Antique JLC questions

[bargainliving]

Greetings All.

I would like to ask for you opinion on this watch -- the dial and the crown. Do you think this is original or restored? I have opened the back, it is signed by the manufacturer and says P478 under the balance wheel. Thank you in advance.

[zafbasha]

The dial is original, the crown has been replaced. The hands have likely been relumed.

[bargainliving]

Thank you sir. I am looking to acquire a vintage cal. p478 or p469 movement. Most are out of my price range or sold by international sellers on ebay so I'm a bit hesitant to make the plunge. The ones that are in my price range are typical frankens or have had some work done on them. Finding the perfect one is becoming a bit of an obsession!

[bargainliving]

Hi Zaf and All - As I shop for vintage cal 478 or 469 I am seeing various case sizes from 31mm to 34.5mm. Some say "SWISS" some do not. Interestingly some of the ones that don't say "SWISS" seem to look more authentic. My questions are:

What are the standard case sizes for that period and for those movements?

Does the lack of a "SWISS" marking mean anything? The example I posted does not have a "SWISS" marking.

I do not see any restored pieces -- most all seem to be in rustic shape. I'm very open to purchasing a beautifully restored watch of that calibre and time period but I don't see any around - I'm assuming there no market for it?

Thank you - any and all comments are welcome!

[zafbasha]

The example you've shown, I'm pretty sure says SWISS you just can't see it sometimes either because of the photo or it's obscured by the bezel.

For the style of watch you're showing I would expect Swiss on the dial.

Here is an example of that watch:
http://www.classicwatch.com/graphics/rx1101.jpg

Cases are usually 33-34mm. I don't adviose going smaller those watches are less collectible.