Swiss Emperor (AS1802/03)

I have discussed the Swiss Emperor brand before here, albeit only briefly as there seems to be scant information to be found on the brand, and also the AS1802 movement here. This post brings the two together with an AS1803 (which is an 1802 with a date complication) in a nice little 1960’s dress watch.

This poor little fellow has been fitted with a rather unbecoming (very) high dome crystal which is rather scuffed up. It doesn’t run well at all, the crown has virtually no resistance when setting the hands, and the date seems to be jammed on 17, so without further ado the revival begins….

Poljot De Luxe Automatic (Poljot 2415 Orbita)

Russian watches haven’t always enjoyed the best of reputations in the west over the years. They tended to be considered a rather poor relation to the offerings coming out of Switzerland; a belief encouraged by the fact that they were sold at bargain basement prices. However, they produced some excellent, even ground breaking watches which have gradually gained quite a following.

Smiths Astral Quartz (ESA 9183)

Something a bit different this time; this 1970’s Smiths Astral quartz was a rather nice little car boot sale find that I picked up for just £1 from a rummage box. Not working but full of promise I just couldn’t resist.