Any pocket watch experts in here?

Scort · 21 Aug 2017 at 15:45

Odd request folks, but does anyone have any expertise in pocket watches, and might be able to help identify this maker:

The internals (movement?) looks similar to J Richards of London, cira 1788 - but this one is marked as "Cha Wrench", which I understand could mean Charles Wrench. The only issue is that I cannot locate any details on such a watch maker, so have little to go on.

Help is very much appreciated, thanks you

MooMoo444 · 21 Aug 2017 at 15:46

Yep, I can confirm that's a pocket watch.

Scort · 21 Aug 2017 at 15:55

MooMoo444 said:
Yep, I can confirm that's a pocket watch.

Hastily written text now updated to convey my actual need a bit better

Andy90 · 21 Aug 2017 at 16:03

What does the front of the watch look like, is the case Hallmarked?

ajf · 21 Aug 2017 at 16:03

I may know someone, who knows someone! I'll see what I can find out.

Scort · 21 Aug 2017 at 16:12

Andy90 said:
What does the front of the watch look like, is the case Hallmarked?

Hahahaha, if only

It look s a lot like this one - same gold pointed hand, though no hallmarks I can recall. I pulled the eBay listing for now, as we had it on a start of £9, and the interest in it has exploded...

Scort · 21 Aug 2017 at 16:12

ajf said:
I may know someone, who knows someone! I'll see what I can find out.

That would be awesome - we have a neighbour who dabbles in watches, and repairs, so I'll have a multi-pronged attack at this rate

Andy90 · 21 Aug 2017 at 16:13

http://www.clockmakers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/CCMASTERSFINAL-amended-31May13.pdf

There are two Charles Wrench listed on that document one as Charles and one as Chas. James both listed as Watchmakers.

Saw your reply above, wise move, definitely remove it and get it checked out properly, looks quite an early watch and clearly of some quality with the work on the outer movement.

tom_e · 21 Aug 2017 at 16:14

I want to say @Skidder knows his way around watches. If I'm totally wrong then there are definitely a couple of people on here who may be able to chime in @lakitu runs a watch repair business.

Scort · 21 Aug 2017 at 17:54

Excellent thanks so far folks

Clav · 22 Aug 2017 at 10:48

What's the other text? Sondor 573?

Sliver · 22 Aug 2017 at 10:55

Niece pieces, must be worth a pretty penny. Do they have WiFi ?

Armageus · 22 Aug 2017 at 11:10

Clav said:
What's the other text? Sondor 573?

I read it as "London 573".

Scort · 22 Aug 2017 at 12:21

Armageus said:
I read it as "London 573".

Correct, it is indeed this.

Mr.E. · 22 Aug 2017 at 12:33

Any pics of the dial ?

Scort · 22 Aug 2017 at 12:53

Some more images:

Info I have so far, though two sources seem to show the master craftsman in different ways:

Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World by Baillie suggest that the marking "Cha Wrench" could be Chas Wrench - London (Spitalfields & Bishopsgate St.) - apprenticed 1769 registered with Clockmakers Company 1785 - 1820. Succeeded by his son Charles James Wrench CC 1814 & LCC 1815.

The Clockmakers’ Company Masters and their Apprentices (Transcribed from Atkins’ list of 1931) suggests that the markings are the same master craftsmen, but Charles Wrench's tenure is dated 1785, and Chas Wrench is 1821 to 1828.

hughtrimble · 22 Aug 2017 at 13:14

Can you not take it to a respectable auction outfit for an appraisal?

Skidder · 22 Aug 2017 at 13:34

tom_e said:
I want to say @Skidder knows his way around watches. If I'm totally wrong then there are definitely a couple of people on here who may be able to chime in @lakitu runs a watch repair business.

I'm afraid I'm not so hot on pocket watches. It certainly looks like some work went into it.

My dad collects pocket watches though. Next time I see him I will ask him to have a look. He's not too good on that internet though, so this will likely be in person.