Expert: Melvin Mills - 11/4/2009

Question
Hello,
When my mother passed away I received a box of watches she had. I went through and selected a few to have tuned up. One watch is a Tavannes and the jeweler stated it was a self-wind. I would like to know more about this watch as I am having a hard time finding a local appraiser and don't really want to mail it away just to get some information. The serial # in the case is 143078 and the case states 14k gold. The movement is 17 jewels. I have tried to look this up on-line and have checked out several books from the library but I can't really tell anything else (other than now that it's been cleaned it keeps great time!). Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Answer
The Tavannes Watch Co (started by Henri Sandoz in 1891) trademarked the Admiral name in 1896 and continued too use the Admiral name through at least 1956.

In 1904,Henri Sandoz received two Swiss patents and one US patent for a winding and setting mechanism with few parts.

As you can attest, the watch is a decent watch.  It will keep good time and last indefinitely with proper care.

Kind regards,

Melvin