BS: Old Pocket Watches

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 01 Apr 13 - 10:11 PM

Those are investment grade watches. I sold my 4992b and model 23 for over 1200 dollars. You did good Will. Now I will find replacements but I just couldn't pass up the offer

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 02 Apr 13 - 03:41 AM

Will's latest toy

Toy? TOY?

Tut, tut, man - wash your mouth out immediately! These aren't toys, these are essential to the well-being of men with slightly more money than sense... :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 02 Apr 13 - 12:21 PM

I affirm Will's comment, these are not toys, they are essential to long life and happiness and eating soup when you have no money for food cause ya went broke buying them.

Everyone should own obsolete technology and lots of them

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 02 Apr 13 - 12:50 PM

4992b- I wish,I wish, I wish.
Outside of watches with many complications, and impossible prices, the 4992B is matchless, and certainly keeps time just as well if not better than these $20,000-plus wonders.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 02 Apr 13 - 02:00 PM

Thanks to eBay (and Dan), I have a 4992B, 2 992Bs, a 992 - and now a Hamilton 23 chronograph. and that's not counting the Bunn Specials, the "B.W. Raymonds", the military watches and other stuff. I never tire of opening up the rear casings and just sitting and marvelling at the wonder of the movements.

I've even started a small collection of 1940s wristwatches - two or three Wittnauers, a lovely Hampden "Curvex"-style, a Longines (a Valentine's Day present to Mrs. F.), a Swiss Howard automatic... the list goes on.

And, if times get hard and I need a little moolah - well, the old watches are there if I need them. Pray to the Lord I never do!

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 02 Apr 13 - 02:33 PM

Sounds good, Wesley - are they key wind? Would love to see some pics if you can post a link...

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 02 Apr 13 - 02:57 PM

Wes
HELLLL YA
lets see some pics ... great find

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 02 Apr 13 - 05:29 PM

I bought a crap load of loose American staffs on ebay. After plowing through them all I found 10 Illinios 1506 double rollers for the Bunn special. They are rare and are 50-60 bucks each if one can find them. I will put aside one and send it to you Will as a gift. You need to put it away in the event you break one on your Bunn. They are impossible to find.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 02 Apr 13 - 05:35 PM

I sold a crap load of them. Keeps me buying watches. I had only one guy chew my ass out (left me positive feeback) but compained in the email cause I sold it for 40 bucks. He said he looked for 4 month for one and was upset he had to pay so much. I told him looking for 4 months doesn't that tell you something .. and Oh you can buy one on the net   60 bucks plus shipping. I gave him free shipping ... Go figure

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 03 Apr 13 - 03:25 AM

Thanks for the balance staff, Dan - very kind of you!

Some idiots are never satisfied are they? If you have difficulty in finding something - as you say - it should tell you something!

People...

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 03 Apr 13 - 12:36 PM

Dan, I have a Bunn Special 60 hr. It needs cleaning, but runs well.
If you have a spare balance staff, I will gladly pay for it. I know all parts are getting scarce for these Bunns.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 03 Apr 13 - 01:39 PM

Complex or what?

Hamilton 23 movement

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 04 Apr 13 - 01:28 PM

Q
as you said to me you can't afford it LOL ... PM me your address and I will ship it right out to you.. You bet they are hard to find so keep it in case you need it
Dan

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 04 Apr 13 - 08:54 PM

I have dust on my camera lense but this Waltham wrist watch now shines like a baby's bottom. I threw some oil on it, perfect time keeper. by the way the best oiler I ever used .. A syringe from my doc buddy, you can suck up the oil and use the smallest of drops which is just what you need.

waltham

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 06 Apr 13 - 05:35 PM

The seamaster is absolutely beautiful Will, that is one of those take you breath away watches. I notice he had put an original Rolex Alligator band on it also .. way cool

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 06 Apr 13 - 05:35 PM

It maybe an Omega but I am keeping that band on it .. dang beautiful

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 06 Apr 13 - 08:10 PM

The date of my Bunn special is 1927. In 1928 it was taken over by Hamilton, according to the watch catalog I have.

