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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Tool · Watchmaker's lathe

Emco Unimat 3 watchmaker's lathe

Partially verified

This miniature watchmaker's lathe is manufactured by Emco and configured with a vertical drilling and milling column adjustable in height and angle. Mounted on a plywood baseboard bearing an Emco badge, the lathe setup is reported by the seller to feature an upgraded replacement electric motor with continuously variable speed control, along with new drive belts. The unit is fitted with a work lamp and includes a three-jaw chuck with reversible jaws, a drill chuck, and a set of cutting chisels and hand tools.

Emco Unimat 3 lathe with vertical milling column, task lamp, and accessories mounted on baseboard
Emco Unimat 3 lathe with vertical milling column, task lamp, and accessories mounted on baseboard — Catawiki. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.catawiki.com
Category
Tool · Watchmaker's lathe
Maker / attribution
Emco
Reference
Unimat 3
Catalogue / lot identifier
105571235
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
Austria

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Object Configuration and Mounting

The object is identified as an Austrian-manufactured Emco Unimat 3 watchmaker's lathe. The system includes an integrated drilling and milling column that is adjustable in both height and angle.

The machine assembly, including the lathe and task lighting, is mounted onto a plywood base plate.

Evidence for this section
  • “Austrian quality watchmaker's lathe.”
  • “Complete with a drilling/milling column adjustable in height and angle.”
  • “Everything mounted on a hard plywood base plate.”
  • “Comes with a fine machine light for good visibility of the workpiece.”

Mechanical Components and Accessories

The unit features a replacement electric motor reported to have continuously variable speed control and newly installed drive belts.

Included tooling and components consist of an adjustable three-jaw chuck with reversible jaws, a drill chuck, and a set of HSS metal chisels.

Evidence for this section
  • “With an improved, powerful, brand-new electric motor with continuously variable speed.”
  • “Newly installed drive belts.”
  • “Adjustable three-jaw chuck with reversible jaws for larger workpieces.”
  • “Set of HSS metal chisels to get started immediately.”
  • “Tandkrans boorkop.”

Condition and Documentation

The lathe is described as being in maintained condition. Technical documentation is not included in physical form, but is offered as a PDF file via email.

The source does not provide a specific manufacturing date or serial number for the unit.

Evidence for this section
  • “In neatly maintained condition.”
  • “User manual via email in PDF.”

Open research questions

  • Does the replacement motor conform to standard Emco mountings or require structural modifications to the headstock?
  • Can the specific production era of this Unimat 3 be identified without a serial number?
  • Are there additional accessories or components required for the milling function beyond the column itself?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Emco Unimat 3 watchmaker's lathe
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerEmco“Fabrikant Emco”
Country of originAustria“Austrian quality watchmaker's lathe.”
ChuckAdjustable three-jaw chuck with reversible jaws“Adjustable three-jaw chuck with reversible jaws for larger workpieces.”
MountingPlywood base plate“Everything mounted on a hard plywood base plate.”
ColumnDrilling/milling column“drilling/milling column adjustable in height and angle.”
MakerEmco“Fabrikant Emco”
Country of OriginAustria“Austrian quality watchmaker's lathe.”

Visible details

  • Labeled 'unimat 3' with a speed reference diagram plate on the headstock
  • Mounted on a dark-surfaced plywood baseboard with a red-and-white 'emco' badge
  • Equipped with a vertical milling column and spindle assembly above the lathe bed
  • Fitted with a white-shaded gooseneck task lamp attached behind the headstock
  • Accompanied by an assortment of open-ended wrenches, hex keys, a drill chuck key, center punch/point, and lathe cutting tools

Research qualifications

  • Motor stated by source to be an upgraded replacement rather than original factory specification

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

EMCO horlogemakers draaibank - Watch maker tools - Watchmakers' lathe - auction online Catawiki

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 4e336acd23

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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