Any info on maker?

[time4now]

I picked up a cheap watch to practice on and I thought it was a "Dollar Watch". After opening the back cover(hinged)I found out it was .800 silver with the word TREFF and many symbols etc...on the dust cover it says in French (translated from my search here) that it's stem wound with a Cylinder movement? Also it has 10 Jewels.The word TREFF is also on the movement as well as 2-other words by the regulator near the balance wheel(also in french) that I assume means fast/slow by their location.The watch is pin set.The case on the outside is also silver but is inlaid with copper? on the back.The front bezel is also hinged. I scanned the watch but don't have a way to post it but I can send pic's if someones interested! I have cable and the pic's are large. My question is did anyone ever here of this manuf./Watchmaker? I understand they were mass produced but what puzzled me was the fact that both case and movement were both marked Treff. From what I researched the movements were mass produced and then sold to Co's to case? Im more curious then anything since im only gonna use this as my first watch to try and service. The watch keeps good time.........Thanks in advance and excuse my spelling :rolleyes:

"scuse mi spelin"

[time4now]

I picked up a cheap watch to practice on and I thought it was a "Dollar Watch". After opening the back cover(hinged)I found out it was .800 silver with the word TREFF and many symbols etc...on the dust cover it says in French (translated from my search here) that it's stem wound with a Cylinder movement? Also it has 10 Jewels.The word TREFF is also on the movement as well as 2-other words by the regulator near the balance wheel(also in french) that I assume means fast/slow by their location.The watch is pin set.The case on the outside is also silver but is inlaid with copper? on the back.The front bezel is also hinged. I scanned the watch but don't have a way to post it but I can send pic's if someones interested! I have cable and the pic's are large. My question is did anyone ever here of this manuf./Watchmaker? I understand they were mass produced but what puzzled me was the fact that both case and movement were both marked Treff. From what I researched the movements were mass produced and then sold to Co's to case? Im more curious then anything since im only gonna use this as my first watch to try and service. The watch keeps good time.........Thanks in advance and excuse my spelling :rolleyes:

"scuse mi spelin"

[Dr. Jon]

Closest I can find is a reference in Prichard to Treffin a brand of the 1960's. From your desription you watch is 1880 to maybe 1910 . I think the copper inlay might move it closer to 1910 than 1880's.

It sounds like a very decent watch

Dr. Jon

[doug sinclair]

time4now,

According to Karl Kochmann, that would be: TREFF- Maitre Freres & Ruedin, Noirmont (France?). trade mark dated 1912.

Doug S.

[Jeff Hess]

Doug is correct. But these watches usually have a thin layer of rose gold plating around the front and rear bezels. Not copper.

They are often made for the German market and will have the German import marks.

Does it have the moon hallmark?

Jeff

JPH

[time4now]

Thanks all for the quick replys.....The case is in pretty good shape but tarnished but jeff's discription is correct about the bands around front and rear bezels (has a copper look). Also when I was reading in my ref. book I noticed the moon hallmark w/kings crown suspended from it. Also above the "TREFF marking there is a cross with circles connected to the top and sides. Above that there is a hallmark? of a skeleton key and halfway thru it there is a star....all this is surrounded by a border shaped like a bow-tie without the knot also there is another marking i cant make out.All the above are in great detail.There is no markings on the dial but it's double sunk and the hands (copper too :wink:) are quite fancy.

"scuse mi spelin"

[This message was edited by time4now on September 13, 2003 at 2:17.]

[time4now]

Here's a link to my watch....hope it work's....The only thing worse than my spelling is my Computer skills :biggrin:

http://hometown.aol.com/stu4now/frenchwatchindex.html

* Gave up.....Hope you can cut-n-paste

"scuse mi spelin"

[This message was edited by time4now on September 14, 2003 at 16:05.]

[This message was edited by time4now on September 14, 2003 at 16:06.]

[time4now]

Does anyone have an opinion about this being a good watch to start with? I don't have anything else I feel comfortible with taking apart and this was cheap enough.

"scuse mi spelin"

[doug sinclair]

time4now,

If you have any hope of resuscitating your TREFF watch, I would recommend that you don't plan on that as a first project. You don't say whether it runs or not. If it doesn't, those cylinder watches of that vintage are often tough enough for someone with experience, even if they haven't been "worked on" by someone who is learning. Your case is likely .800 silver, and could be a decent watch if handled properly. My suggestion is that you find some "basket-case" movements with no case, no dial, even parts missing. Practice on those. As you upgrade your skills, you might graduate to complete watches. On the other hand, if you really couldn't care less about the TREFF, have a go at it.

Doug S.

[time4now]

Thanks for the response Doug......
Yes, the watch is working but it does have a winding issue. I understand what your saying about starting with something easier but it's hard to get a watch in working order for cheap and I certainly don't feel confident enough to try and make a diagnosis and repair 1st time out on something I paid a lot of $ for. I figured it would be best to take something down and clean etc.... first as opposed to repairing also. I have taken about 3-4 junk movements apart just to familiarize myself with the parts, removing/installing screws the correct way etc.... but since they were basket cases (with parts missing) IM not sure how much I learned. I figured that (the watch in question)since it had 2 finger bridges? it would be easier but I respect your opinion and will look for something a little less complicated. IM doing this purely as a hobby, as I was always fascinated with pocketwatches and IM really not expecting to acquire any significant pieces anytime soon (I can appreciate a Pocket Ben as much as a Howard watch). Thanks for all your help. :rolleyes:
Stu

"scuse mi spelin"

[Veritas]

Hello time for now.You can pick up running watches like walthams or elgins on ebay for low prices.I would start with a 16 sz , 7 jewel watch.At least if the watch runs ou have a clue when you put it back together it should run.Provided you did not make a mistake.Bob Tascione has some good vhs tapes for people starting out, that i recommend.
Also chapter 185 has some slide shows that are very educational.
And yes practice helps alot.

chapter 185 and chapter 111,
NAWCC # 0158976

[time4now]

Thank you "V",
Yes thats what im resigned to doing (Simplier movement)as several people have said. It's a challange for me wanting to get my feet wet vs. wanting to do thing's in the right manner. I have joined NAWCC recently as well as Chapter #1...........Are those video's available to anyone? Or just member's of #185?.
Thanks for your suggestions/Input.
Stu

"scuse mi spelin"

[Kent]

Stu:

Your NAWCC membership entitles you to borrow VCR tapes and DVD's from the NAWCC Library and Research Center. This can be done by mail. Take a look at the Program Listings (http://www.nawcc.org/Library/vhs2.htm#736.%20DISASSEMBLING,%20CLEANING%20&%20OILING%20A%20POCKET%20WATCH-). Notice programs 525, 573, 588, 592, 601, 652, 700 and 714.

Kent

That guy down in Georgia :smile:

[time4now]

Thanks Kent.........
Look's like I'll be hooking that VCR back up after all :cool:

"scuse mi spelin"

[pwrudy]

May I just add a small piece of information on the word 'TREFF' from a 'native' angle.
You won't find it in a recent german dictionary but in former times it meant 'clubs' (one of the four colours of a card game) - and this is exactly the symbol on your case (if I read your description correctly)- clubs!
What do we conclude from that? It was a trade name (introduced by a swiss manufacturer) for the German market. But this is no news, just a verification of what Dr. Jon and Doug already found a out.

[time4now]

Thanks for your input :wink:

"scuse mi spelin"