BS: Old Pocket Watches

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 20 Mar 12 - 12:35 PM

I've always loved watches - got quite few wristwatches but never really got into pocket watches until I was given the J.G. Graves English Lever Movement a few years ago. The mainspring's just gone in this one, so it's being repaired and serviced at the moment.

As far as wristwatches, go, I'm currently wearing the Longines DolveVita, and I've also got a Longines Grande Classique. I've also got a Jean d'Eve watch with two identical dials, side by side, on it which I bought many, many years ago - never seen one like it since.

But these are all quartz watches and there's nothing to beat a good old mechanical movement.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 20 Mar 12 - 11:47 AM

Awesome Will, then you know watches .. very cool my friend

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 20 Mar 12 - 05:22 AM

Absolutely right, Dan. My Uncle Bill was a watchmaker and, when I was about 9, I used to go with him on a Saturday morning to his workshop in a big store in a nearby town. The workshop was fascinating - assorted tickings from various clocks and watches, and amazing tools and bits of timepieces in little trays on his workbenches. He told me quite a lot about them, one way or another, and I think I knew what an escape wheel was before I knew what a guitar was!

I always cringe when I read in a novel something like, "He closed his watch with a snap". Brrr...

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 07:58 PM

Hey Will
On a hunter case, when you close the front of it ... push down on the stem then close. Most people just snap it closed and it wears out the catch ok ... the proper way is to push down on the stem , then close and release.

cool watch
Dan

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 06:55 PM

there are two hamilton 936 size 18 on ebay right now, they are very hard to find ... nail one if ya can ... they only go higher and higher in value. That is the watch that started Hamilton

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 08:11 AM

They really are works of art.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 05:53 AM

Well, I made the guy an offer he couldn't refuse for the Waltham on eBay - did it privately through his website - and got it for a knock-down price well below the asking. I'm hoping to get it tomorrow.

I've also got my eye on some Hamiltons up for "spares/repair" - I'll PM you if I get one that's worth mailing over for service. Thanks, my friend.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 10:35 AM

That's a beauty Will, nail one on ebay that is in need of repair but has a great case. I will get it fixed for ya

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 06:34 AM

Dan - that's awesome restoration - and "awesome" isn't a word I use very often! what a beauty!

I'm currently looking at this one: Waltham hunter

It's also got a "best offer" slot on eBay, so I might chance my arm on it. We'll see...

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 05:56 PM

Oops lets try again
BEFORE
B1

B2

AFTER
A1

A2

A3

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 04:40 PM

These are the before shots of my Hamilton 936
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7541257...n/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7541257...in/photostream

Here are my after shots of the 936
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7541257...in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7541257...in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7541257...in/photostream

What was done was a full COA, replaced center Jewel, remove the sand (yes sand in it), Hands, crystal, click repair, replace missing plate screw and I had him add the damascas work on the inside of the case cover. 60 bucks and it runs like dead on .. I am smiling my friends

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 09 Mar 12 - 09:08 AM

LOL so true Kendall. That one is far better than RR time. Tweeked to the max

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: kendall
Date: 09 Mar 12 - 09:04 AM

If you can find a watch that keeps better time than my Elgin 16, grab it.It is so near perfect it would offend the Chinese.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 06:11 PM

Yup Q my missus just put me on a short lease after the 936

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 05:26 PM

Yep, adiction.
My wife made me quit, cold turkey.
I still sneak looks at the offers, but thought of what she will do to me makes me desist from purchase.
A little like sniffing the smoke from someone else's reefer.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 04:26 PM

Dan, it's a drug - hooked, hooked, hooked...

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 03:59 PM

Check this out Will, the very elusive Hamilton 936 one of the very early Hamilton RR watches ... so dang hard to find. I think this is the watch that really made Hamilton the best RR watch company ever. It is the company they really looked for. High end Elgin's great also as the Waltham. I love Waltham's especially the vanguard. Now if you find one not working, jump on it, my Amish friend can fix anything

Got to get it serviced ...
936

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 03:55 PM

Dan, you bad boy, you deserve to be searched - all those goodies you carry about you...

Well, ol' buddy, you got me hooked on Elgin. Now I've a yen for Hamilton and Waltham timepieces.

This Mudcat is a dangerous place to be!

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 03:45 PM

Just got off a plane and once again I got searched. My 23 Jeweled Waltham Vanguard pocket watch ... I got the same, "We don't see many people carrying clocks in their pocket"

LOL   A railroad man from the past would never fly

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 26 Feb 12 - 10:24 PM

My Canadian friends, this one is a steal if you can snap it up
Check out this BW Raymond Canadian
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Elgin-B-W-Raymond-571-R-R-Watch-/251005965109?pt=Pocket_Watches&hash=item3a711f1335

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 26 Feb 12 - 06:24 PM

Here is a Canadian 992B 1940's from my collection. It was used on the Canadian Pacific. The guy that sold it to me has the documentation he shared with me.

