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caseback number and letter

Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2017 11:21 pm
by trimobile
Apologies in advance if this has come up already. What is the significance of the number and the letter that is on the caseback?

I've noticed this mainly on vintage 1940s 469s/478s. Most of the time there is no letter, but if a letter I've seen "B" and "L" most often. Any help appreciated thank you much.

Re: caseback number and letter

Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2017 9:28 am
by zafbasha
The Letter indicates what type of case material it is , if it is not stainless all stainless steel. For example a "B" typically indicates the top of the watch is chrome plated and a "A" indicates the watch is 18k gold.

Re: caseback number and letter

Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2017 3:02 pm
by trimobile
much thanks. I have not found anything on the "L" - nickel maybe?

Re: caseback number and letter

Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 11:24 am
by zafbasha
Not sure. Do you have a photo?

Re: caseback number and letter

Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 8:15 pm
by trimobile
Here you go! it's on p478.

Re: caseback number and letter

Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 1:40 pm
by zafbasha
Any chance of the inside markings?

Re: caseback number and letter

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2017 9:24 am
by trimobile
Here's the reverse side

Re: caseback number and letter

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2017 10:33 am
by zafbasha
So what do you think the top is made of? That "L" looks pretty faint. I'm not sure what it means.

On plated tops, the back usually says "Fond Acier Inoxydable" i.e. stainless steel BACK.

Re: caseback number and letter

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2017 6:50 pm
by trimobile
There is no pitting and the lugs are sharp. I think the case is SS.

The L is rare and a bit of a mystery. I have trouble understanding why someone would mark it L. It does seem somewhat faint but I think that's due to the way I took the picture and some of the examples I have that have B are fainter and more smudged from polishing.