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Older Timex piece

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I just bought a late 1940's-early 1950's Timex. The dial is labeled as a sample watch.

The person I got it from said it is probably a jewelers sample. It it stamped "US Time Corporation" on the back. Also says Made in the U.S.A. at the 6:00 position. Was wondering if anyone would know if this is a rare piece.
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picture?
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A pic would be helpful to identify the model. :)

I have worked on hundreds of manual wind and auto Timex watches from the 1950-early 1980s. Timex was known as US TIME CORP and you can find this insignia on their oldest models. I have a few pics and I'll dig them up.

http://public.fotki.com/dustbuster4/watch-albums/timex/
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US TIME CORP stamped on this 17-Jewel Ladies manual wind movement







VS a "non-US TIME CORP" stamped 17-Jewel Ladies manual wind movement




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This is the best I could do w/the camara at hand.
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kevco wrote:


This is the best I could do w/the camara at hand.
I think I have a few of those in pictures. Let me look. I have about 2000 pics to go through. :)
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No hurry Rick-I love these older pieces and just get curious as to what they are, where they came from and possibly how valuable they are. I only paid $18.00 for it and it runs great w/a nice Spiedel band.



Thanks

Kevin
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kevco wrote:
No hurry Rick-I love these older pieces and just get curious as to what they are, where they came from and possibly how valuable they are. I only paid $18.00 for it and it runs great w/a nice Spiedel band.



Thanks

Kevin
I'll keep looking, but $18 sounds like a deal. Any US TIME CORP insignia on a TIMEX makes the watch more valuable. The fact that it's a "sample" makes it that much more unique.

Do you happen to know which movement is inside?

The TIMEX 21-Jewel watches are very collectible and rarer than the 17-Jewel movement for the ladies. Besides these 2 jeweled movements, TIMEX use 0-Jewel movements made around the world. I have movements that are marked Scotland, Britain, Philippines, and the good 'ole USA! :)
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Unfortunately, this is the best photo that I have demonstrating the US TIME markings, but I'm not sure that it's your model . . .











ALSO . . .

TIMEX made some innovations over time including this V-Conic Escapement made in Great Britain . . .

Read more on V-Conic Escapements


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The dial looks very similar to the one I have. Is it safe to take the back off of any given watch? If so is there a tool that can found to do this? I'm a novice but I'm really sucked into this watch collecting thing! One more question: What would be a possible value on mine?

Thanks for all you've done and your photography is great.
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kevco wrote:
The dial looks very similar to the one I have. Is it safe to take the back off of any given watch? If so is there a tool that can found to do this? I'm a novice but I'm really sucked into this watch collecting thing! One more question: What would be a possible value on mine?

Thanks for all you've done and your photography is great.
Thanks! And you're certainly welcome! :)

In general, unless you have the proper tools and some experience, you may damage the case.

Now, with that said . . .

I use a case knife to pop/pry open these cases (you can find them for a bargain on eBay) . . .




The knife fits in between the case/bezel and caseback. With a little pressure, the two should separate.

If you wish to attempt to remove the caseback, you might consider taping off the case areas that may get damaged if the knife were to slip.

Otherwise, these cases come apart fairly easily. Start on one side, then go 180 degrees around to the other side and repeat. Eventually, you'll be able to slip your fingernails into the gap and grab the case in one hand and the caseback in the other and pull them apart. The movement/dial will mostly likely remain in place in the case or the caseback. You can lift it out and check it out. :)

Unfortunately, I don't know the value. I haven't worked on these TIMEX watches for almost 3 years now. Also, it depends on the movement inside, but you can usually find these for around $25 in excellent shape (not bad considering they cost $5.95-$7.95 when new).
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