BS: Old Pocket Watches

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 07:50 AM

Proper old watchhes are beautiful, but battery watches are very handy. What I'd like is a pocket watch with a battery, to wear on a chain to go with my waistcoat.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: mouldy
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 04:18 AM

I'll get them posted this week, Bob. Don't worry about the postage! I take it you are in the US?


Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,Songbob
Date: 13 Jul 10 - 03:51 PM

Second try at posting this -- yesterday it froze and wouldn't go through.

Mouldy, I'll take the keys if you've a mind to send 'em to me. My address is above, but it's

Bob Clayton
8401 Cedar St.
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Let me know the postage and I'll reimburse you.

Bob Clayton

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: open mike
Date: 13 Jul 10 - 10:06 AM

here is the thread where we worked on getting a watch for Utah
http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=109059

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: open mike
Date: 13 Jul 10 - 10:00 AM

I wonder what ever happened to the project we were organizing for Utah
Phillips? I think some collections were taken up and we were trying to acquire a watch for Utah before he died. As I recall he passed away before we could find one and get it to him. I hope the funds that were collected were donated to his widow. Does anyone know?

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 10:57 PM

Not a pocket watch, but just dug out an old Ladies Rolex (marked Rolex 15 j on the ratchet wheel) The dial is that of a jeweler in Victoria, B. C., Shortt Hill & Duncan. By the design I am guessing that it was made shortly after 1908 when the name Rolex came into being.
I have been threatening to look into its history for years and now I am going to try. It runs, but needs cleaning; I also have to look for a Canadian watchmaker who will take it on.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: BK Lick
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 07:42 PM

I have a lovely old pocket watch that I used back when I was
holding forth in front of a classroom -- leaving it on the desk before
me, I could pace the presentation without looking at my wrist
repeatedly (and the face is large and clear enough to be read easily
at a distance). It's a 14 karat Elgin Crusader with a G.M. Wheeler
17 jewel movement just like the watch pictured here.

Using this lovely Elgin Watch Collectors Site I was able to look up
the serial number and thereby glean a deal of esoteric information about
the watch (e.g., the movement is a grade 452 made in 1926, and it ticks
five times per second). I think I may start using it again, if only on special
occasions.

—BK

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 01:29 PM

Saul, closed face are uncomon. Lots of junk out there and recent garbage.
Best to go to a watch show and talk to dealers. A few of interest on Ebay, but mostly junk.
Elgin 15j 1889 pre-standards, hunter case, nice early, 160452639411, open for bids.
Elgin. Hunter case, 17j, needs service- 260629798018
Waltham 16 size Crescent Street 400084144983. Needs service. Open face but I like the 21j Crescent Street. I have one, a favorite.
Elgin 21j open face Raymond. Just serviced, a reputable dealer. Open for bids. -140423902967
Hamilton 992, 972- excellent RR watches. Some on offer. Look for dealer-service offers, cleaned recently.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: mouldy
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 11:58 AM

Bob, I've measured them across the narrowest bit in mm.
3mm, 3.5mm and 4mm with very similar looking holes of about 2mm. (One has a 6 on it - my watch's has a 2 on it). If you still want them, I'll send them.

By the way, Tennants Auctioneers of Leyburn have some gold watch keys (19 illustrated) estimate £600-800. Lot 578, Thurs 22 July.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,saulgoldie
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 11:08 AM

I would like to get an old 17 jewel, railroad-quality pocket watch with a good face good crystal, functional closing cover, that works over, under, sideways, down. Any ideas where to go for one, and what should I expect to pay? Thanks.

Saul
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 10 Jul 10 - 11:19 PM

All keys are small (sizes 1-3 in American nomenclature), I believe Swiss keywinds took the smallest but I don't have a Swiss keywind so not sure.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,Songbob
Date: 10 Jul 10 - 08:48 PM

Mouldy, is one of them keys particularly small? I have another pocket watch, from my wife's family, and it's a small one. Swiss (can't recall the make, but the company now makes $2000 watches, so...). The key for it is lots smaller than the key for the one I use in the Civil War Comrades band, so if it's a small key, I'd like to try it out.

