FHF 175/179

Description

The FHF 175/179, made between 1939 and 1954 in a quantity of more than 1.2 million items, is one of the most difficult to identify movements. It was not only available under two caliber numbers as the same time (175 and 179), but also had different sizes of the base plate (10 1/2 and 11 1/2 lignes). Additionally, there also exist different bridge shapes.

The specimen shown here has got the larger base plate with a diameter of 11 1/2 lignes.

The curved shapes of the brides and the fact, that the minute wheel is beared under the mainspring bridge, is probably a modification made for Glycine.

On the outer side of the enlarged base plate, you see, that the additional space is unused. Beyond the gears, you see the beautiful decoration.

The minute wheel bearing contains no rubies, but all other important bearings do. In total, this movement has got 15 jewels.

The gear train is state of the art of the 1940ies. The mainspring barrel drives the center minute wheel, followed by third wheel, second wheel (with decentral seconds indication at 6 o’clock) and finally the steel escape wheel.

The Glycine specimen shown here already uses an Incabloc shock protected golden toned Glucydur screw balance, virtually high end.

It beats with 18000 A/h and regulates a swiss pallet lever movement.

For adjusting the beat frequency, there’s a long regulator arm with scale on the balance cock.

The dial side is decorated with peleages, too. On the left, you see the flat dial side Incabloc bearing and at the right there’s the yoke winding system with its characteristically shaped setting lever spring.

Technical data

Usage gallery