Watchmaker's Bench

[NewBernWatchmaker]

Why are so many missing this drawer? Mine is as well. It looks like maybe it tilted out instead of pulled out.

 

[Jim Haney]

Are you sure a drawer was there? Does it have guides on the side walls for a drawer to track in?.

I have seen several of these with this opening and they didn't have a drawer.

Your picture won't enlarge so your need to adjust the pixels or size.

 

[NewBernWatchmaker]

On mine in particular (not the one shown) there aren't guides for any of the drawers but that particular one has a small lip on the bottom making me think it may have leaned out from the top.

 

[NC Plumber]

My bench is similar to that one, mine has the opening but never had a drawer there. Is a handy place to keep smaller boxed parts.

 

[Samie Smith]

I have 2 of these setting in my storage shed both of them have the drawers

 

[RL]

Many of the older ones were that way by design. No drawers or doors..Not sure what the design would have been for ,primarily, but many were just that way.
Perhaps a watchmaker who has been around a while--or an antique person can shed some light on the opening and it's purpose

 

[GeneJockey]

Mine has a drawer there. It's where I keep my lubricants and adhesives (which I try not to mix up!)

 

[senhalls]

I thought it was for a Selvyt cloth to polish watch cases.

 

[Jim Haney]

If you do a google search for Watchmaker desk or bench you will see the older ones just have an opening as shown in the top picture.

As they evolved it went away and a drawer took it place. I would show the link but they are for sale and we are not suppose to show items for sale, in fact, the one pictured in the 1st post is show in the group

 

[RL]

Jim --right you are.
Many are that way and usually the open one is in or around the same area or spot.
Wish an old timer could come along and enlighten us.
I feel certain there was a specific purpose for this and I feel like I should know---but no recall.

 

[watchwldr940]

I believe there were several uses for this space-- alcohol lamp, boxwood sawdust container, or possibly a job box. My old bench is stored but maybe I'll see if the aforementioned job box fits in there, but I can't recall right now. George

 

[karlmansson]

If you do a google search for Watchmaker desk or bench you will see the older ones just have an opening as shown in the top picture.

As they evolved it went away and a drawer took it place. I would show the link but they are for sale and we are not suppose to show items for sale, in fact, the one pictured in the 1st post is show in the group

I Think the rule is to not link to, or refer to any ongoing listings. Showing Pictures of items that are up for sale without referring to them as being for sale should be fine I Think.

 

[Bohemian Bill]

I have an old rolltop watchmakers bench that from catalogs dated in the 1890-1900 I have also the original cast iron foot peddle lathe. The bench does have a drawer in that spot in question which I store my watch oil. I seen many watchmakers benches with the open hole. I seen flex shaft equipment stored in that open spot for polishing and drilling. When the watchmakers benches was sold in the 1900s most lathes & flex shafts equipment were all foot powered. ...Bill