Type A-11 Watches

[dmar836]

Wow! $1285. That's not a whole lot for a watch but it's a whole lot for an A-11 IMO.
There were a few who knew what it was. Thanks for posting that, Tim.

 

[watchmanjimg]

Wow! $1285. That's not a whole lot for a watch but it's a whole lot for an A-11 IMO.
There were a few who knew what it was. Thanks for posting that, Tim.

I agree that it's a lot for an A-11, but I guess not all A-11s are created equal. The Weems configuration made all the difference here.

 

[Happy Hooligan]

just heard from home my watch finally made it back... I'll post some pics when I get home of it all fixed up!

 

[dmar836]

Can't wait to see it Hooligan!

A Longines or Wittnauer or any other than the big three is pretty rare. Now one marked on the movement U.S. Army AC? I'm sure it is quite rare. This may have been a submission for a contract that was never awarded - like Hamiltons. All said, I really don't care for the appearance. I much prefer the simple black dial A-11 look we are used to.
JMO,
Dave

 

[Happy Hooligan]

well here she is... All cleaned and oiled... plus a NOS dial, two replacement hands and a new crystal.

Still with the original band. It's pretty dingy after all these years. Know any new ones being made?

oh and the before...

 

[dmar836]

Looks great! If we can ask, what did that kind of work cost you? How long was the turn around? Great stuff!
BTW, NOS bands 16mm(5/8") are still available in nylon and cotton. I have a two-piece NOS on one of mine but would never wear it. Pins fail or dislodge in a most unexpected way. A one-piece would at least keep it from falling.
I think that band looks fine as is. It's hard to match patina. If it really bothers you, you could remove it and gently clean it in the sink with an old toothbrush and some Dawn.

JMO,
Dave

 

[Clark J]

+1 on the 1 pieced band!!!!!!

 

[Happy Hooligan]

I've been sporting it all week now but had to send it back today because I think the crystal is a tad bit wiggly. Scott said it was not common, but does happen due to non mil spec replacement crystals.

I'd like to find another one piece band as it's really comfortable to wear. Being small like that, I actually forget I'm wearing a watch....

 

[Andrew]

Contact Ed Fasanella at The Watchdoc. He's easy to work with. I've bought 3 16mm nos one pieces from him.
[email protected]

http://www.watchdoc.com/

 

[Dr H]

Just picked up a 40s 'Ocle' wristwatch for the princely sum of £8. I need a reliable and reasonably priced specialist on this side of the pond - does anybody have any suggestions please?

 

[Happy Hooligan]

watch back safe and sound. new smiggin' larger crystal. Seems nice and tight now.

 

[Happy Hooligan]

I've noticed my watch doesn't seem to go a full 24 hours on a wind... maybe I'm being too gentle in winding it.

Does anyone know on these watches how much (turns) I should wind them?

 

[deeb7]

Does anyone know on these watches how much (turns) I should wind them?

Wind it gently until it comes to a stop, you will feel the resistance, and it won't wind any further ... usually about eight turns.

 

[Happy Hooligan]

Does anyone know on these watches how much (turns) I should wind them?

Wind it gently until it comes to a stop, you will feel the resistance, and it won't wind any further ... usually about eight turns.

thanks I did that and I didn't mess it up... I never took it that far before. I'll see how long it lasts..

 

[dmar836]

Technically, a watch cannot be overwound. That "overwound" statement is a real issue in watch circles. To do any damage by "overwinding" you would really have to crank on the crown to break that mainspring or arbor. That might even take pliers! Whatever, it would have to be quite intentional.
Even if you did wind it until it stops and the watch wouldn't run, you can just let it down by releasing the click and holding the crown as it unwinds through your fingers.
How's it keeping time when it's running?
Dave

 

[Happy Hooligan]

I've been wearing mine for a few weeks now and have to say it's my favorite watch. So light weight, I forget it's on. Keeps incredible accurate time (I'm like that) I do miss a date window though...

Highly recommend these for daily use.

 

[dmar836]

You do have the one piece band right? I had a heavy Seiko fall off twice without me noticing a few weeks ago - once at works after my arms had been folded and once in an airplane. Hasn't done so since I installed a G10 band. The pressure points of the pins are different with the one piece band as the band takes pull and the watch case is not a "stressed member."
Glad it's working out for you.
Keep us informed,
Dave

 

[Stony]

Technically, a watch cannot be overwound. That "overwound" statement is a real issue in watch circles. To do any damage by "overwinding" you would really have to crank on the crown to break that mainspring or arbor. That might even take pliers! Whatever, it would have to be quite intentional.
Even if you did wind it until it stops and the watch wouldn't run, you can just let it down by releasing the click and holding the crown as it unwinds through your fingers.

So my question is that my 42' Bulova is locked down (won't wind or unwind). Why is that and what can be done to fix it?

 

[watchmanjimg]

Technically, a watch cannot be overwound. That "overwound" statement is a real issue in watch circles. To do any damage by "overwinding" you would really have to crank on the crown to break that mainspring or arbor. That might even take pliers! Whatever, it would have to be quite intentional.
Even if you did wind it until it stops and the watch wouldn't run, you can just let it down by releasing the click and holding the crown as it unwinds through your fingers.

So my question is that my 42' Bulova is locked down (won't wind or unwind). Why is that and what can be done to fix it?

Maybe the notion of "overwinding" is a myth, but most of us are not in a position to release the click ourselves. Even if you could, there's no telling if that's all that's wrong with your watch. Take it to a qualified watchmaker and let them take care of it.

 

[dmar836]

Stony, I would agree with Jim 100%. Staying fully wound is a symptom - not a cause. I let them all mine down before messing with them(saves flying parts!) and they still won't run any better. Barring a broken balance shaft or toasted jewels, it is most likely just gummed up and needing a cleaning - but who can reliably diagnose online? I would get a quote from a watchmaker and let us know what they say.
I suspect that the extra cleaning cost is why so many are for sale in the $250+ range. I see them(Elgins anyway) in the $130-160 range "recently serviced" so that wouldn't be a bad buy if they were cleaned thoroughly. Buying one for $75-100 not running is very risky unless you plan to learn to work on them yourself. And it is time consuming for sure.
Be sure the watchmaker isn't just cleaning/lubing the balance as that can often get them working but for a short while and with inconsistent accuracy - thus Jim's use of the word "qualified."
Good luck!
Dave