I don't need the whole lot, but if there's a small 'un, I'd like it.

Bob Clayton
8401 Cedar St.
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Thanks

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: mouldy
Date: 10 Jul 10 - 03:29 PM

I have 3 spare watch keys (a legacy from my mum in the 1960s when she was trying to get one to fit the watch). I'll gladly post them to anyone who wants them, as they've been in a box with a load of other random spare keys she accumulated in the 60s and 70s, when she was in the antiques trade, on the off-chance that she might need them one day.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Edthefolkie
Date: 10 Jul 10 - 10:36 AM

Olddude, yes Grandpa's Waltham is pretty similar but it's key wind, not stem wind. It's "AW grade" which is standard without any frills, 7 jewels, Breguet spring balance, style KW. Must get a Flickr account then I can stick a picture up! Congratulations on keeping on wearing yours by the way - I would lose/break mine inside a couple of days!

You're quite right about glass being the proper thing. However, I know the repairer (he owns the jeweller's shop), the job was done at a very reasonable price, and I reasoned that if I didn't do something quickly it'd go back in the box and not get fixed. At some future date I can always get a real glass fitted but I think the surround may need fettling a bit.

I think it's wonderful that these things survive and still work (with some TLC). And - they were NOT just thrown away when they developed problems because very often they were the most valuable thing the owner possessed. Certainly so in the case of my poor old grandpa.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 10 Jul 10 - 10:12 AM

Winder
gosh I used to have one ... I will dig around if I find it I will give it to you ... now where did I put it ... hmmmm

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 10 Jul 10 - 09:39 AM

Andrea
that watch used a pretty standard winder. I bet you can pick one up on ebay for about 10 dollars US

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: kendall
Date: 10 Jul 10 - 07:11 AM

Dan, I have VERY few friends who would do that.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: mouldy
Date: 10 Jul 10 - 06:08 AM

My key-wound watch has been unearthed, and although I can't see a maker for the movement, it looks like the case is Chester 1873, and possibly the sponsors are Walker and Hall, if they were going then. It has a scratched service or repair date of 1890 inside the case. I have just gently wound it, and it's ticking away nicely, although I may get it serviced at some point.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: mousethief
Date: 10 Jul 10 - 12:10 AM

I have an 1890-something Waltham I got on eBay. It runs but drops time erratically. When I took it to the shop, they couldn't get it to drop time at all. But when I carry it around, it loses chunks of time. It's not a stem-set. I don't dare open it myself; every time I try to do something like that I end up with a lapful of parts and a sad expression. I don't have the money for the professional clean and tune-up. Do any of you watch people know what might be wrong with it?

I love real clockwork, and the flywheel pocketwatch (anybody else read Longitude? if you love old watches, read it!) is a masterpiece of human ingenuity.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 09:06 PM

A number of good watches were lever-set, and the face (crystal and mount) screwed off so that the lever (a very small arm) could be pulled out a bit, allowing one to put the hands at the correct time.
I have some, very fine railroad grade, that are set this way.

I have a great grandpaw's key wind, only 7 jewel, but it still runs well. It is a Waltham of the A. W. period. I had it cleaned and oiled when I discovered it in some family stuff. My grandmother had put a note with it identifying it as her father's.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 08:17 PM

well captain some friend of yours may very well make that happen, that is one, thats pretty darn close

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: kendall
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 07:24 PM

I want my watch back! It is a Waltham RR watch, gold. Glass crystal. I'm amazed that the face still screws on and off and has never been damaged.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 06:54 PM

OH in regard to Crystals, please get rid of all plastic. No kidding at least here in the states almost any Jeweler can order you a replacement glass crystal .. they are still made .. a good glass replacement never cost me more than 22 dollars US ... It is almost a sin to have plastic on such great old timepieces.

