ID'ing my granddad's Norton wrist watch

[Globetrotter77]

Hi guys,

My mother recently passed away and while cleaning up her apartment I came across my granddads old "gold" watch. I remember him wearing it when I was a kid.

The watch is extremely worn but I was amazed to see that the automatic movement still works so well, that teh instant I picked it up it starting going!

The name on the watch is "Norton". I haven't been able to find anything on Norton watches through Google except for a few modern watches in the 100$ range. On the front it also says "Super Automatic" and "Swiss Made". On the back is says "Waterproof 5atm Stainless Steel Back Automatic Incabloc Swiss Made" and has a serial number. It has an expandable (and broken) bracelet that I assume is non-original, it says Made in Germany on the back of it. I can't seem tighten the crown, the threads may be worn down.

Does anyone know anything about Norton watches?
Any idea how old it is? (My guess would be from the '60s)
Is there any idea in having it restored orshould I just keep it on the shelf for sentimental purposes?

I'm really hoping someone can give me some info on this, thanks in advance!

Cheers,
Jan

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m266/jankristensen/Temp/IMG_9095.jpg

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m266/jankristensen/Temp/IMG_9099.jpg

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m266/jankristensen/Temp/IMG_9111.jpg

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m266/jankristensen/Temp/IMG_9116.jpg

[Marrick]

Hi.

Its much more 70's than 60's in its style.

I'm not familiar with the Norton brand. If you spend anything on it you will not 'get your money back' in terms of possible sales value as obscure brand gold plated 70's watches never go for very much.

But you can't use it as is it as the oil will be dried out and running it will damage it. If it were mine - from MY grandfather - I would get a new crystal fitted (which would transform it), have the watch serviced (cleaned and oiled) and put a reasonable leather strap on it - you say the existing band is broken anyway. Its probably got a decent movement inside. I would not have the dial touched as it looks OK to me, and having the case replated would cost a lot and would remove its character. The watch would then be wearable. :-!

I'm not sure what you mean about the crown. It looks OK in the pictures.

Your money though. Otherwise, put it aside for a future generation to ponder over!

[Globetrotter77]

Hi Marrick,

Thanks for your reply!

I did have a strong feeling that it wouldn't be worth having it restored money-wise but I will definately consider having it done :-)

It's hard to see in the photos, but the dial looks to be in perfect condition.

Let me try and explain about the crown. When I try and tighten it (to make the watch waterproof), then I can continue turning it clock-wise without ever becoming tight. A little like when a bolt has been over-tightened and the threads have been damaged.

Should I just take it down to the local watch dealer and ask for an estimate on restoring it or should I send it somewhere?

Thanks again!

Jan

[Marrick]

Hi Marrick,

Let me try and explain about the crown. When I try and tighten it (to make the watch waterproof), then I can continue turning it clock-wise without ever becoming tight.

That's normal - it shouldn't become tight. Screw down crowns were rare back then. The original waterproofing would simply be a rubber (or something) gasket inside the crown probably pressing around a short tube through which the winding stem comes out into the crown. Depending on the movement, turning it like that is a method of hand winding to 'kick start' an automatic watch before the rotor takes over the work.

To get it serviced, its best to take it to a local real watchmaker if there is one near you. But ordinary jewellers rarely have a watchmaker on site - they send them away themselves and just charge extra. Its difficult to know. I have a local watchmaker who is cheap - but rather unreliable in terms of timescale and who doesn't take care to check timekeeping before giving the watch back. I also have one that I post to who is excellent - but about 50% more expensive. He has 2 of mine right now. Assuming you are in the USA, there is a link of NAWCC watchmakers in the subforum here:

http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=166630

You are only having routine work done; don't accept a high quote without shopping around.:-)

[Globetrotter77]

That's normal - it shouldn't become tight. Screw down crowns were rare back then. The original waterproofing would simply be a rubber (or something) gasket inside the crown probably pressing around a short tube through which the winding stem comes out into the crown. Depending on the movement, turning it like that is a method of hand winding to 'kick start' an automatic watch before the rotor takes over the work.


Thanks for the explanation, I had no idea. I only got my first real/automatic watch in April last year.

I'm in Copenhagen, Denmark. I will track down a place with a watchmaker on site.

So there are many "obscure" 70s brands? Any chance Norton would be somehow related to Norton motorbikes?

Thanks again, really appreciate it!

Jan

[Marrick]

Thanks for the explanation, I had no idea. I only got my first real/automatic watch in April last year.

I'm in Copenhagen, Denmark. I will track down a place with a watchmaker on site.

So there are many "obscure" 70s brands? Any chance Norton would be somehow related to Norton motorbikes?

Thanks again, really appreciate it!

Jan

Many, many obscure brands from all decades! You could start a brand today - just get a Chinese company to produce a line of Globetrotter watches for you. If it were a commercial failure, there would be little or no trace in 20 years' time.:-d

But many of these obscure brands used the same movements as more well known brands (not the very best premium brands), and were just as good.

http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=196001&highlight=obscure

Unlikely to be related to Norton motorbikes. If it were, they would have written the name in the style the motorbikes used.

[Globetrotter77]

Thanks again for your insight :-!