phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Ten Bob watch

Posted by Joe on August 16, 2009 at 17:23

In Reply to: Ten Bob watch posted by David FG on August 13, 2009 at 17:18:

: : Has anyone heard the phrase go on like a ten Bob watch?

:
: Can't say I have. What does it mean?

: Ten Bob - for those who aren't Eastpondians/aren't old enough - was 10 shillings: the pre-1971 UK and Irish currency equivalent of 50p. It would have been a very long time ago that a 'ten Bob watch' was one of any real quality, so if it means go on at length the reference is a bit puzzling.

: DFG

It comes from the 1945-1950's Australian slang "two Bob watch" meaning a real cheapo!

Sear this and you will see, also "five Bob watch" was a tem applied in the UK to a cheap American ripoff, "Beau Bob Watch" etc, $3.95 US
postpaid.

© 1997 – 2024 Phrases.org.uk. All rights reserved.