About the West End Watch Co.
The West End Watch Co Bombay-Calcutta was founded in 1886 by Arnold Amstutz and Constant Droz. The name is inspired by The West End district of London, however the company’s primary focus was the distribution of their watches overseas to the Indian and Middle Eastern markets. The brand has an impressive history spanning 120 years, producing the first waterproof pocket watch in 1886, and providing British and Indian armed forces with West End Watch Co watches during the First World War. The company still exists and produces watches to this day.
The British India Civil Service
The British India Civil Service from 1939 to 1947 often described as the “steel frame” of British governance, comprised a small, elite cadre of British and Indian officers who managed key administrative functions, including revenue collection, law enforcement, and policy implementation across the vast subcontinent. By 1947, as India approached independence, the ICS was dismantled, with its functions transitioning to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Pakistan Administrative Service.
Overview
Case and Strap
- Original pocket watch-esque nickel case
- Large winding crown
- Mineral crystal
- 22mm black leather bund strap
Dimensions:
- Width w/o crown: 31.8mm
- Width w/ crown: 34.7mm
- Full height: 31.8mm
- Thickness: 12.2mm
- Strap width: 22mm
Dial and Hands
- Original enamel dial in great condition
- Blued steel hands
- Subdial seconds @12
- Printed West End Watch co. logo
Movement
- FHF 15 jewels
Testing Results
- Testing duration: 1 week cyclic test.
- Average timekeeping range: 25-50sec/day.
Servicing and Guarantee
- Fully serviced.
- Mechanics in full working order.
- 12-month guarantee.
- Guarantee Terms and Conditions.
Links and Resources:
Official Website Brand History.
