Old 1880s Longines....with Baume stamp/retailed by Sir John Bennett.

[PJQL]

Hi all,

I thought this one might be of interest. An early 1880s Longines movement, (15-jewels?), but with the BAUME mark stamped below the balance cock. I have been trying to research the longstanding relationship between Longines and Baume, and have learnt much from Davd Boettcher's website, which contains extensive information.

My guess is that the movement may be early example of the relationship between the two companies, but would appreciate any further accurate input...especially with regard to the correct calibre.

The retailer is the infamous and in equal measure fascinating Sir John Bennett...whom I have researched extensively in the past.
It's interesting to note all his marketing techniques. In this case, there's a crown and emblem on the movement which I've never seen before...GRAND DIPLOMA OF HONOUR!...and of course a very grand engraving on the cuvette, announcing his "connection" (to use the word loosely) to the Royal Obervatory!

Thanks
Piers

 

[richiec]

Well, he certainly puffs his chest out a bit.

 

[Les harland]

Sir John Bennet obviously knew a lot about marketing
I wonder how he would fared with modern advertising laws

 

[Travler1]

I’m sorry ....I don’t understand this post and the following comments. Sir John Bennett was an exceptional watch maker. To my understanding he was as stated a watchmaker to the queen and produced a timepiece for the Royal Observatory..... As I understand this time period, English watchmaking was being blended with Swiss parts and movements. In that event. one might consider Sir John Bennett a visionary, who built a tidy business by the sweat of his brow for many years via the sale of fine English movements. However being forced by a changing business reality, he imported movements and parts of Swiss origin and then signed them, as such was also the practice of his contemporaries...if they were honest !

 

[Travler1]

What I meant to say at the end of my rant ,,,was ....that If they ( the retailers ) were honest then the retail cost of the imported movement would have been much less than a fine English movement ...especially in the above scenario.

 

[PJQL]

Hello Travler1,

Thanks for your input

The original point of this thread was to actually show the Longines pocket watch, and also to accurately identify the calibre.

However, the fact that it was retailed by Bennett was interesting for me because of his strong entrepreneurial spirit. As far as I can make out, although he may have trained as a watchmaker in his earlier years, his skills evidently lay in marketing and promotion, since he must have realised there was money to be made. Couple that with his own obvious sense of self confidence and importance, and you end up with someone who recognised that it's possible to create an image which sell itself.

To me, his connections with the Royal Observatory, Royalty and indeed the Admiralty are tenuous to say the least (somewhat akin John Forrest in some respects) but no-one seemed to question it much. The medallion stamp on the movement illustrating a Gold Medal award is merely one example.....since I think it's completely made up.

Piers.

 

[eric the bully]

Sorry Piers I did not understand. This movement was traded by Baume as A keyless movement. Longines also used as the basis for Chronograph
regards enrico

 

[PJQL]

Enrico,

Thanks!...that's pretty much want I was looking for. The top plate diameter is 39.5mm....closer to 40mm actually.
What calibre would it most closely resemble?

Piers

 

[eric the bully]

the caliber 17A
regards enrico

 

[PJQL]

Thank you Enrico

Piers