interesting one I'll include it.
15/8/2012 - Looks to me as if sequential numbering stopped in the 30s. None of the distinctive 1940s CS(I) models have it.
A very preliminary look shows me that a suspicious number of the first 4 of the 8 digit numbers begin with 6.
ReplyDeleteAnd post-war watches seem to have no number other than the case number (perhaps as they largely have non-WE movements).
Nick... I believe I have a breakthrough in dating! Try typing in your serial numbers at this longines identifier page: http://www.vintagewatchresources.com/year_identifier.php
ReplyDeleteSorry, didn't see this before. Yes I've wondered about that before too, but Longines are definitely their own company and have records for every single serial number (including the ebauches they made for WE). I think it's probably just coincidence they are in a similar sort of range. Though I noticed that Cyma also have very similar kinds of numbers.
DeleteBut that link is for Longines?
ReplyDeletehello nick,
ReplyDeleterecently discovered a westend pocket watch which belonged to my great grandfather. It has a silver casing and pink gold like winding knob. what i found unique was a second small dial and eight days extra written under it..it bears the serial no 2970664.i was wondering what it would be worth (its in running condition but the glass is broken)
Hi, it sounds interesting but I couldn't really tell you it's value. The best way to determine this is to see what similar watches have sold for recently (on ebay or elsewhere).
DeleteThe glass should be cheap to have replaced.
I have a west end prima watch with a dial on it that I can't find one the same anywhere on the net. I also have a west end ball clock about 6 inch diameter again I can't find one the same anywhere. Any ideas? Do you have an email I can send images to?
ReplyDeleteDoes anybody has a west End Railway Service Watch?
ReplyDeleteHi Aj ,
DeleteI have a Pocket watch made by West End co porcelain dail must be 100 years old. I also have some Westend watches.