Jump to content

Checking my Marvin Hermetic

WillFly

By WillFly
in Your Watch Collection

 Share

Recommended Posts

WillFly Distinguished Member

WillFly

Posted
Posted

I like to pick out a watch from my collection from time to time and give it a check and run to make sure it's working OK. I was wearing a particularly tight (round the wrist) shirt and sweater the other day, which make checking my watch difficult, so remembered I had a nice 1950s Marvin Hermetic on a Bonklip strap. The Bonklip was designed to be worn outside a shirt or jacket in cold conditions where it had to be referenced easily without constantly pushing up clothing - hence its popularity in aviation.

Anyway, I checked out the movement - the regulator is bang in the middle - and have been wearing it for several days now. Perfect time running; a little stiffness when changing the time indicates a clean and lube is probably in order at some stage.

Marvin 520 face.JPG

Marvin 520 movement.JPG

Marvin Bonklip.jpg

  • Like 6
Alaskamick WRT Addict

Alaskamick

Posted
Posted

A good looking watch !

I like the easy to read face.

I once had an Omega Speedmaster but could never see the small dials without putting on reading glasses. Eventually sold it and vowed never to have any timepiece which could not be easily read with 71 year old eyes !!!!!

WillFly Distinguished Member

WillFly

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I know what you mean (I'm 73 this year). I've seen some incredibly expensive, amazingly designed watches with innumerable complications - that did everything but display the actual time efficiently!

That's why, for example, I would never buy some skeleton watches - the background of the movement distracts from the time display.

The Marvin is on the small side, compared with today's gas meter dials - around 32mm - but I don't mind dial size as long as the watch is comfortable and elegant.

  • Like 1
WillFly Distinguished Member

WillFly

Posted
  • Author
Posted

The dial doesn't glow in the dark and there's no burnout on the dial or glass, so I suspect it's not lumed. But good advice all the same.

anilv Distinguished Member

anilv

Posted
Posted

Marvin watches are very underated and as a result they are good value, an inhouse movement if I'm not mistaken.

Only thing is most of them come in Gold-plated cases which wear terribly. Willfly, yours is one of the few stainless steel and its in beautiful condition!

Anilv

  • Like 1
WillFly Distinguished Member

WillFly

Posted
  • Author
Posted

All Marvin movements, as far as I know, were in-house, as you say. The one in my original post is a 520 movement. I also have a 510 which is good, bit not quite as smart as the 520, as  you can see below.

Marvin 510 movement.JPG

Marvin 510 face.JPG

  • Like 1
Gary Super WRT Addict

Gary

Posted
Posted

I love the Marvin's and the wind like no other watch that I have owned. One that is close is an old 20's Imperial winds almost as smoothly.

fantastic piece I have one that I love wearing and needs servicing.

  • Like 1

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • tomh207
      Gift ideas for someone that likes watches

      By tomh207 · Posted

      Books, or some sort of voucher to a material house if they do them. You can never read and learn enough and if you find a material house that could do a gift card then the person could pick things they really need.   Tom
    • tomh207
      Hello from Essex

      By tomh207 · Posted

      I don’t know what a pivot locating tool is? I am not a clock guy though but everything else you mentioned cousinsuk should be able to supply without issue. you might get more results if posting in the clock section of the forum.   Tom
    • jao
      Gift ideas for someone that likes watches

      By jao · Posted

      I came up with a topic that might be helpful for partners, friends, or family members of watch enthusiasts: gift ideas for people who are passionate about watches. Of course, more watches are always appreciated, but what are some other gift options related to this hobby or collection? What related gifts would you love to receive?
    • Plumbs
      Hello from Essex

      By Plumbs · Posted

      Thanks to everyone for the welcome.  Can I ask for some advice?  I have a French Drum clock which I am hoping to dismantle, clean and mend a bit for a friend (it is a long time since I did this, but I would like to restart). I used to go to M & P for supplies but it seems they are out of action at the moment.  Is Cousins a good place for supplies?  I think I will need: 1. Some small watchmaker type screwdrivers 2. Cleaning fluid to put in a bath and agitate the parts in (I don't have an ultrasonic bath and was not proposing to get one) 3. Clock oil 4. Some thin nosed pliers for removing pins 5. A basic magnifying eyeglass 6. A pivot locating tool 7. An assembly support for the movement 8. Some assorted pins .. but probably nothing more than that for the moment.  I don't think I will need to rebush any holes although I do have the tools for this.  The hour wheel is broken but I hope I have sourced a replacement. Final queries:  a. the wooden case has split a bit.  To glue it together, would standard strong PVA glue e.g. Evostik interior wood glue be OK?  b. to polish the exterior brasswork of the face and rear, is Duraglit OK, and should they be lacquered after polishing?  I am not proposing to polish and lacquer the movement itself, unless that is vital, but only to clean it in the cleaning fluid. Thanks in advance and I hope this is clear.  
    • Bonefixer
      Breitling Navitimer 806

      By Bonefixer · Posted

      Thanks Mark. I think I’ll leave the beat error for now - it’s a fixed stud so I’d have to adjust the collet position.    The watch has bigger problems. On reassembly I’ve found that the hour counter reset hammer is broken - I didn’t do it, the main hammer part was just not there. Can’t easily identify a replacement part. And the subdial hands. The running seconds hand needs an extended pivot tube as the pivot is below dial level. Can’t find one of them either. I’ve found a central seconds hand that might fit it - going to have a go at cutting, filing and polishing it to make it work. 
×
×
  • Create New...