The Enfield Clock Factory 4
Expanding product
The period 1954-1955 was one of principal involvement in the development of the floating balance movement which was a unique departure from the orthodox horological practices. This movement was first developed as the F6 and was eventually also developed in respect of the K6 chime movement which had been manufactured from 1953 onwards at Ystradgynlais. The floating balance chime movement was known as the K7.
Polishing dept, Enfield
The QTA travel alarm which had been developed in London was introduced and manufactured at Ystradgynlais. This was produced in many guises besides travel alarms, such as roller shutter, and brass cases, musical box etc. During this period the Anglo-Celtic wind movement was also purchased and assembled to a Mazac casing with polished base, and known as the Elfin.
This period saw the introduction of the manufacture of gold cases, which was of course a unique technique in as much as it was the company's first experience of working in precious metals. Also during this period the old gold plating technique was superceded by a better process which utilised gold salts and made it possible to control the gold deposit for both the more expensive Cheltenham watches and the less expensive locally produced watches at the sister plant.
