Regloscope type W930A watch timer
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1970-1989
The Regloscope type W930A, identified by serial number 358, is a watch timer manufactured by British Watch Timers Ltd. in England. Estimated to date from between 1970 and 1989, this instrument is designed for monitoring the accuracy of timepieces to determine if they are running fast or slow.
The device is constructed as a bench-top unit featuring a cathode ray tube display, which allows for the visual observation of a watch's timing characteristics. The system is equipped with a standalone watch stand that incorporates a microphone for sound pick-up, connecting to the main console via a wired lead. Controls on the front panel allow for adjustments such as speaker volume and selecting specific beat rates (train) including settings for 12000, 14400, 18000, 19800, 17280, and 21600.
The exterior is finished in a two-tone industrial grey and brown housing.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- 1970-1989
- Type
- Watch timer
- Maker
- British Watch Timers Ltd.
- Model
- Regloscope type W930A
- Serial number
- 358
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Primary function
- Watch timing instrument
- Maker / attribution
- British Watch Timers Ltd.
- Place of manufacture
- England
Design
- Visible features
- • Front panel displays markings for train beat rates of 12000, 14400, 18000, 19800, 17280, and 21600 • Cathode ray tube screen located on the left side of the front panel • Microphone stand connects to the main unit via a plug-in cable • Control knobs include separate settings for speaker, train selection, and microphone sensitivity
- Construction and Design
- The Regloscope type W930A is housed in a rectangular, industrial-style casing finished in grey with brown trim. The front interface is dedicated to the operation of the timing system, featuring a cathode ray tube (CRT) display on the left side, which functions as the visual output for the watch timing process. To the right, a large circular dial allows for granular adjustments, while smaller knobs facilitate control over the speaker, train settings, and signal input. The unit includes a separate microphone stand, designed to hold a watch while it is being tested. This component features a small, circular platform with a microphone integrated to capture the mechanical oscillations of the timepiece. It remains tethered to the main console through a wire lead, which plugs into the front panel. The overall construction is intended for use on a workbench within a horological repair setting.
- Identification and Documentation
- The device is explicitly identified by its model name, 'Regloscope type W930A', printed on the front panel alongside the maker's name, 'British Watch Timers Ltd., England'. The unit is individually catalogued with the serial number 358, which is recorded in the manufacturer's identification text on the unit's front face. The museum accession number associated with this specific instrument is 2000-1099. No further details regarding the history of the object or its prior ownership are documented in the current records provided.
- Technical Capabilities and Controls
- This device is engineered to analyze the timing performance of mechanical watches by measuring their oscillation rates. Users can select these rates using the 'TRAIN' control knob, allowing the device to synchronize its display with the watch under test. These controls enable the operator to monitor the sound of the watch movement audibly, assisting in the diagnosis of irregularities in the escapement or gear train while simultaneously observing the waveform or timing deviation represented on the CRT screen.
Identification
- Reference
- Type W930A
- Serial number
- 358
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Date range of 1970-1989 is an estimate provided by the source
- Research required: Functional status of the internal cathode ray tube electronics is not specified