:-) Dan

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 06:50 PM

Key wind pocket watches like virtually all before were in use and popular up until the third quarter of the 19th century .. if you have one it is most likely before the 1870's ... most I saw were about 1850s. I had several and sold them to buy some other watches I liked.   Little by little I have sold off many of my pocket watches.. right now I have only 5 or so that are keepers for kids and grandkids .. mostly railroad or highly decorated Elgins and such.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 06:42 PM

Ed
does your Waltham look like this?
here is mine that I carry everyday .. keeps wonderful time

Waltham

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Edthefolkie
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 04:37 PM

After my mother passed away last year (at 95), I found a pocket watch in the corner of a box with lots of other stuff. No glass although miraculously the hands were still present, fairly battered silver case, key wind. Didn't look particularly inspiring.

BUT I found it was my Grandpa's because he had had it engraved inside the case - G A Ratcliffe, Beeston, Notts. I also looked at the face - A W Watch Co, Waltham Mass. - and the serial number - 8085152. And here's the amazing thing - within 10 minutes of logging on to the Web, I had most of the watch's history, thanks to some public spirited guys in the States and the UK who don't mind putting their research online for the benefit of others.

Turned out to be an "1883" model made in 1896. The watch was shipped over to the UK and received a case made in Birmingham in 1898 with an "AB" hallmark. This was Alfred Bedford, who just happened to be the manager of Waltham's UK office.

I bit the bullet and took it to a repairer - he had to put a plastic glass in as diameters vary so much and it's very difficult to get hold of the right size over here. Apart from that, all the watch needed was a clean and off it went - not bad for 113 years old! My man even threw in a new key.

So now it sits on our piano on a little stand. I know a little bit more about the US industrial revolution. I've seen lots of pictures of Waltham's factory, the streetcars waiting outside, and the various departments inside. Mainly though, I now have a good memory of my Grandpa every time I look up. And I try to keep it wound!

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,Songbob
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 04:29 PM

When did they switch from key-wind to stem-wind? I do Civil War reenactments, and have two watches (both somewhat working). One of 'em is a stem-wind Elgin, and I suppose it is too new -- 1880 or so -- but the nameless key-winder is a pain to wind and to set, so my preference is the stem-winder.

When were stem-wind watches in common use (even if the Elgin company isn't the right date, the technology might be right -- who knows?)?

Thanks

Bob Clayton

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 02:49 PM

Donuel,
I have seen many on ebay ... however I know Terry could probably sell you one. He is a mater watch maker and repair man

http://www.watchrepair.cc/pocketwatches.html

Dan

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Donuel
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 01:12 PM

I have a silver civil war era pocket watch from the Hurlbert estate that was found in our farm house attic. Hurlbert trained horses by way of a bridaless system which is described in one of the first issues of Scientific American Magazine. His brother also managed to patent a telescope. The watch keeps time but I have lost the winding key that goes in the back of the watch.
Are these keys easy to find old dude?

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: mouldy
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 05:22 AM

Back with cookie!

Thanks guys - yes, they will get wound when I have them unpacked again. The gold plated ones probably date from the early 1900s, and the 1920s/30s. I am half looking out for a Staffordshire flatback watch holder to display the silver one on, but it has to be just right. Once I get this place sold, and move, I'll start looking more.

Speaking of old hats - A couple of years ago, and newly widdered, I managed to get hold of a pristine c1870 widow's cotton bonnet from a costume dealer on a flea market, along with a black shawl. At some point I am going to get a grey dress and black apron made, and I already have a black petticoat. Hell, I'm qualified to wear it!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Janie
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 11:26 PM

My Dad has the C&O railroad pocket watch that at some point was awarded to my grandfather during his tenure with the C&O, and also the pocket watch that belonged to his maternal grandfather, who died of typhoid fever in 1906, before he was 40 years old. Provided they are wound, they both still keep accurate time.

