Any history behind this?

Treppen

Tried to do a bit of internet searching but couldn't find one similar.

Any idea of year of manufacture or any other details?

Ian OB

This might be of use/interest

https://monochrome-watches.com/the-vintage-corner-history-of-wakmann-watch-company-american-brand/

Treppen

Any idea of how to date the one above?

Lorddrakul

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122083851#Comment_122083851

Judging by the back, if it is original, I'd say early to mid 70s.

From the 60s, tool watches that had some water resistance were generally described as waterproof, but leglisation meant that this was phased out by about 1970, so the early looking ones that say water resistant generally date from the early 70s.

Wakmann aren't quite as simple as re-badged Breitlings, but they are good quality Swiss parts watches that are not quite up there with the named brands, but do use quality materials and movements. That said, a 17 jewel auto like this, without a fairly understated dial is not going to be worth that much. Maybe €150 in fully working, serviced condition.

It probably has an ETA movement. Would be worth popping the back off to see what's there.

Treppen

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122084518#Comment_122084518

Cheers, that's great info. the sentimental value would be worth more than the retail value today id say.

I reckon it's due a service after a few decades though. Surprisingly after picking it up and wearing it around it it keeps relatively good time!

What's there method to opening the back... I'll throw up a photo if I can crack it open.

Superficially it's a bit 'tired' could that be restored?

Lorddrakul

Most welcome.

You'll need a case back opener, something like this:

The different gauge pins fit into the three moveable sockets in the main body. They can be adjusted in pitch between the pins to match the indentations you see on the outer edge of the case back.

The trick to protect the back from slipping and scratching is to get one of those small ziplock type bags and place it over the back and then place the opener down on it and let the pins engage. Turn it gently anticlockwise to unscrew.

They are quite inexpensive on line, about €10-15 should get you one, or maybe a tad more locally. Have a look on Adverts, there are always ones going there. There are also two-legged version of the above tool available too, which some swear by. Personally, I prefer the balancing of the three to spread the load.

Just be careful and don't let anything fall into the case when the back is opened. Be gentle when refitting too, as there will be a rubber gasket that will have seen better days underneath. Don't refit it as tight as it was, as ideally, you would lubricate the gasket with silicon grease before sealing up. But if you intend getting it serviced anyway, a good watch person will do this for you.

Treppen

Voila !

Remembered I got a cheap Ali express kit with the twisty thing. Cheap in every sense..

Opened ok, but definitely ain't no rubber gasket I can see 🤔 maybe it was made before the invention of rubber gaskets lol.

Lorddrakul

That's interesting!

That's a US domestic movement, as far as I can tell. A relic of US import laws and tariffs.

Treppen

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122099152#Comment_122099152

Interesting alright, the owner wouldn't have travelled much outside their home county, might have bought it up the north though in Enniskillen back in the day.