BS: Old Pocket Watches

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 26 Feb 14 - 06:07 PM

notice he reblued the hands also. I had a set of hamilton hands and he said no these are the original ball hands.

look at this movement and I was wrong, it is a 19J Ball Waltham not Hamilton. Mahlon said the Waltham Balls are harder to find

movement

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 26 Feb 14 - 05:03 PM

Good grief, Dan - that is fantastic work - the man is a Genius!

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 26 Feb 14 - 04:26 PM

Hey Will
Look what Mahlon did to the Ball RR watch. I recased it as someone tried to pry the old case open but that is the same dial and hands etc.
what a job he did

b4

after

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 15 Feb 14 - 11:28 AM

That looks nice, Dan - you can see the quality through the grime on the dial - should clean up a treat, especially if Mahlon gives it his best!

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 14 Feb 14 - 11:02 PM

So I bought three old watches on flea bay for a total of 60 bucks. This one had no crystal and looked like it was whipped. Mahlon and I finally got the case open and the movement was perfect. The dial is just dirty. He is restoring it for me. Turns out it is a 21 Jeweled Ball Hamilton ... What a find, can't wait to see it finished.

Ball

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 30 Jan 14 - 02:44 PM

I've been having a Swiss Emperor chrono from the 1960s cleaned and serviced. It's currently being tested for positions, but I've been sent pics of the work in progress. There's a before and after pic of the movement here.

It was apparently swimming in old oil...

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 17 Jan 14 - 07:07 AM

How long is a piece of string...

The best bet is to look at eBay "sold" prices for 100-year old 18k gold pocket watches. Unless the movement and dial are exceptional, all the value is going to be in the scrap value of the gold. Is it key wound or crown wound? Is it a hunter, half-hunter or open face? Is it worn, scratched, dinged, perfect? Engraved, machine-turned, unmarked? What's the case weight without the movement.

Also check out online auction catalogues - try:

http://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb

to see what the estimates are - but remember they're just a rough guide and may sell for a lot more.

If you can post a link to some pictures here, we may be able to help more.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,greek
Date: 17 Jan 14 - 04:53 AM

Hi everyone!
A friend of mine has a CHAMBERS LONDON 18k gold pocket watch. It was given as a gift to his grandfather and has stayed in the family ever since. It has some marks on the back cover: JM, 18, crowns. Do you know if it's of any value and where can I ask about it? I can't find any info on the Internet. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 29 Dec 13 - 05:11 PM

what a beauty Will. Love it

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 29 Dec 13 - 04:12 AM

This is a nice chronograph from the 1960s. It's running very fast at the moment, and the chrono centre sweep hand needs resetting, so it's due a service in the New Year...

Swiss Emperor Landeron chronograph

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 13 Dec 13 - 12:19 PM

I almost nailed a Hamilton 946 at a local auction but the price went through the roof ... that is one that I wish I had. They made so few of those 23J pocket watches. What a gem

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 12 Dec 13 - 03:15 PM

Read 'em Dan - action tomorrow or Saturday - and thanks for the kind attention.

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

Will
read your PM's
Dan

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 01:41 PM

Large dials, especially with stopwatch, etc. features are big sellers at present, many at $99 or less. Sears, Macy's and other big store advs. are full of them.

I like the smaller models of the past, and they need only have a seconds hand. Dates I get from my computer when I open up.

Years ago, I bought the Omega professional "moon watch" at a local auction. I seldom wore it; it was heavy, especially with the steel bracelet. Eventually, I sold it.

The heaviest watch I wear often is a Bulova (Swiss) with 24 hour dial (34 mm dia. case). It is now about 30-35 years old, takes a battery, and has never been serviced. I have mentioned it before, its price new was $75 or so.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 01:36 PM

so true Will. I love those old little watches. You can wear them and not even know it is on your wrist. The big chunky ones are a pain and catch on everything when you reach for something. The old little ones got soul for sure

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 04:14 AM

Those Art Deco-ish dials are very tasty. It's interesting to see how watches have grown in size. I often see a 1930s or 1940s wristwatch on eBay described as a "woman's watch" when, in fact, it might well have been a man's watch in intent.