The best part is that when Dad brings them out to show, he starts telling stories - those of his own youth and those family stories that were told to him when he was a child.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,josep
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 10:36 PM

I have one old railroad watch--National from 1913. All my other watches are new. All except one are wind-up. All have 17 jewels except a dollar watch I have. I have to wear pocket watches as the metal causes me to breakout from prolonged contact.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: DonMeixner
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 10:21 PM

I have a Vacheron Geneve pocket watch, stem wind in hunt case. The crystal is perfect, the enameled face is clean with no damage, hand lettered and numbered. The back of the case has an etched horse running. The case is sterling wrapped with a gold binding.

My Dad bought it at an antique show in Buffalo NY from a shelf of watches that said "Any Watch this Shelf $25.00". so medealers are not very bright.

Don

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 09:33 PM

ubuntu version 10 is outstanding. just upgraded from version 9 last week

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 08:25 PM

"With all this talk about old watches and cufflinks maybe it's also a good time to bring back the fedora!"

I've now given up on Fedora - now I'm a Ubuntu user! :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 06:16 PM

Checked some of my catalogues:
1901 T. Eaton & Co. (Canada)
Waltham, 21 jewel, Crescent Street-
14K gold-$59.50. Nickle-Silver- $25.50
Can. Pacific model of above- $27.50 in nickle-silver

1895 Montgomery Ward
Hampden Duebar Spec. Railway 23 jewel
14K gold-$64.15 Nickle-Silver-$43.16

1908 Sears Roebuck
Elgin 23 jewel Veritas
14K gold-$68.00 Nickle-Silver- $40.15

In 1908, clean and oil cost 50 cents; replacing a part never over $3.00.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 04:57 PM

Q
now that is some image for sure

Hey I think a Harry Truman hat was pretty cool ... LOL can't be worse than my crocodile Dundee hat with the gator teeth in it

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 12:22 PM

Picked up a Stetson like Harry Trueman wore. Probably the ugliest Stetson ever produced by that company. My daughter sold it on Ebay.

Anyone interested in a patterned cashmere sport coat with a belt in back?

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: kendall
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 12:10 PM

So, does this mean that my spats are out dated?

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: frogprince
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 09:58 AM

The last thing I want to see is some guy in a black bra!

Oh, you said...

Never mind....

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Wesley S
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 07:53 AM

I also used to wear a black beret that I bought in NYC. I havn't seen it in a long time so I'm guessing it's lost. I hope to replace it this year.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 07:47 AM

Mudcat's DWDITTY does a great song called "Pocket Watch"

Love it

DwDitty Pocket Watch

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 07:44 AM

LOL
hey Wes
that is the christmas gift my kids bought me. I wanted one when I play some blues at the coffee shop. Katie got me a dandy it is a Scala
but I only wear it during my blues set .. how funny is that you should mention it ... I always thought they were great ..

Holy Cow, I really am an OLD DUDE !!

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Wesley S
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 07:26 AM

With all this talk about old watches and cufflinks maybe it's also a good time to bring back the fedora!

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: kendall
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 06:35 AM

I had always planned to pass my watch along to my grand son when I snuff it, but it looks like I'll be around longer than expected and I can't ask him to give it back until I croak!

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 02:33 AM

Works of a Bunn Special Illinois like Grampa's.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Neighmond
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 01:21 AM

Mine is from 1905-one of the flashier movements they made at the time.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 11:00 PM

Some 992b on Ebay. Some were made for military service during WW2; a couple on Ebay. Wartime models very expensive.
I think it is best to buy at a NAWCC show or at a club meet, then it can be looked at closely and there will be several guys around to give opinions, etc.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 09:41 PM

Sure Wes
I will take some photo's

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Wesley S
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 09:25 PM

Any pictures you can offer us ?