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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement record · Switzerland

A. Schild AS 1687/1688

Partially verified

Compact automatic ébauche supplied to dozens of Swiss brands during the period when most houses bought rather than made movements; typical of the ébauche system at its peak.

Technical specifications

Diameter
Approx. 25.6 mm (11½ lignes)
Height
Approx. 5.4 mm
Jewels
17–25 jewels depending on version
Frequency
18,000–21,600 vph depending on version
Power reserve
Approx. 40+ hours (period figures vary)
Winding
Automatic
Setting
Stem setting with date (1688) or without (1687)
Escapement
Swiss lever
Balance
Monometallic
Complications
Date (1688)

Identification features

  • AS shield or calibre number on the plate
  • Characteristic automatic winding bridge layout
  • Frequent appearance under unrelated brand names on the dial

Known variants

  • AS 1687 (no date)
  • AS 1688 (date)
  • Numerous jewel-count and finish grades

Servicing notes

Cleaning, lubrication, mainspring and pivot work belong with a qualified watchmaker working from calibre-specific documentation. Conserve original parts: replacing a worn component with a modern substitute changes the object, and refinishing plates or dials destroys evidence.

General guidance only. Antique movements should be serviced by a qualified watchmaker.

Historical significance

Schild ébauches like the 1687/1688 are the documentary backbone of mid-century Swiss watchmaking: identifying the ébauche under a brand signature is often the first step in dating and valuing an otherwise anonymous vintage watch.

Diagram

top plate or bridgespillar platebalance and cockwheel train between the plates
Schematic: plate and bridge layout. An outline schematic drawn to show the arrangement of the parts discussed here. It is not a dimensioned working drawing and does not depict a particular maker's calibre.

Sources & references

  1. de Carle, D., Watch and Clock Encyclopedia
  2. Period trade material catalogues and calibre reference compilations (edition-dependent)
  3. Published manufacturer technical documentation where available

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.