Old tool for pocket watch bows

[ljrusso]

I found this and bought it only with the knowledge that it has to do with pocket watches and also that it has to do with bows. Otherwise it was a blind buy.

Can someone please enlighten me?

Cheers

Louis

[ljrusso]

I found this and bought it only with the knowledge that it has to do with pocket watches and also that it has to do with bows. Otherwise it was a blind buy.

Can someone please enlighten me?

Cheers

Louis

[ljrusso]

Here is the second picture

[Jerry Treiman]

Louis, this delightful old tool is a bow-milling machine. It is used to cut the pivots on the bow to the correct size and shape to fit the pendant of the watch. Various cutters are accessed by rotating the turntable and locking it in place with the pin that is attached to the chain. It cuts one pivot at a time, with the opposing pivot resting in the springloaded arm. This also helps apply the tension necessary for cutting.

[Harvey Mintz]

Louis -

Jerry is quite correct, but he didn't say what a joy it is to use one of these when fitting a bow to a case.

Should you ever need to use it, I'm certain you'll be very happy you bought this tool.

[ljrusso]

Hi Jerry & Harvey,

thanks for the posts.

Jerry, I took the bow off an old scrap case and tried it out based on your description. It worked perfectly.


Cheers

Louis