Pocketwatches

[DerMann]

Elgin does

Seriously, even the lower end watches offered by Elgin 100 years ago were made to a higher standard than modern watches.

Just search eBay's vintage Elgin pocketwatch section, and find one you like. Chances are it'll need to be restored, though.

If you find one you like, you can send it to http://www.paulswatchandclockrepair.com/ . They're located in California, and accept mail in watches. Their turnaround time is around 2 weeks, and they do a really marvelous job. You'll also find that their prices are less than half of what most watchmakers charge. They also have an eBay store, and sell watches (both wrist and pocket) that they've restored. Most of them go for a very good price.

All in all, you're looking to spend around $100 for a good vintage watch. It'll make a fine timepiece, though. My Elgin from 1912 looks as if it's brand new, and keeps better time than newer quartz watches. Also, unlike quartz watches, your vintage timepiece will appreciate in value.

 

[cooper]

Hamilton still makes pocketwatches, along with some nice vintage wriswatches.
http://www.hamiltonwatch.com/webapp/en-us/collection/?c=ac&y=68

 

[DerMann]

Wow, the Hamilton open faced watch looks just like my Elgin (albeit smaller). The numerals are almost exactly the same and the hands are blue steel. Interesting...

 

[Jeff Naylor]

I was looking at the Hamilton in rose gold this afternoon. I'm seriously considering that just for something a bit different.

 

[Naphtali]

Would I sell this watch? Should I??

I was undecided whether to put this thread here or in CONNOISSEUR forum. I've worn it once, Bastille Day 1991. While I keep this three-tone 14 (18??)-karat gold hunter cased Elgin wound quarterly, it just sits in my safety deposit box. At least, now, others can enjoy it a little bit.

 

[Bugsy]

It's quite magnificent. I think you should not only keep it, but wear it. It needs to be seen.

 

[ScionPI2005]

Just figured I would do a follow-up...

I actually sent a pocket watch off to Paul's Watch and Clock repair just two weeks ago. The watch needed several new parts, and after having the watch for a month, a shop here in town told me they didn't have the parts.

Just yesterday, I got the pocket watch back from Paul's. I am absolutely amazed at their customer service. They had the watch for just barely two weeks. Upon receiving it, they inspected what it needed and emailed me the quote. After giving my approval to do the work, they had it done in an amazingly fast amount of time. They warranted their work for a year, and even sent me a personal letter thanking me for my business.

For other Loungers: if you need work done on a watch, don't hesitate to check with these guys. They know what they're doing, and their customer service is top notch!

 

[Feraud]

Thanks for the review Scion. What kind of pocketwatch did you have serviced?

 

[dnjan]

As I've said before on previous threads, I bought an Elgin 16s pocket watch from eBay some time ago, only to find that it could not keep time when in the vertical position.

Glad to hear that the cleaning fixed everything for you!

 

[ScionPI2005]

Thanks for the review Scion. What kind of pocketwatch did you have serviced?

It was an Illinois made in 1926. The watch needed a new click, as well as a few other things I can't think of at the moment. Still, the turn around time is one of the fastest I've heard of in the field of vintage watch repair.

 

[DerMann]

Glad they were able to help you out!

It's always nice to speak with the same person who is actually doing the repairs.

Their prices are also very palatable (especially for the quality and speed at which they do their work at).

My watch is still running very strong and accurately. I absolutely adore the noise it makes. When the room is quite, the rapid ticking can be heard emanating from my jacket.

 

[jamespowers]

Geez, it took this post to remind me that this guy is in my neck of the woods----well about 100 miles away but still close enough. I see him every once in a while at the local antique faire. He has some very reasonably priced watches as well.
I'll have to go check out his shop one day. Thanks for reminding me.

 

[DerMann]

Yeah, his eBay store is really great.

Most (if not all) of the watches he sells (vintage pocket and wrist) start with no reserve, come fully restored with a warranty and sell for less than $100. On my desktop PC I have his store book marked and check it regularly - I would suggest this too, because he has some pretty amazing stuff.

 

[ScionPI2005]

Yeah, his eBay store is really great.

Most (if not all) of the watches he sells (vintage pocket and wrist) start with no reserve, come fully restored with a warranty and sell for less than $100. On my desktop PC I have his store book marked and check it regularly - I would suggest this too, because he has some pretty amazing stuff.

Those are some great watches. If I didn't already have so many, I would consider some of those, especially that sz 12 Elgin pocket watch.

 

[C.K.Farnsworth]

1926 Elgin

Thanks for the tip! I have a '26 Elgin and am leary of who I take it to, but it needs to be dis-assembled and cleaned.

Cheers,
Cary

 

[DerMann]

This morning my pocket watch slid out of my pocket and hit the tile floor of my dorm dial down :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

The crystal shattered and the back cover won't unscrew. Oh, and of course, it stopped ticking.

Looks as if they'll be receiving more of my business...

Also, I think investing in a wrist watch may save me from future problems (my pocket watch has fallen out before).

 

[dnjan]

Speaking as a fellow klutz - I use a watch chain.

 

[jamespowers]

Oh geez! Sorry to heard about a nice watch hitting the floor. I use a watch chain as well or a pocket with a button flap.

 

[DerMann]

The worst part is that I was wearing a watch chain. I'm not certain as to how it came off :/

 

[ScionPI2005]

This morning my pocket watch slid out of my pocket and hit the tile floor of my dorm dial down :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

That sort of thing has caused my heart to skip beats in the past.

Seriously, a few weeks ago, I was taking off my vintage Benrus Dial-o-Rama to replace it with a digital timex to go "rough housing" in. I'd been running, so the Benrus was stuck to my arm a bit. I didn't know that and it went crashing face down to my dorm floor. Thankfully, no harm was done, and I'm still apologizing to it profusely for my clumsiness.