Interesting- Comparing 992B and the Bunn Special, both watches corrected to 6 positions and temperature. Both issued with 21j, and a few with 23j.
I'll have to go to Nawcc and see if I can find out more.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 07 Apr 13 - 04:14 AM

My Bunn Specials are dated 1923 and 1924. I suppose the similarity in engineering was partly owing to the RR grade standard.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 07 Apr 13 - 10:23 AM

Q
992B uses a Bunn Regulator

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 07 Apr 13 - 12:40 PM

What is interesting is after Hamilton took over Illinois they no longer made the balance staff's. They used the ones Illinois had. That is why they are so damn hard to find

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 07 Apr 13 - 01:28 PM

Thanks for the information. Does that mean the staff for 992B also is hard to find?

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 07 Apr 13 - 06:48 PM

No but I have lots of 992b staffs, I will include it for you with the bunn. Hamilton used a ball regulator but reengineered it for the 992b

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: kendall
Date: 07 Apr 13 - 07:19 PM

My old size 16 Elgin is right on the money, as usual. Thanks again, Dan.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 16 Apr 13 - 03:28 PM

I nailed to perfect Omega's in an auction ... my wallet is now a lot lighter for sure.   One is a seamaster geneve automatic 17 Jeweled this one is a 21 Jeweled automatic seamaster .. both authentic both perfect

21J front

back

if anyone wants the 17J Geneve a real beauty let me know 275 takes it
it is self winding auto and near mint

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Greg F.
Date: 16 Apr 13 - 06:25 PM

Dan - the 17 jewel gold plate or stainless? & can you tell me the calibre? Maybe post a photo if you get the chance? I'm tempted.....

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 16 Apr 13 - 07:22 PM

Greg
it is cal 1022 ... very nice pic doesn't do it justice
1

2

250 and it is yours

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Greg F.
Date: 16 Apr 13 - 07:57 PM

Great price, Dan & great-looking watch - but RATS! I'm not fond of the squared-off style. If ya run across one of the cal. 500 series w/ round case & maybe Stainless case rather than gf & maybe no date function - that they don't want 2 arms & three legs for, give me a shout. Don't have to have a watch band, either.

Thanks again-

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 16 Apr 13 - 08:30 PM

will do , I asked Mahlon to keep his eye out also

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 16 Apr 13 - 08:43 PM

They are hard to find at a decent price. The one I am wearing today is from Will. He found it in England for 400 bucks and it is mint from head to toe. It is a 601 movement manual wind. Love it

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 17 Apr 13 - 06:13 PM

Greg
go after this one
http://www.ebay.com/itm/111054568593?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Greg F.
Date: 17 Apr 13 - 06:29 PM

Thanks, Dan - will keep an eye on it.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 18 Apr 13 - 07:04 AM

That's a nice Seamaster - if I was in the market for one (which I'm not), I'd go for it myself!

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 18 Apr 13 - 01:20 PM

I have a bid in on a 1022. Shouldn't, but the impulse was too strong.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 18 Apr 13 - 03:38 PM

Well, I got the 1022 day-date for $300. A little of the gold plate is coming off the steel, but otherwise seems clean and running. I will give it to my watchmaker and get the news, good or bad.

I also have one in a steel case (calibre not known) which definitely needs cleaning.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: kendall
Date: 18 Apr 13 - 03:51 PM

I went to a new Pawn Shop today; they had a few watches but nothing that grabbed me.
There was a steel Waltham that would run on and off, but the stem that moves the hands appeared to be disconnected. There was a scene on the back that looked like a different metal.
He was asking $60.00, I didn't make an offer, knowing what it costs to repair these things.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 18 Apr 13 - 04:35 PM

Kendall
NO without knowning the jewels. besides someone may find you a 992b if you are patient

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 18 Apr 13 - 04:43 PM

I would take 225 for mine. I don't need three seamasters

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: kendall
Date: 18 Apr 13 - 07:22 PM

I just had to buy a car, the old van was on its last struts. Now I have to get the house painted. and Jacqui needs dental work.
I'm afraid the 992b will have to wait a while!

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 18 Apr 13 - 07:43 PM

When did you ever have to pay for a watch that I gave you?

