View Full Version : New arrivals - need info please
vinylgreek
July 11th, 2009, 02:51
I just picked up two pieces as my first foray into vintage watches. I would appreciate any background that might be readily available from the collected WISdom of the forum. I realize these are not high end collectibles but I find them interesting and simply want to know more about them. The photos are courtesy of the respective sellers.
Towncraft
http://www.paloaltomicro.com/43.jpg
Benrus
http://imgs.inkfrog.com/pix/pngls/DSCF6780.JPG
http://imgs.inkfrog.com/pix/pngls/DSCF6782.JPG
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Ray MacDonald
July 11th, 2009, 03:30
The Towncraft looks to be from the 1950s and the Benrus either late 1960s or early 1970s.
Eeeb
July 11th, 2009, 06:03
Towncraft was a trade name JCPenny used. They may have retailed the watch.
bjohnson
July 11th, 2009, 06:50
The Benrus has a Russian Poljot 2614 in it
http://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?10&ranfft&a&2uswk&Poljot_2614.2H
http://www.ranfft.de/bidfun/katb/2uswk/Poljot_2614.2H.jpg
fireal
July 11th, 2009, 07:06
The Benrus has a Russian Poljot 2614 in it
http://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?10&ranfft&a&2uswk&Poljot_2614.2H
http://www.ranfft.de/bidfun/katb/2uswk/Poljot_2614.2H.jpg
does that mean its not original?
i wouldn think an american brand would use russian parts
vinylgreek
July 11th, 2009, 07:27
Thanks for the input gentlemen. Based on the link provided it would appear this is a Frankenrus;-)
bjohnson
July 11th, 2009, 08:09
I haven't seena Benrus with a Russian movement before. Usually they are Japanese in this era.
I also don't think Benrus ever used American made movements. most from their heyday are Swiss ebauches .. mostly from ETA
RON in PA
July 11th, 2009, 10:14
Are you sure this is a Russian movement or the original Swiss movement that inspired Poljot or was copied by them. Don't forget that the Russians did buy designs and watch making machinery from the French and Swiss.
Eeeb
July 11th, 2009, 15:42
Are you sure this is a Russian movement or the original Swiss movement that inspired Poljot or was copied by them. Don't forget that the Russians did buy designs and watch making machinery from the French and Swiss.
I think that explanation is more likely the case. I assume Swiss markings are hidden in the pics...
vinylgreek
July 11th, 2009, 17:28
Excellent discussion. I learn something every time I log on to WUS. I was unaware of the Russian - Swiss connection.
bjohnson
July 12th, 2009, 05:22
Are you sure this is a Russian movement or the original Swiss movement that inspired Poljot or was copied by them. Don't forget that the Russians did buy designs and watch making machinery from the French and Swiss.
and bought from the Americans and "liberated" from the Germans
I don't think this particular movement had anything other than Russian origins