Trying to identify/date my grandfathers silver pocket watch

[PaulAlexanderMorrison]

Hello all. Just re-discovered my grandfathers old silver pocket watch. There are no makers marks on the watch. From the marks in the attached pic, is it possible to get a bit of 'history'? There some tiny hand etched numbers next to 520031.

Many thanks - Paul

[SidS]

I believe the U means it's an imported piece.

Probably not Swiss, as Swiss watches were normally 935 and would have their hallmarks in addition to British ones.

Beyond that, without pictures of the face or the movement within, it'd be hard to pin it down to a type or country.

Is it an open face watch, a hunter, half-hunter etc.?

[PaulAlexanderMorrison]

Hello and thank you very much for your prompt response. Please see attached pics, hope these help. The movement is stamped 'Swiss Made 7 Jewels'.

[James32]

We have a new member who dabbles in watches and might have an idea,,, @JLR468

[Skyfiller]

9 hours ago, SidS said:

I believe the U means it's an imported piece.

Probably not Swiss, as Swiss watches were normally 935 and would have their hallmarks in addition to British ones.

Beyond that, without pictures of the face or the movement within, it'd be hard to pin it down to a type or country.

Is it an open face watch, a hunter, half-hunter etc.?

Swiss watches changed to 925 in 1914 to match our standards.

Anyway, that’s a British import hallmark. There is the standard mark, the town mark for London and the date letter b for 1917/18

[PaulAlexanderMorrison]

Excellent! Thank you very much. That's very helpful indeed.

Kind regards, Paul

[JLR468]

Hi,

Im more of a wrist watch guy but the movement looks American to me, perhaps a Hamilton’s or less likely a Waltham (although more common) 

Many watchmakers in the UK in the first half of the 20th century bought all the parts and assembled them in their shops, hence why no makers marks on the dial etc.  Many of these watches get passed by when they have some really good movements inside.  There have been cases of Rolex movements found in generic cases.  Good luck with the watch its a lovely thing.

John

[SidS]

On 22/03/2023 at 02:04, Skyfiller said:

Swiss watches changed to 925 in 1914 to match our standards.

Anyway, that’s a British import hallmark. There is the standard mark, the town mark for London and the date letter b for 1917/18

I bow to your superior knowledge on this. I never get out of the 19th century. 😁