Vintage Watch Collecting: Early Models Overview
Vintage

Vintage Watch Collecting: Early Models Overview

By Mary Anny · May 15, 2024 · 23 replies
Mary Anny
WPS member · Horological Meandering forum
23 replies2816 views3 photos
f 𝕏 in 💬 🔗

Mary Anny shares a deeply personal horological treasure: a Solvil pocket watch passed down from her great-grandfather. This piece, recently returned from significant movement restoration, offers a tangible link to her family's past. Her post invites the community to appreciate the enduring legacy of such timepieces, despite the visible wear that tells its own story.

23 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →
With my family name. This pocket watch was owned, and very much used, by my great-grandfather. I just got it back from the watchmaker, some rather substantial work has to be done on the movement (plates, wheels...) so many visible parts are not in their best shape! But still...



The movement:



The dial:






Detail of the dial, impossible to keep it clean!







Have a great Wednesday dear people.


Key Points from the Discussion

Advertisement
The Discussion
CP
Cpt Scarlet
May 15, 2024

The best part is that you still have this physical link with your great-grandfather. The history of Paul Ditisheim and Solvil is an interesting story.

MA
Mary Anny
May 15, 2024

But, of course, that's something "of him" I can have a physical relationship with! The watch participated in several grand Prix in Paris, Geneve, Berne, and apparently won several chronometre prizes. This information was something watchmakers like Paul Ditisheim used to add into their watch cases.

MA
Mary Anny
May 15, 2024

Please don't say anything that reminds me teeth or dentists! ;-)

SU
Subexplorer
May 15, 2024

Both the brand and maker were well known here in my land. I own an old Solvil wristwatch I bought in the beginnings of my collecting journey. Regrettably it has a restored dial, but it works perfectly. Very nice movement in your watch. It has an added Big Value of its provenance. Nice that you keep it in working condition as it deserves. Enjoy it so much and thank you for sharing. Best cordial regards, Abel

AQ
Aquaracer1
May 15, 2024

I’ll have to get my great grandfathers out soon and take some pics

MA
Mary Anny
May 17, 2024

Really in great shape and running! In spite of all the fancy advertisements of our time, these marvels really pass down from generation to generation... We can talk for hours about our responsibility (burden?) to look after them. Or, we can just stare at their beauty! Didn’t know the watchmaker and I guess BEHM is some family coat of arms! Just enjoy. Best Regards, Simone

Advertisement

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Horological Meandering forum with 23 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →