FE 163
Description
In 1965, the most important french ebauche producers formed the so-called France Ebauches, which was especially in the 1970s and 1980s very much present in the lower price range on the german market.
with M.T.Antichoc protection
From this time, probably from the late 1970s, originates the ladies' watch form movement FE 163, which because of its larger size of 6 3/4 x 8 lignes was a direct competitor of the FHF/Standard 69-21.
base plate
The base plate shows, how well the movement was made, all important gears, including the minute wheel, are ruby-beared. This ruby bears allows the well-marketable number of 17 jewels without the use of cap jewels.
gear train
The gear train construction is typical for a form movement of that size.
The mainspring barrel drives the center minute wheel, followed by third- and seconds wheel, and finally the escape wheel.
Since there’s few space available, the bearings of third- and seconds wheel are above the escape wheel, effectively a 1 1/2 storey construction.
side view of the gear train
The three-leg anular balance is beared in a pair of french shock protections of different kinds (known are at least M.T.Antichoc and Antichoc 108) and works with 21600 A/h.
The regulation is done directly at the hairspring key, but the result is phenomenal - one the the speciment shown here is within the chronometer spec in all positions!
ratchet
The two-part ratchet consists of the locking cone and a spring and is located below the ratchet wheel. The pin of the ratchet is only punched out, not a very beautiful solution, but functionally sufficient.
FE 163: Dial side
On the dial side, you see the yoke winding system and the escape wheel, which is freely accessible in large parts and hence easy to clean and oil.
Dial side with M.T.Antichoc
In the lab
The specimen with the M.T.Antichoc shock protection came in clean working condition into the movement archive lab, and had no need for a service. It was only adjusted a bit.
It hardly can be better, in all positions within the chronometer specs, only the amplitude is a bit low in the hanging positions, and could indicate the need for a professional service.
Timegrapher result
| horizontal positions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| dial up | +3 s/d | 249° | 0.2ms |
| dial down | +1 s/d | 252° | 0.1ms |
| vertical positions | |||
| crown right (12 up) | +-0 s/d | 221° | 0.3ms |
| crown up (3 up) | +2 s/d | 203° | 0.2ms |
| crown left (6 up) | +4 s/d | 214° | 0.4ms |
| crown down (9 up) | +5 s/d | 207° | 0.0ms |
Technical data
| Manufacturer: | FE |
| Caliber: | 163 |
| Size: | 6 3/4 x 8''' (measured: 15,4 x 17,7mm) |
| A/h: | 21600 |
| lift angle: | 52° |
| Number of jewels: | 17 |
| Escapement: | Pallet lever |
| Balance types: |
Nickel anular balance |
| Shock protection(s): |
Antichoc 102 Antichoc 108 |
| Balance bearing / direction hairspring: | Counterclockwise |
| Moveable stud: | yes |
| Adjust mechanism: | Hairspring key |
| Construction: |
|
| Construction type: | solid construction |
| Winding mechanism: | yoke winding system |
| Setting lever spring: | 5 hole(s) |
| Inventory number: | 23029 |
Usage gallery
Prätina ladies' watch (M.T.Antichoc)
Prätina ladies' watch (Antichoc 108)