Need to clean case, runs like all 992b's
Canadian 992B

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 23 Feb 12 - 10:44 PM

gilly thank you my friend. I laugh every time I look at that boner Hamilton.
I have two other railway specials both with the rolled gold cases but the steel ones really don't wear and hold up great for daily use. Fine carry watch the railway specials are. My dad gave me one in the early 60's but when my house was destroyed so was the watch so I have a soft spot in my heart for the railway special for sure.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,gillymor
Date: 23 Feb 12 - 10:38 PM

Dan that's a fine looking Boner. I hope you're keeping it in your trousers, at least when you're out in public.
I told you of the Waltham Vanguard that was handed down to me, well my older brother owns a Hamilton Railway Special, very similar to the one in your photo, that also came from our grandfather.
Cheers.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: kendall
Date: 23 Feb 12 - 08:10 PM

Kinda? :-) My favorite carry watch is that Elgin number 16 Dan gave me. She never lies and she's beautiful. Reminds me of an old girlfriend. I'm afraid I wound her up too often.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 23 Feb 12 - 06:44 PM

Also got a 23J Waltham Vanguard ... I am kinda nuts about these things.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 23 Feb 12 - 06:42 PM

Favorite carry watch Hamilton 992B steel cased, take a licking for sure. I replaced the melamine dial with an original Hamilton porcelain dial
Hamilton

can you tell I love Hamilton's I have three 992b's I just picked up a 972 lever set 17 Jeweled RR. One of the early ones. Gotta get it serviced. The 972 was one of the last 17J watches approved by the RR's

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 23 Feb 12 - 06:28 PM

Here is a very old Hamilton 974, private label
it is my boner watch LOL. JM Boner was a watch inspector for the RR. They were always private jewelers. Very collectable watch cause it is very early

boner

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 23 Feb 12 - 06:14 PM

For sure, if you want an RR watch let me know and I will get you one at my cost, Mine are all serviced restored etc. Ebay is ok but sometimes the RR watches cost a lot to fix and service. I got my Amish master friend and mine keep dead nuts time

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 23 Feb 12 - 06:10 PM

That's a beauty, Dan - these things are worth wasting my pension on! :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 23 Feb 12 - 06:08 PM

Hey Will
Today I can carrying this one a BW Raymond (Elgin) 21J RR watch 1927 used on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad
RR1
RR2
RR3

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 23 Feb 12 - 05:50 PM

That is a beauty Will, 1870's I think ... beautiful watch.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 23 Feb 12 - 05:27 PM

Hey Dan, just been cleaning my 1903 J.G. Graves (Sheffield) key wind & set solid silver "The Express English Lever" fob watch. Gave it a wind and it's running sweet as a nut. Polished up the case and the solid silver Albert chain and it's just asking to be worn with my weskit...

Here's a picture of one just like it, though 4 years older: J. G. Graves pocket watch

I've been looking at some Waltham pocket watches on eBay - very tempting...

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 13 Feb 12 - 11:13 PM

I have a 21J 1940's BW Raymond Lever Set RR watch, Montgomery dial
beautiful and dead nuts accurate serviced and ready to carry
150 bucks if anyone wants it ... all proceeds go to autistic kids
I can send you a pic if you are interested

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 02 Feb 12 - 12:59 PM

Well I found a BW Raymond 21J circa 1927. It has the L&N line on it
. It was used by the conductor on the Louisville & Nashville RR back in the 20's. A great piece of history

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: kendall
Date: 01 Feb 12 - 02:42 PM

I carry for the esthetics, not the time. My link to the past.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 31 Jan 12 - 08:32 PM

Well you are running a 17 jeweled non RR gentleman's watch and that is superb time for that size 16. Heck it is better than Rolex ... Once you get into the high end RR watches then you will see 8 sec a week or so

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: kendall
Date: 31 Jan 12 - 07:20 PM

It is indeed. I'm now back to number 16. Nearly perfect time.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 31 Jan 12 - 09:03 AM

Is that the 18 that Mahlon cleaned and regulated for you? If so he is a master for sure

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: kendall
Date: 31 Jan 12 - 07:50 AM

I switch between the 16 and the 18. for the past couple of days I've been carrying the 18 and it has been right on the money. However, the 16 is prettier.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 30 Jan 12 - 10:02 PM

Your Elgin 16 keeps better time. My doc's 7000 dollar rolex loses 31 sec a week he told me when he was admiring my 992b that loses 8 sec a week if that

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: kendall
Date: 30 Jan 12 - 08:10 AM

None at all. I wouldn't trade my Elgin 16 for a Rolex.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 29 Jan 12 - 09:56 PM

yea but modern watches have no soul

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: kendall
Date: 29 Jan 12 - 07:53 PM

I love old pocket watches, but when it comes to keeping accurate time, you can't beat this 7 year old Cassio wrist watch of mine. I reset it twice a year for the change to and from daylight saving time, and the months that have only 30 days plus February. It has never gained or lost a second.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 03 Jan 12 - 04:52 AM

Well now, I have a silver pocket watch from the 1910s which I wind and use occasionally. Nothing special - but I do have an 1825 vierge movement silver 'turnip' style watch in one of my desk drawers. Must get it out and check it. It's not working, and I bought it ages ago - advertised as for repair or parts. So I have to make my mind up whether to sell it as is, get it repaired and sell it - or get it repaired and keep it!

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 02 Jan 12 - 08:11 PM

Q
along with the Hamilton 936, the guy sold me a mint perfect Waltham Riverside 21J. Just mint condition. I nail both watches for 200 bucks total. The 936 is more than impressive for sure. I have to email you a photo

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 02 Jan 12 - 08:05 PM

Q
is absolutely right, that is a fine old watch . treasure it for sure.
Q has forgotten more about watches then I could ever learn

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 02 Jan 12 - 05:40 PM

I have never collected them, but those Ingersolls, etc. with cartoon characters can be worth more than a few dollars.
You have a good family keepsake, collector value or no.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: ossonflags
Date: 02 Jan 12 - 04:27 PM

I still have the watch, but not the dad who bought me it.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: kendall
Date: 02 Jan 12 - 08:08 AM

Dan, Elgin number 18 keeps stopping so I've gone back to old faithful, Elgin number 16.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,ossonflags
Date: 02 Jan 12 - 06:22 AM

I have a an Ingersoll watch from the fifties with Dan Dare and the mekon from the Eagle comic as a face.