From my Great Grandfather

[Diverdown]

Have a pocket watch from my Great Grandfather that I am trying to find out a bit of information about. The watch was purchased in 1910 (I have the original receipt) from "Henry Kohn & Sons, Jewelers".

The movement states "C. H. Meylan Brassus made for Henry Kohn & Sons, Hartford, Conn". it has 17 jewels.

The dial is white with the seconds in a sub-dial at the 6 O'Clock position. the crown and chain hoop is at 3:00.

Sorry no pictures as yet.

Can anybody offer any information regarding the watchmaker or the movement?

Thanks
Stephen

[Watch Carefully]

Hi Stephen,
Meylan is a great name in Swiss horology. Aside from the two companies using that family name (CH and another company: AR & JE Meylan, associated with Lemania), there are various Meylans who have worked for famous brands such as Omega and LeCoultre. Eugene Meylan founded the Glycine company, IIRC.

I don't know much about the history of CH Meylan, but I have seen many high quality watches made by this firm in the early 1900s. If you search eBay for Meylan, you will probably find a few very nice 18k-cased dress pocket watches and perhaps some complicated watches such as split-seconds chronographs (pictured) or repeaters.

http://www.chronoguide-taschenuhren.com/images/meylanwerk22.jpg

CH Meylan watch movements seem to have been in the same league as Patek Philippe, Audemars-Piguet, Ekegren, Touchon, Tiffany, and other makers of fine dress watches in the early 20th Century.

Please share photos when you are able.
Best regards,
Brad

PS. There is a new line of wrist chronographs under the name CH Meylan, but I do not think the new company is a continuation of the original.

[Diverdown]

Thanks Brad. I did some more research yesterday and as you stated, the Meylan movements were used in many watches. I would have no idea whether or not it is a repeater. It only has the one subdial which contains the seconds. The only other hands are the hour and minute hands.

I'll try to get some pictures up today.

The movement also states "adjusted 17127 17 jewels"

As I am new to these watches, I am assuming that it should not be used until it is overhauled???? My Mom did wind it yesterday and it has been running ever since.

thanks
Stephen

[Watch Carefully]

I'll try to address all the issues you raised...

Servicing the watch is a good idea. You don't know what kind of oils may have been used in that watch in the past. It would be a good idea to have the watch cleaned and lubricated. This will remove old lubricants (which can collect particles, harden, and damage parts) and ensure smooth running. Our compatriots at RGM (http://www.rgmwatches.com/repair.html) can certainly perform professional servicing and give you recommendations for any repairs.

Your watch is not a repeater, they are very complicated and somewhat rare chiming watches.

Adjusted means it was probably adjusted to heat/cold, isochronism, and at least 4 positions. That's a quality watch!
Brad