My '40s dials are somewhere around 33mm in width - the one on my wrist at the moment (a Seiko solar powered one) is 40mm wide - and I've seen them up to 43mm or even 45mm in width! With dials like gas meters.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 10 Dec 13 - 06:42 PM

another from my collection that I absolutely love. This is a 1929 Hamilton Greenwich

29

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 07 Dec 13 - 03:26 PM

one more that I wear quite a bit. This is a rare 1935 Hamilton "Calvin"
tank. beautiful time keeper

calvin

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 06 Dec 13 - 11:24 PM

this one is a 1939 Hamilton Dixon that Mahlon just did a full COA on it
I am going to ebay it so if anyone wants it here 125 bucks. Going to ask 225 on ebay

1939

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

My daily watch when I don't carry my 992b

this is a 1936 Hamilton Clark, tank ... I love the tank watches of this era

clark

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 01 Dec 13 - 11:26 AM

PM sent.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 01 Dec 13 - 10:21 AM

ok bro
send me your address via PM
Dan

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 01 Dec 13 - 06:36 AM

Dan - I was out-sniped for the Hamilton Navy watch - so I'll take up your offer on the Durham. $100+ postage?

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 30 Nov 13 - 06:11 PM

OK Dan, let's see how my snipe goes... :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 30 Nov 13 - 05:59 PM

100 bucks for you my brother.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 30 Nov 13 - 05:27 PM

Hey, that's a neat watch, Dan. I'm sorely tempted. I've got my eye on a Hamilton US Navy pocket watch. If I miss it, I may well go for your Hamilton.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 30 Nov 13 - 04:51 PM

A 1952 Hamilton Durham Tonneau wrist watch. This model is very scarce. It is mint and clean and perfect running condition. 150 bucks if anyone wants it, that is a steal actually

great watch
saw one on Ebay for 350 and it sold

hamilton

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: frogprince
Date: 12 Nov 13 - 02:44 PM

OooKay...just gave it an itty tweak; now to see how it looks in a day or so...

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 11 Nov 13 - 10:43 PM

use a flat knife carefully you will see the little bulge on back of case pop it open there. pry gentle. move regulator up third of knotch

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: frogprince
Date: 11 Nov 13 - 09:31 PM

When I sent it to you, the back was just flopping open; didn't snap shut securely. Is there anything I should know now to open it, other than prying it open carefully, so I don't mess it up?

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 11 Nov 13 - 08:43 PM

you can tweek it without hurting anything bro ... just remember where is was at before you changed it in case you get it way out .. bump it up ever so slightly and see

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: frogprince
Date: 11 Nov 13 - 08:38 PM

Wore the little 1891 Waltham & chain to our art association's holiday-show gala reception Saturday night. I just crank it up for special occasions. It is approx 2 minutes a day slow; would it make sense to tweak the speed set ever so little, or should I leave well enough alone? It's really a non-issue for me. I get a kick out of showing off the thing, wearing it with a vest my gal made for me.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 11 Nov 13 - 04:43 PM

Bulova put out some good watches for little money.
I wore one when traveling. It has a 24 hour dial, useful in Europe. Marked R.R.9162 Q. Swiss movement.
Paying for purchases in a drugstore, I saw it in a counter display of watches. That was in about 1960. Battery driven, keeps near perfect time.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 10 Nov 13 - 08:42 PM

After a little research the sterling watch band was made by Rose Castillo Draper when she was just Rose Castillo .. Made in Albuquerque NM a very sought after Navajo silver jewelry maker ... very cool

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 07 Nov 13 - 03:12 PM

The perfect fishing watch. This bulova is the oceanographer 333ft watch. It is hand wind.   The band is a handmade sterling with turquoise and red coral underneath. I got the thing for 30 bucks threw it in the bathtub overnight .. perfect waterproof right on time. No kidding these are inexpensive and from the 60's ... best fishing watch for me ever

bulova

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Greg F.
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 05:20 PM

Wow. I love it! - Can you post a photo of it when he's done with it?