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 18 Apr 13 - 10:45 PM

what I mean captain is I will COA one of the 7 that I have and give it to you

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: kendall
Date: 19 Apr 13 - 06:49 AM

Oh, you mentioned $225.00.
Your generosity has enriched my little collection so much already, I'm beginning to feel like a charity case!
What can I do in return? I can send you a copy of my new book. A paltry sum indeed.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 21 Apr 13 - 10:00 AM

Kendall
here is the deal, I got hit with lots of taxes so money is tight. I have a mint 1948 Hamilton 992B. I paid over 200 for it. If you pay Mahlon to COA it (around 50 bucks) it is yours as a gift. Been wanting to do that anyway for you. I have to drive Mahlon to the bus station tomorrow at like 1 in the morning and he will be gone for two weeks. But I can give it to him when he gets back. He will fix it send it to you with his bill, just send him the check for the COA and shipping when you get it ok? if that a deal?

love ya
Dan

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Greg F.
Date: 21 Apr 13 - 09:17 PM

That Seamaster went for over 500 bucks, Dan- too rich for my blood. Will keep looking- ya never know.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 21 Apr 13 - 09:34 PM

Oh boy, they just keep going up at the last minute. see if you can find one that doesn't work. Mahlon is a master at those things

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 22 Apr 13 - 02:53 PM

olddude, advice on what to look for in a used Seamaster, etc.
I am savvy (usually) on pocket watches, but wrist watches are new to me.

I know that real collectors lok for condition of case, original strap, etc. as well as movement condition. These go for high prices.

Ten there are those where the movement is working, but the strap is replaced or or part of gold plate is gone, and maybe a scratch or two.
These are often reasonable, and may need a clean and perhaps minor adjustment, but can give good service for another lifetime. You have a good watchmaker, and I have one here.

I have been looking at the latter group. I will never make any money on them, but they are still good timekeepers. I can't afford the top condition watches.

Which do you go for? Or should I forget about them?

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 22 Apr 13 - 03:12 PM

Q
grab one that needs work. Now the original strap isn't that important, you can buy an original strap or bracelet for around 50 bucks so wrist watch collectors don't care. More care is if the dial is original or replaced ... I would find one that need work, Send it to me and I will have Mahlon fix it all up for you. You will have a mint watch on return for a fraction of the price. The all original 21 Jeweled 1110 that I just bought needed serviced. He made it purr for me. and I got it hundreds of dollars cheaper than I would one fully serviced. When I got it I had to shake it to see the second hand move. It is mint now

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 22 Apr 13 - 06:13 PM

I also make sure the crown has the Omega symbol on it - very often they've been replaced with a non-Omega substitute. Some Omegas also have a plain-back case, but they're not as sought after as the ones with the Omega markings.

Dan's dead right about the dial - some I've seen have been repainted in India - and it shows!

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Bill D
Date: 22 Apr 13 - 06:38 PM

Using direction on a site, I carefully opened up my grandfather's Seth Thomas (mentioned way back in the first 100 posts) gold hunter style watch to look for the serial #. It was 2789. If I looked in the right place (inside on the works) that means it was very early... 1885. It is smaller than the usual pocket watch one sees..(40 MM diameter)

William Lindsey Day was born in 1867 and died about 1925. His watch came from the Fayman-Joseph Co. in Springfield, MO., I know of a good watch repair shop close to me. I think I will take it in for an exam & appraisal.

You guys have me curious. I wish I lived closer to Mahlon.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 22 Apr 13 - 07:31 PM

Sounds like the 12 size Seth Thomas. I suspect that there should be three zeros after the four digits you gave, making the date 1908-1909.
The 1885 watch was 18S size (large).

They are nice little watches. Also check for the number of jewels, which also is marked on the movement; 7j to 17j. The last are rare.

I am bidding on a 23j Seamaster. The crown is marked, and the back has the seahorse, but not the raised one. The dial is original, "slightly stained." Running. Dunno.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 22 Apr 13 - 09:41 PM

The prices I have for genuine Omega metal bracelets is $360 or close for gold plated and $600 or more for stainless steel. From Otto Frei.