I was once a passionate collector, and have retained some knowledge.
If you need further advice, PM me.
- They all appear genuine and are good quality entry level swiss mechanical watches.
- They all appear to be in very good condition. I wouldn't worry about the slight discoloration of the dial on the Olma, as such patina is often valued by collectors.
- All three watches are hand wound (i.e. they do not have a rotor that winds the mainspring automatically, powered by wrist movement). The power reserve is likely to be 24-36 hours; i.e. you'll need to wind pretty much every day.
- I would suggest that the Olma is the best made of the three.
- By the styling, jewel count and branding, I would date these watches in the mid 1960's, maybe early 1970's.
- The term 'Incabloc' refers to a patented shock-proof mechanism which was relatively new at the time and hence was printed on the dial as a desirable feature.
- The case shape of the Montine is characteristic of the fashionable watches of the time period mentioned above.
- The 'T' markings on the dial of the Montine designate the use of Tritrium paint for the indices. Tritrium is slightly radioactive, and this provides luminescence, such that the indices glow in the dark. Rolexes of this era also used Tritrium paint, but I should point out that these watches are entry level; their individual value would be maybe 5% of a Rolex from the same period.
- If you can get a jeweller to remove the caseback, there will likely be hallmarks on the inside of the case that will indicate the metal composition of the case. From my observations, I would suggest that the Olma is either stainless steel or possibly nickel-plated; the Montine is gold-filled (similar to gold plated, but a slightly thicker coating), and the Corvette is gold-plated or possibly gold-filled.
Thanks for the post, I'm currently wearing the montine and looking at getting it serviced soon. The good news is, they all still work!I was once a passionate collector, and have retained some knowledge.
If you need further advice, PM me.
- They all appear genuine and are good quality entry level swiss mechanical watches.
- They all appear to be in very good condition. I wouldn't worry about the slight discoloration of the dial on the Olma, as such patina is often valued by collectors.
- All three watches are hand wound (i.e. they do not have a rotor that winds the mainspring automatically, powered by wrist movement). The power reserve is likely to be 24-36 hours; i.e. you'll need to wind pretty much every day.
- I would suggest that the Olma is the best made of the three.
- By the styling, jewel count and branding, I would date these watches in the mid 1960's, maybe early 1970's.
- The term 'Incabloc' refers to a patented shock-proof mechanism which was relatively new at the time and hence was printed on the dial as a desirable feature.
- The case shape of the Montine is characteristic of the fashionable watches of the time period mentioned above.
- The 'T' markings on the dial of the Montine designate the use of Tritrium paint for the indices. Tritrium is slightly radioactive, and this provides luminescence, such that the indices glow in the dark. Rolexes of this era also used Tritrium paint, but I should point out that these watches are entry level; their individual value would be maybe 5% of a Rolex from the same period.
- If you can get a jeweller to remove the caseback, there will likely be hallmarks on the inside of the case that will indicate the metal composition of the case. From my observations, I would suggest that the Olma is either stainless steel or possibly nickel-plated; the Montine is gold-filled (similar to gold plated, but a slightly thicker coating), and the Corvette is gold-plated or possibly gold-filled.
To service it? That seems really high. Sounds more like a complete overhaul, whatever that really means. I doubt that the watch is worth it, unless worth it to you in sentimental value, which is always legit!I had a quote for the montine...£250!
Swatch Group tends to mark around this price point for the lines they'll do a complete service on. Some higher, some lower.To service it? That seems really high. Sounds more like a complete overhaul, whatever that really means. I doubt that the watch is worth it, unless worth it to you in sentimental value, which is always legit!