Tick Talk
[Moderator Emeritus]
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This is one of the points which still confuses
Michel mentions the threading was American Unified Coarse, which was a term that didn't come into use until after WWII. At the time we suspect this watch case was produced, the Sellers Standard aka United States Standard was the common American thread. If the case had USS threads, the assumption that American machinery was used to cut the threads makes sense. Where that machinery was located, however, is still an open question. The WD engraved on the case back is diagnostic of British military inventory, after all. I also noted in researching this aspect that, practically speaking, USS and British Whitworth bolts were interchangeable so their differences were slight. I'd very much like to review the measurements that IDA obtained from what they describe as a crude case made with poor quality steel.
Another point of confusion stems from the original 2003 story in Business Montres which identified the jeweller Herkner as being in Dayton, Ohio, near the Wright Brothers workshop. Herkner was actually 300 miles away in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The journey by car in 1910 would have been at least two days! Meanwhile Columbus, the state capital and largest city in Ohio, was only 70 miles from the Wright Brothers. If they were determined to obtain a Vacheron & Constantin movement, Columbus was served by at least two jewellers offering V&C watches; Ross and Bonnet. There were also V&C agents in Toledo and Cleveland, Ohio. Unfortunately, this mistake in geography was continued by the Institute for Digital Archaeology who have repeatedly suggested the Wright Brothers were from "the Grand Rapids area". Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Nashville are also within 300 miles of Dayton ;-)
Myth or Legend: Vacheron & Constantin Wright Brothers Watch
Vacheron Constantin image It reads like a John le Carré novel but, instead of dissecting the story afterwards, we have an opportunity to follow along in real time as the plot twists and turns. Who knows what the ending will be? I don’t! Out of the blue! I...
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Interesting story. Great write-up. I do wonder, what kind of pins did they use to put the strap in between the lugs?
Excellent write-up
This can be a magazine article. I did not know about this possible Wright Brother connection with Vacheron. Wow!
Maison d'Horlogerie Vacheron et Constantin
translates as the House of V&C. Being Genevan-based, V&C's operating language was and is French.
Interesting.
It is not the first time I’ve read about pitot watches on the thigh. I think the evaluation of the threads as American is good sleuthing. I’ll definitely be watching for more chapters to this story.
This is one of the points which still confuses
Michel mentions the threading was American Unified Coarse, which was a term that didn't come into use until after WWII. At the time we suspect this watch case was produced, the Sellers Standard aka United States Standard was the common American thread. If...
I'm thinking of a one off that I think was called the Admiral Bird watch.
That one had a very contemporary case and dial. It was an aviators watch. And that one deserves to be re-issued. I've never heard of wearing a watch on the thigh. although it make perfect sense. American aviators did not have an issue watch, and were left...
A watch of many names
The Admiral Byrd watch aka the Hermann Goering watch but, due to controversy surrounding those two historic characters, is referred to by VC as the King George V watch. That piece certainly deserves its own thread at some point.
A fascinating read!
I finally found the time to read your article which, once more, is equally well researched as it‘s enjoyable to read. You‘re a master of this craft! Almost impossible to tell the hidden truth from the „newly discovered facts“ made up by the marketing depa...
Wright Brothers and Everest monikers share the same problem
As promised, an event with Cory Richards as attending celebrity occurred on 23 Sept at the NYC boutique. Roger Michel advises the aviators watch was discussed and we are waiting for VC to release the video recording. I am informed, however, that proof bey...