Pocketwatches

[fluteplayer07]

This next one is my early 1900's gold filled Elgin, 12size, 15j. I think it dates to about 1912-ish.

The chain I believe to be turn of the century or slightly later, gold filled. I bought it in an antiques shop up north for $32, and I haven't had it checked for gold content.




My other pocket watch is a silveroid Waltham that belonged to my great-grandfather on my mother's side. The engraving on the case is badly worn. The watch still runs well, but it hasn't been serviced in who knows how long. It's next on my to-do list. The watch dates to the late 19th century, 1890 something... I looked up the serial number once but have since forgotten the information. 18 size, 17j.





Full Album

Cheers,

 

[fluteplayer07]

Here's the watch I was referring to earlier. It's not an Ingersoll as I had thought for some reason. I don't actually see any name on the movement, nor can I see any jewel markings, or serial numbers on the movement. The case only has a maker's name as in the picture of the case. No content listing on it.

I don't know if it's a junk watch or a quality one. It's missing many features that ordinarily identify better ones, but it's also heavy, and intricately engraved, with a crystal that doesn't feel like plastic.











Any insight?

Thanks,

Bump so this won't display on the previous page.

Also, keep posted to the general watch/wristwatch thread in the coming week... I have something very exciting landing there soon for my birthday. Can't wait!

 

[Shangas]

This is just my opinion, but it looks like a rather low-grade watch. The presence of a fancy case doesn't mean squat when trying to determine the overall quality of a watch.

The Elgin looks beautiful. I shouldn't worry about the Waltham. A watch that old...you're lucky to still have any case-engravings left! I have a 1918 Elgin with some sort of woodlandish engravings on the back of the case (leaves and vines and stuff, very pretty) but they've almost all disappeared. The lady who sold it to me said it belonged to her friend's grandfather. Her friend wasn't going to use the watch and saw no reason to keep it, so she gave it to the seller, who sold it to me for a pittance (or a pittance when considering an antique watch).

 

[Taikonaut]

I was a photographer in a couple of weddings were I wore a pocket watch and gold chain. I realise I was the only one to wore one, not even the groom's 70 yrs old grandad and older guests has one though they did comment on it probably made quite an impression that a relatively young man with the latest high tech digital SLR is sporting something from a bygone era that these old men's parents might have worn. I guess for the "common" man the generation that wore pocket watches have past.
Does wearing a pocket watch makes one look stuffy and outdated? What does the ladies think, would she be more impressed by a man wearing a Rolex wrist watch or if he pulls out a gold pocketwatch from an Albert gold chain?

 

[Shangas]

Personally I don't give a damn. I wear a pocket watch every day. With an albert chain. Style is what you do. Fashion is what everyone else does. I never believe in dressing to appease other people. The way I see it, a Rolex gives an air of pretentiousness and money-flashing. Pocket-watches give an air of taste, class and refinement. Both give an air of money, but in different ways.

 

[scottyrocks]

Personally, I dont care what others think. What I do for others, as well as myself, is to be neat and clean. After that, what I wear is for my own head. I like old fashioned values, whatever my version of them is. I express myself with my clothing, headwear, and accouterments accordingly, when I can. Being a PE teacher means I cant wear much of what I like to work every day, but I do the best I can at other times.

When I wear a waistcoat, I always wear a pocket watch with a chain. I have never gotten a negative comment, and occasionally get positive ones. All just icing, really, because I do it for me. I love the look.

 

[Taikonaut]

A few years ago there was a boy band were they all wore albert chain and dress like Edwardians. Not sure if that trend took off. Apart from Steampunk scene there is little else were the younger generation would take an interest but they were selling pocket watches for kids as part of a Doctor Who toys line. I would probably only were it at dressing up parties or occasions that require a waistcoat. I might consider wearing it if I took up snooker again or hook the chain onto the jeans and put the watch on the 5th pocket when in casual clothing.

 

[Shangas]

I agree with ScottyRocks. Wear the watch and chain and to hell with what others think. They don't look as awesome as you do.

 

[scottyrocks]

. . . or hook the chain onto the jeans and put the watch on the 5th pocket when in casual clothing.

Yes, Ive been doing that for years. How could I forget?:eusa_doh:

 

[Taikonaut]

I bought this recently, 9ct gold London hallmark dated 1929. The original owner had no surviving relations so left it to his carer who sold it to me. Still in its original box but box is a bit tatty. It is hardly worn at all, never been serviced as far as I know but work perfectly, case are like mint condition with mirror polish surface. Here is a couple of pics, ignore the chain which was added by the last owner

 

[Shangas]

A nice, hunter-case watch of decent quality. If you want to wear it, send it to a watchmaker to service it first.

 

[Taikonaut]

Thankyou but the watch works brilliant and accurate. The original owner never really got round to using it, likely the mechanism rarely if ever ran until now. The watch is practically new.

 

[bburtner@moran]

Go for a nice old Gruen "Veri Thin" in rose gold/from the Deco period.they are about $350.

 

[Shangas]

Thankyou but the watch works brilliant and accurate. The original owner never really got round to using it, likely the mechanism rarely if ever ran until now. The watch is practically new.

That's exactly why you should send it to the watchmaker.

If that watch hasn't run in nearly 80 years, that means all the oil has dried up. If you crank that puppy up and let it go, the gears will grind up against each other and damage the watch. It needs to be freshly lubricated before you can wear it. Even if it's only for special occasions once a month.

 

[mwelch8404]

I have a Avalon pocket watch I wear with my three piece suits.

How is the Avalon holding up? Does it keep good time? I'm looking at one for my son based on some good reviews.

 

[Tomasso]

hook the chain onto the jeans and put the watch on the 5th pocket when in casual clothing.

There's the leather fob option as well.

 

[Torpedo]

Hello,

Here follows a newbie-to-pocket watches question. Well, newbie-to-mechanical watches in general.

I have acquired a 50s British-made Smith Empire. It looks like it works properly and keeps time, but it does not seem to have "wind power" enough to last even 24 h. It could be I am shy at overwinding it, I stop when I feel increased resistance, but maybe I fall short. I have been testing it for a few days, and it is not lasting more than 20 h.

Is this a normal occurrence? Should I wind it a little more? Is it due to a weakened spring because of age? If so, is it worth repairing, or winding it twice a day would be enough, while it keeps running, even if in less than ideal performance?

Thanks!

 

[Shangas]

If the watch is working properly, you should be able to wind it until it STOPS WINDING. Then it should run for at least 28 hours. If it doesn't, then it needs fixing/servicing.

 

[Torpedo]

Thank you. So, when I feel the increased resistance, I should wind it some more turns?

 

[Shangas]

Keep winding the watch until the crown stops moving. That is when the watch is fully wound and should thereafter run for at least 28 hours (28-36 hours).

If the watch does NOT run after the crown stops, you have not overwound it. The watch is simply very gummy and dirty and needs to be disassembled and cleaned.