Saving a rare movement - from find to full restoration - Project LMS

THIS POST DEDICATED TO MY FRIEND AND FELLOW IWC COLLECTOR
- GIOVANNI AMBROGIO -

• Giovanni absolutely enjoyed the restoration projects and stories behind them, and was himself beginning under the watchful eye of Thomas König to take a serious liking to the history of IWC and it's heritage.

Gio - this one for you my friend!

Some time back, I came across this bare movement up for sale in the UK, which intrigued me for a number of reasons.

As you can see, it was not branded IWC on the dial, but instead carried the letters L-M-S

Dial Side

However, when studying the movement side, it certainly looked to me to be very similar to a Cal.24 key wind/key set movement to me.

Movement Side

However, when comparing to some known watches with this calibre, there appeared to be a "ring" around the main plate - and this was something I had not seen before. As can also be seen in this photo, someone had also rather crudely filed away a chamfer on two sides in this ring - probably in some previous attempt to fit it into a case.

All in all it did not look in too good a shape - but still, I was convinced it was an IWC movement, and probably worth saving. So I secured it.

Once arrived, I rushed it into the watchmakers atelier - "can it be saved".

Now of course, Mr. Jeroen Blonk is IWC certified - so if he says no, it no!

I begged and I pleaded - "Please maestro save this movement!"

He hummed and he hah'd - "the balance seems good"....

"OK" I said "Lets do It" - Project LMS was born.

So we stripped her down

The same serial number 79043 that was engraved on the rear, was also stamped on the dial side.

We then took a good look at that outer ring. To both myself and the watchmaker it was apparent that it was original - meaning, that the working and fit of it was such, that we were both convinced it could only have been manufactured and fitted at the manufacture.

Note the fixing pins

So whilst my watchmaker, an IWC trained and certified craftsman continued to work on restoring the movement, I went in search of a correct period case. The other single Cal.24 I had in my collection at the time, had a UK hallmarked Sterling Silver case, so it was off to the UK I went, to locate a suitable case.

Now these key wind/key set cases are indeed immaculate if not complex pieces of engineering as both the front and the back need to hinge open. The front to set the time [which is done by using the winding key placed over the hands pinion (which has a 1.4mm square shaft)and advancing the hands until the desired time is reached].

I found a number of cases - but they were all the same size as the case on my existing watch - and this movement with it's outer ring was larger, at 19' ligne. Someone suggested to simply discard the ring and to mount it in the same size, smaller cases. However, I was adamant - this ring needed to be there as it was original. So my search continued and finally this case was located.

Once my watchmaker confirmed that he believed the movement would fit this newer larger case, the bare striped down main plate, and now lose outer ring were sent BACK TO THE UK to my case-maker. We also removed from the intact and complete Cal. 24 watch, the tiny little brass tube that serves as a key guide for the winding key so that Mr. Adam Phillips, who is a master of fine engineering, would have an example to work off - as this movement was missing the key guide.

Mr. Phillips then engineered three main fixes/components.

• The outer brass ring was re-made from scratch to the exact same dimensions and fitted to the case hinge
• He fabricated from scratch the missing key guide (as per the original example we sent)
• He silver soldered and closed the key hole in the back inner cover of the case, and remade the hole in the correct location to be able to wind the Cal.24.
  
  Key Guide and Re-Located Winding Hole

The case, bare plate (now fitted with the new key guide)were returned to the Netherlands, and Jeroen painstakingly and professionally finished the restoration.

I collected the watch today, and am overjoyed with the results.

As can be seen, I decided to clean the dial - but left the hand painted letters LMS in place on the otherwise pristine enamel dial. This to clearly distinguish the watch from the (now) other 2 similar watches in my colection.

The movement has a new lease of life, and the watch runs like (sic) clockwork!

The re-located Key Winding Hole, with the new Key Guide visible

And then a rear case view

This watch now joins it's fellow period watches in a side by side mode, and is where it belongs - to be able to proudly show the time for the next 140 plus years...

So now that you've read this small saga of a restoration - you must be asking, why go to all that trouble when you already have two of these pieces in your collection, it's just a humble little Cal.24 !!!

Well is it?

So now you need to wait for PART II of this story Ladies and Gents. The story behind the story... to follow. Watch this space!

Interesting story.

(At least I know now, where went this movement I also tried to get, remained)

Good luck to find a case.

regards

Ralph

More than fascinating. It's a remarkable story from a true friend of discarded PW's in need of a new home and life. Congratulations. Can't wait to see Part II.

Wonderful story Mark, I love it and congratulations on a terrific save. I eagerly anticipate part II!

Great story Mark!!

Mark eager to find out how the plot evolves my friend.

That's an amazing story! Passion has most definitely guided you to go beyond the call of duty. You have a beautiful piece of history!

Fantastic story, and for me, an educational piece on pocket watch restoration. I am very happy for you my friend, and I am touched by your decision to dedicate this to Giovanni.
Looking forward to part II for sure.

Well done Mark. Your tenacity is remarkable. Most, not all, of your transgressions are now forgiven. :-)

Very interesting Mark, thanks for giving us the details and the pictures.
For those that are not from the UK and the age of steam, LMS was the London Midland and Scottish railways company.

Good for you! And thanks for the photo-essay.

I love stories like this...

Cheers

Hi Mark,

Congratulations on a great restoration.
Re the ring, we do know from the IWC sales records that a number of movements were listed as 19 ligne and we suspect that many of these were 18 ligne movements housed in oversize cases. So your watch may confirm that IWC did indeed manufacture rings to fit the 18 ligne movements and then house them in 19 ligne cases.

Alan

I love restoration stories. Very well done, Mark. The watch is a beauty.

Fantastic search and result- I also look forward to hearing part 2. Giovanni would be quite interested also, so this is a fine tribute.

Nelson

Hi Mark, what a great story my friend and it reads like a novel ;-)

Can't wait for 'part 2' but this already does more than justice in remembrance of Giovanni!

Thanks again, groeten,

Bob

Looking forward to part 2. A fascinating story.

Great story Mark!

Looking forward to the part II.

Regards
JK