Vintage Elma Watch-Matic Timegrapher – Mechanical Watch Timing Machine

Elma Watch-Matic mechanical watch timing machine, a professional horological testing instrument for checking the rate and performance of mechanical watch movements.

The Elma Watch-Matic is a Swiss-made timing machine manufactured by Elma / Witschi and designed for professional watchmaking and servicing. It is used to analyse the performance of mechanical movements, including rate deviation, amplitude and beat error. The built-in audio system also allows the watchmaker to listen to the movement while testing, which can help identify irregular or abnormal sounds during operation.

This particular example is the WATCH MATIC model and is offered in good working order and good overall condition.

Includes

Elma Watch-Matic timing machine
Good working order and good overall condition.

Clamping microphone / movement holder
The original clamping microphone is included. This is the sensor used to pick up the sound of the mechanical movement during testing and is designed to securely hold the movement in position while it is being tested.

Elma EU power adapter
The included power adapter has a European 2-pin plug for 220–230V use. The plug has previously been repaired and is therefore offered in used condition. The repair is visible in the photographs.

The machine itself is in good working order. Please note that the condition of the power plug is separate from the condition and operation of the Watch-Matic unit itself.

Power Adapter

The included adapter is the EU version. If required, replacement Elma/Witschi-compatible power adapters are still available from specialist watchmaking suppliers. Current replacement adapters are available in European 230V versions, and alternative plug configurations can be sourced separately.

If you require a new USA or UK plug/adapter, these can be sourced separately. New replacement units are available from specialist suppliers for approximately £50.

Historical & Collector’s Note

The Elma Watch-Matic is a particularly interesting piece of professional watchmaking equipment. These machines were used in watchmaking workshops and service environments for the precise testing and regulation of mechanical movements.

The Watch-Matic measures the key parameters required when assessing the performance of a mechanical watch, while its microphone system allows the watchmaker to hear the movement during testing. This combination made it a practical and respected instrument for professional servicing and regulation.

The model is now discontinued, making original examples such as this increasingly interesting to collectors of vintage watchmaking equipment and working watchmakers who appreciate older professional instruments.

The Elma Watch-Matic was sufficiently established in the trade that specialist watchmaking workshops continued to use these machines alongside later Witschi equipment.

A superb and increasingly rare vintage watchmaking instrument, suitable for a working workshop, collector of horological equipment, or anyone interested in classic Swiss watch-testing technology.

Condition

Good working order. Good overall condition.

• Elma Watch-Matic timing machine
• Original clamping microphone / movement holder
• EU 2-pin power adapter included
• Power plug has been previously repaired
• Machine itself is in good working order
• Used vintage condition
• Please see photographs for cosmetic condition and details of the repaired plug