Suisse Watchmakers Drill

[LuckeyLoser]

I picked this up yesterday. The back is stamped Suisse 444. Suisse is a French word meaning Swiss used in the middle teen centuries. The 444 stamp may be incorrect because the last number is a tuff one to see. This drill press caught my eye instantly it was just so tiny. Couldn't find the makers mark until I sprayed it down with penetrating oil. And wiped it off. I know this is something others will enjoy looking at. Because it brings enjoyment to me when I do.

 

[ecotec]

That is a really fun tool. I look forward to see you getting power to it.

You should make a video of it running.

 

[GrantCee]

Boy, is that a blast from the past. When I was an apprentice watchmaker in the early '70s, my mentor had one just like that. I've seen a lot of similar drills over the years, but that was the only one I've encountered with a plain brass/bronze frame (everything else I've seen was nickel plated.) Nice to finally see another!

(BTW, the term I learned for this category of tool is a "sensitive drill".)

 

[LXCam]

That’s a very cool find, I’d be proud of it too.

 

[Modern Garage]

I'm guessing that's a built-in drill index at the bottom of the last photo?
Joe

 

[LuckeyLoser]

I'm guessing that's a built-in drill index at the bottom of the last photo?
Joe

It has one collet in it. So it must be missing a few.
Ray

 

[Pexto]

... Suisse is a French word meaning Swiss used in the middle teen centuries. ...

Wow, that is a really neat old tool. Great find!

FYI, "Suisse" can mean "Swiss", but it also means "Switzerland" which I think is more likely in this case. Basicaly it's shorthand for "Made in Switzerland". And the term is still in use today.

 

[bonneyman]

"Freaking awesome" is how it's said in English.
Great find!

 

[LuckeyLoser]

Any way you like.