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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Tool · Watch timer

Regloscope type W930A watch timer

Partially verified

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.

The Regloscope type W930A watch timer, featuring its microphone stand and front control interface.
The Regloscope type W930A watch timer, featuring its microphone stand and front control interface. — Rooney, G. (Gary). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk
Category
Tool · Watch timer
Maker / attribution
British Watch Timers Ltd.
Reference
Type W930A
Catalogue / lot identifier
2000-1099
Source-reported date
1970-1989
Source-reported place
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
358

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

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “complete with stand for watch incorporating a microphone”
  • “an instrument with a cathode ray tube display”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “for determining whether a watch is running fast or slow so that it can be adjusted”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “Regloscope type W930A serial no. 358 by British Watch Timers Ltd.”
  • “Accession number: 2000-1099”
  • “1970-1989 (estimated)”

Open research questions

  • What specific technology allows this model to convert auditory input from a microphone into a visual signal on the cathode ray tube?
  • How did the Regloscope W930A compare in calibration accuracy to contemporary Swiss-made timing machines of the 1970s?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Regloscope type W930A watch timer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBritish Watch Timers Ltd.“British Watch Timers Ltd.”
ModelRegloscope type W930A“Regloscope type W930A”
Serial number358“serial no. 358”
Date1970-1989“1970-1989 (estimated)”
Place of manufactureEngland“England, United Kingdom; England”
Primary functionWatch timing instrument“an instrument with a cathode ray tube display, for determining whether a watch is running fast or slow so that it can be adjusted”

Visible details

  • 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

Research qualifications

  • Date range of 1970-1989 is an estimate provided by the source
  • Functional status of the internal cathode ray tube electronics is not specified

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

Consulted source

Regloscope type W930A

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 3bc7045aeb

Terms in this record

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