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 03:09 PM

May Lon

you gotta see what he is doing ... he made me a pen ... installed a 19J Hamilton ladies watch in it .. so now I have a pen watch .. made the pen barrel made the case .. he just showed it to me ... he has to finish one small thing but said it was for me ... Holy cow was that cool

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Greg F.
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 02:59 PM

Hi, Dan- possibly a silly question, but just womdering how Mahlon pronounces his name. MAH-lon or MAY-lon; have heard it both ways.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 02:16 PM

I just came back Mahlon. He has two new highly trained Amish watchmakers. He said he has a small lull in action so now is a great time if anyone needs service.

I just picked up two mint perfect Hamilton wrist watches. A 1937 Dodson and a 1937 dixon.

Absolutely beautiful .. however I still carry a 992b daily

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 07:37 AM

Same with me Kendall. I have two 992Bs from Dan - both keeping fantastic time. Not quite as accurate as my Seiko Solar V158 wristwatch - but much prettier!

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,Kendall
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 07:00 AM

My Hamilton 992b is still running as close to perfect as anyone can expect. It has failed, however, to set itself for EST. That's the only advantage my cell phone has for keeping time. Thanks again, Dan!

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 04:03 AM

Over the years, a number of people - knowing my interest in things horological - have asked me questions about their own watches, and even given me their throw-outs to wreck (as only I can!). These discussions usually take place in my local pub, in the "old gits' corner", between the witching hours of 5.00pm and 6.30pm.

It was at that time yesterday that an acquaintance of mine handed me a hunter, saying, "This is for you - if you can make anything of it, repay me with a large scotch." The watch was a dark, shiny copper - almost mahogany in colour, through which the machine turning could be clearly seen. The winding stem mechanism was obviously faulty - sometimes winding, sometimes turning the hands and sometimes just turning loosely. The face was signed "Renown".

I got it home, opened up the case covers and spotted hallmarking - Birmingham, 1924, and "A.L.D." for the Dennison case company. I got out my silver cleaning cloth and started an exploratory polish - to reveal an immaculate machine turned hunter case. The face is also mint, with nice blued "moon' hands. The 7-jewel movement, though with the aforementioned stem problems, is as clean as a whistle and, when actually wound, is keeping good time. So - I'm very lucky, and my friend's large scotch will probably metamorphose into at least a half bottle. I'm off to my watchmaker friend Derek next week to get it (hopefully) fettled.

Case front

Case back

Face

The movement's a standard Swiss 7-jewel - nothing to write home about but nice and clean.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: maeve
Date: 18 Oct 13 - 02:26 PM

There seem to be some good values on eBay for three(?) different George Daniels books...far less than most good pocket watches. :)

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 18 Oct 13 - 02:13 PM

Roger Smith is fantastic - I watched a YT video of his where he just made a pair of watch hands - absolutely incredible workmanship!

One day, when I've sold all my possessions, I'll buy George Daniels's book...

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: maeve
Date: 18 Oct 13 - 11:38 AM

You might all enjoy this:
The man who makes £100,000 watches

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

Great stuff, Dan - what lovely workmanship.

I'm very tempted to ask Mahlon to turn my Hamilton 23 case rear into a display cover - the chronograph movement is wonderful to look at.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 06 Sep 13 - 05:04 PM

Eight Months ago I gave Mahlon a Hamilton 996 for parts only. The plates were corroded, the wheels, the screws. strickly a parts watch. Today he gave me this for my birtday. He removed all corrosion which takes off all the beautiful damaskeen work, so he by hand, reapplied all the intrigate damaskeen on the movement, COA's it .. have a look at a one of a kind Hamilton 996.   He also blued the screws to make the damaskeen work pop.   I put it in a glass back bar over crown case until I can find a Hamilton display case

front

damaskeen inside

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 05 Sep 13 - 01:21 PM

Dan - can you give me Mahlon's address in a PM? (My laptop hard drive crashed a few weeks ago and I lost my contact list).

My Hamilton 23 needs a good service, and I only trust Mahlon to do it for me.

Thanks. :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Will Fly
Date: 03 Sep 13 - 03:26 AM

Ah, here we go again...

Hamilton 925 face

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: gnu
Date: 02 Sep 13 - 05:20 PM

Thanks, Dan. Will... the pic is no go for me.