Expert: Melvin Mills - 12/17/2007

Question
I found a watch a few years ago, well, not a full watch but just the circle part of it.Pretty much the heart of the watch.It had no band on it or anything.I have looked on the back and everything and it says something about "Japan Movement" and "Cousteau Society" with an engraved type picture of "Calypso".It seems to be a divers watch with a chronograph,little circle with an enhanced minutes thing and an hour circle on the front, along with the time.The front also has "Cousteau Explorations" like it's the maker.It's probably at least a pound or so heavy.I have looked online and cannot for the life of me find this, or really anything in the line of watches.Can you tell me anything?I can take a picture of it.

Thank you,
Kevin

Answer
Kevin,

I would love to see a picture of it.  If you get the chance, please send it to millswatchrepair@gmail.com.

Jaques Cousteau is the famous oceanographer.  Calypso was his boat.  
It seems like this is a watch made specially for his Cousteau Society.  It probably has a Citizen or Seiko movement.  

When  a company has a watch made by a manufacture but the company's name is put on it, it is called private labeling.  It is very common for jewelry stores to do it but anyone with the money can have it done.
Tiffany's and Co. does this.  They have special Patek Philippe and Rolex watches (among others) with the Tiffany name on them.  Tiffany does not make them. That is private labeling.

Kind regards,

Melvin