Info Required Please

[FLEXUS]

Alright guys

I know its not a rolex so i pictured it with my current rolex collection.

I was hoping some of you watch enthusiast would have some info on the accurist watch in the pictures.

The accurist watch in the pictures used to belong to my late grandfather (R.I.P)and was passed down to me.

Its an automatic and runs well with a few winds.I think it might be gold plated and my mum thinks it was possibly from the 1950,s although she is not sure.
It is 21 jewels,anti magnetic and swiss made.
On the back it is stamped stainless steel and 228.
on the clasp is stamped "plaque or lamine Pat:434845.

does anybody have any information ie when it was made,is it collectible etc.
any info would be appreciated. karl

[JGX]

Don't know anything about it but what a lovely face it's got.

[DennisJ]

It's a UK brand...
http://www.accurist.co.uk

[MonBK]

Confusing, the dial says Swiss made and their website states "made from Swiss components"?

[datejusting]

Very classy dress watch; wear it with pride.

[drifter01]

Here is a blurb from Wikipedia:

Establishment[edit]
In 1947, Asher Loftus and his wife, Rebecca, founded Accurist Watches, in Clerkenwell, London. They felt that there was a gap in the UK watch market, for a brand that combined Swiss made quality parts, with a distinctive style and competitive prices, and at the same time providing longer guarantees. To achieve that, in 1968 they opened a Swiss office in La Chaux de Fonds, in order to manage the manufacturing more closely.[1][2][3][4]
Innovation and Old England[edit]
Accurist Watches was one of the first manufacturers that introduced fashion into the watch industry. In 1967, Asher’s Loftus brother, Richard, launched the Old England collection, which were soon worn by celebrities such as Twiggy, The Beatles and The Princess Anne. In keeping with the fashions of the time, this collection was far from traditional as it was characterised by oversized numerals, bright colours and contemporary designs.[1][2][3][4][5]
Digital Quartz Technology[edit]


An example of two Accurist watches
In early 1970s, after the invention of digital quartz technology, Accurist Watches introduced a collection using the digital quartz movement. This range was so cutting-edge at that period that became the official watch for the pilots of the newly launched Concorde aircraft [1][2] .[3][4][5][5]
Growth[edit]
In 1983, the company decided to move its manufacturing from Switzerland to Japan, in order to take advantage of their cutting edge technology which was booming at that time. It proved to be a strategic move, as after that Accurist Watches enjoyed a 500% increase in their UK business.[1][2][4]
By 1993, Accurist Watches had become the largest brand in the UK in value terms and started expanding into international markets.[5]
Accu.2 Collection[edit]
Just before the new millennium, in 1999, Accurist Watches launched their Accu.2 Collection, targeting mainly younger consumers. Strongly advertised by the "No ordinary old timer" campaign, the collection became soon one of the most successful ranges of the company, stocked in more than 1500 shops and retail outlets across the UK.[2][4]
Distribution of other brands[edit]
Accurist Watches is responsible for the UK distribution of various brands. Since 2007, the company is the official UK distributor for Versace Watches [4][6]


So, an old one like yours IS a true Swiss watch.

Dave

[DennisJ]

Originally Posted by MonBK

Confusing, the dial says Swiss made and their website states "made from Swiss components"?

If you check the "About us" on their webpage they do mention that they opened a Swiss office at a point in time, maybe to enable the Swiss Made label...

[MonBK]

So in other words not a UK brand.

[FLEXUS]

Originally Posted by DennisJ

It's a UK brand...
http://www.accurist.co.uk

Hi guys thanks for the speedy reply,s.

i,ve just been having a read up on the above website.

I think i,ll drop the service center an e mail and send them a picture and see if they get back with any info.

i,ll enquire about a possible service.

cheers Karl

[DennisJ]

Originally Posted by MonBK

So in other words not a UK brand.

According to above post, they where a UK brand from start (1947) until they opened a Swiss office in 1968. However, their current collection does not bear Swiss Made, so at some point they probably went back being UKish again.

So to respond to your quote, Yes and No

[kilyung]

I can't add much about the watch but its styling is very similar to the GO Senator Sixties which is itself based on 60s styling.

[joe100]

Nsa made bracelets for all kinds of brands. Frankly, they were great quality. Even Zenith used them

[wstcstcmtr]

Originally Posted by FLEXUS

Hi guys thanks for the speedy reply,s.

i,ve just been having a read up on the above website.

I think i,ll drop the service center an e mail and send them a picture and see if they get back with any info.

i,ll enquire about a possible service.

cheers Karl

Sometimes my apostrophes go flat also... try filing them with helium (hydrogen can be quite flammable.)

[FLEXUS]

Originally Posted by FLEXUS

Hi guys thanks for the speedy reply,s.

i,ve just been having a read up on the above website.

I think i,ll drop the service center an e mail and send them a picture and see if they get back with any info.

i,ll enquire about a possible service.

cheers Karl

Hi guys

I,ve just received the following e mail from accurist regarding my late grandfathers watch.

Dear Karl

I have spoken to our directors, who are son's of Mr Asher Loftus who founded Accurist in 1946 and they have advised that the watch case and bracelet would be gold plated and the watch is probably dated around late 1950s to early 1960s.

Regrettably we would no longer hold spare parts and would not be able to repair it for you in our service centre. However it is quite possible that specialist who deals with mechanical watches would be able to repair it for you and you maybe able to find one through the British Horological Institute. www.bhi.co.uk

I am sorry we cannot be of more help.

Kind regards,


B Ritacca
PA to Chairman

[Israguard]

This really is unfortunate. Now correct me if I'm wrong.. But after 40-50 years we would get the same reply from Rolex ?. Isn't it only PP who will fix for life..

[Psmith]

Nice piece - perhaps one of the experts on the Rolex WatchTech forum may be able to suggest a repair/restoration?