Master time co, LTD movement (Helbros)
David Johnson
"Helbros watch co, New York, USA". (also says "Waterproof when opened
and closed by a competent watchmaker"--I like that wording) Watch looks
60's in size and style.
Inside the movement says Master Time Co LTD, twentyone (21) jewels on
the main bridge, M-113 on the mainspring wheel, nothing else except
regulator marks. Fairly plain looking movement, the additional cap
jewels have lyre shaped retaining springs.
No country markings visible on the back of the movement.
I doubt that this is a US made movement--If it were newer, I'd guess
Asian. I can't find any indication of a country except the USA address
on the back case, and for once Ranfit's database doesn't help. I'd think
that with the USA address, country markings would be required if the
watch wasn't USA made. Does anyone have a better guess off the top of
their head?
the swisswatchguy
Helbros Watch Co Inc.: Geneve, New York, Los Angeles, Neuchatel
Other company names: Helbros Watch Inc. N.Y., Manufacture d'horlogerie
"Helbros", Helbein Frères, Genève
Other brands: Adagio, Affinity, Amphibian, Aquamate, Ballerina, Bond,
Coq d'Or, Cornavin, fantas<y, Fiesta, Invincible, Manikin, Mariner,
Minicom, Minilite.
Letters: HXW : Helbros US import code
TM: H fancy, H in a circle
The company assembled watches using various ebauches and imported them
into the US through their New York subsidiary. Helbein Freres was
listed in Geneva in 1920. Quick Fit in1952 showed Helbros using
movements by Chezard, Court, Derby, Enicar, Eta, Font, Geneva Sport
Watches, Helvetia, Kurth Freres, Landeron, Liengme, Moeris, Peseux,
Phenix, Reconvilier, A. Schild Sonceboz, Unitas and Venus.
In those days there were a lot of watchmakers in and around New York
who could assemble Swiss chablons and watches.
- The evolutionary explanation for origins, although impossible either
to prove or to test scientifically, is nevertheless defended by its
proponents on the basis that it is the only explanation which is
naturalistic, not involving the 'supernatural' element of a divine
Creator. - Henry Morris
djohnson
the swisswatchguy wrote:
>
> Helbros Watch Co Inc.: Geneve, New York, Los Angeles, Neuchatel
> Other company names: Helbros Watch Inc. N.Y., Manufacture d'horlogerie
> "Helbros", Helbein Frères, Genève
> Other brands: Adagio, Affinity, Amphibian, Aquamate, Ballerina, Bond,
> Coq d'Or, Cornavin, fantas<y, Fiesta, Invincible, Manikin, Mariner,
> Minicom, Minilite.
> Letters: HXW : Helbros US import code
> TM: H fancy, H in a circle
>
> The company assembled watches using various ebauches and imported them
> into the US through their New York subsidiary. Helbein Freres was
> listed in Geneva in 1920. Quick Fit in1952 showed Helbros using
> movements by Chezard, Court, Derby, Enicar, Eta, Font, Geneva Sport
> Watches, Helvetia, Kurth Freres, Landeron, Liengme, Moeris, Peseux,
> Phenix, Reconvilier, A. Schild Sonceboz, Unitas and Venus.
>
> In those days there were a lot of watchmakers in and around New York
> who could assemble Swiss chablons and watches.
In this case I'm mostly interested in the movement itself--there's
conflicts in what I think I know, and I'd like to clear that up.
Since long before the earliest date this watch could have been made
country of origin was required, at least on imported watches sold in
the US.
This watch appears to have been made after US quantity manufacture of
jeweled movements had ceased.
The only country markings are Helbros' US address--Without further
markings, that wouuld leave someone under the impression that the watch
was in fact made in the US.
The only explanations I can think of that fits my understanding is that
this watch was originally sold in an area with different rules for
country of origin markings on watches and movements.
Jack Denver
1. The watch was not marked properly according to US law.
2. The watch was put together in the US from a Swiss chablon (parts kit)
and enough US content to meet the country of origin requirements of its
time.
3. The watch was marked at one time but the marking has been defaced or is
in a location that you still haven't found.
"djohnson" <djohn...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1118845690....@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com...