BS: Old Pocket Watches

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 20 Aug 11 - 04:51 PM

My Latest find
Illinois 1918 (19 Jeweled)
absolutely amazing condition and all original

Illinois

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 07:50 PM

Interesting that all the watches the Amish guy could carry since he has a huge collection, he chooses to carry a Hamilton 940 ... just like me .. It is still my all time favorite watch 21 Jeweled Railroad 1906 or there about lever set. Mine the case is all worn and lots of brassing .. just like the old railroad guys would end up with theirs

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 07:29 PM

Ake
you are looking at about 1500 hundred or more in gold alone

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: akenaton
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 03:59 PM

One of my sons goes to Auction Houses, last week he bought a large cardboard box of bric-a-brac .....old coins, some ceramics old tools...and in the bottom corner,a little knitted pouch.

When he opened up the pouch, inside was a solid gold hunter pocket watch with swiss movement!

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 01:23 PM

I brought three of my old watches that been laying around needing repair to the Amish master. This guy makes watches and makes parts that he sells to the restoration companies. He had them for 2 months. One needed hands and a balance, one needed a mainspring and the other a hair spring. All needed cleaned .. got them back 60 bucks total. Look and run like new ...

I never pass up broken watches unless they are total destroyed like Kendall had ... I am luck to have a guy like that around here .. repair is painfully expensive elsewhere. If I am in a rush, then I use the other guy who is a Jeweler. Cost me 100 buck just to service one of my railroad watches that needed nothing but cleaning.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: kendall
Date: 03 Aug 11 - 01:42 PM

So the thing I sent you is junk, eh?

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 03 Aug 11 - 01:39 PM

Latest estate sale find, 1920 Illinois 21 Jeweled
ticks but needs a new stem, minute hand and I want to replace the dial
Illinois watches are one of the best I think

Illinois

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 21 Jun 11 - 10:20 AM

On my GM Wheeler, I went back and bought the 1902 railroad maintenance book for 50 cents each. I got 5 of them. They show the history of the watch. These books are amazing. They have the foreman's signature next to notes like, cleaned boiler, repaired main track .. etc .. amazing. Now who the heck sells their family history like that .. go figure huh. It always amazes me how little some folks care about their family history ..

railroad book

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 21 Jun 11 - 10:05 AM

Hey Q
Tell me what you need. The Amish guy (master) actually makes the parts and ships them to companies ... he is inexpensive also. Fully serviced my 992b .. timed it perfect running condition 50 bucks.

I had a swiss watch, spring broke .. can't find one anywhere. Me made the spring .. perfect .. again cheap

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 20 Jun 11 - 08:31 PM

Sometimes it can take a long time to get the right replacement part if it cannot be machined.
I am waiting for a restorer to find the right jewel (no, not all were standard) to replace a broken one in a 1870s watch.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: kendall
Date: 20 Jun 11 - 07:30 PM

Way I see it is, some ordinary person built it or put it together, so some other person can take it apart and fix it. Just a matter of logic. See how it works, maybe take some pictures to assist in reassembly. Child's play.
Jacqui has been complaining that the shoulder belt in her car is too high and it chafes her neck. I examined it, saw how it was constructed and redesigned it. Added a piece of steel in the shape of a bar and added 5 inches to the anchor. Works great.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Charmion
Date: 20 Jun 11 - 06:06 PM

Oh, boy, Kendall -- are there any more at home like you?

Not that I'm looking to replace Edmund, but there are days when I dream of a genuine fix-it guy with his own tools and a taste for sheet-metal repair to deal with stuff with the dent in the garage door ...

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: kendall
Date: 20 Jun 11 - 01:50 PM

Don't need a mechanic, I can fix anything but a broken heart.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Charmion
Date: 20 Jun 11 - 01:20 PM

... and an instrument technician on retainer, and a mechanic on salary.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: kendall
Date: 19 Jun 11 - 09:00 PM

If I were rich I'd have a room full of old pocket watches and a hanger full of old cars!

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: kendall
Date: 19 Jun 11 - 08:58 PM

What am I going to do with you?

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 18 Jun 11 - 10:36 PM

A serious watch collector only wants original right from the factory condition. I am more of an old watch fancier. I want ones that were used, railroad watches that have actually been used on the railroad. The history is the best part. you will see many of the old railroad watches with replacement steel dials. That is because the porcelain dials cracked under different temps all the time. Most of the old timers preferred the steel replacement dials as they held up. The GM Wheeler had the dial replaced probably in the early 1900's. It was railroad used ... case worn but running perfect.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 18 Jun 11 - 08:42 PM

You have five, watch your mail next week

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: kendall
Date: 18 Jun 11 - 08:27 PM

A couple of your links failed, couldn't see the watches.

I have four pocket watches now. Where does it end?

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 18 Jun 11 - 03:34 PM

Latest yard sale find, an Elgin GM Wheeler 1895 Lever set railroad grade. Keeping perfect time so far ... wow .. someone carried the hell out of it ... love the history cause it was well used on the railroad

GM Wheeler

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 03 Dec 10 - 01:15 PM

This one is a steal if someone wants a great christmas gift.
I talk to Fred on the Watch forum many times, he is a master collector and watchsmith and I am sure it is perfect knowing him.

Waltham RR

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 03:43 PM

992B is what I would absolutely go for. But I keep seeing the 992's well under 200 bucks listed as serviced. Most you see around 120 or so. So it is just a little easier on the pocket. The B's always seem to bring top price as they should. I won't carry mine except for special occasions but I will carry my 992 because that one I can replace reasonable

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 02:29 PM

Or the 992b, size 16- also often about the same price.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: maeve
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 09:30 AM

That's a nice one, Dan. Someday I'll get a good one for my Truelove. It will have to be the right one, though.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 09:13 AM

oops here is the link
hamilton 992

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 09:12 AM

Tell Jacqui you want one of these for Xmas. This is what I carry daily
http://cgi.ebay.com/antique-1909-Hamilton-992-Railroad-Pocket-Watch-21j-16-/150519138721?pt=Pocket_Watches&hash=item230ba3c9a1

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 08:12 AM

The Waltham is slim, not a fat one it is size 16

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 08:05 AM

I just love those big old fat pocket watches.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 16 Nov 10 - 08:07 PM

sure if you want it

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: kendall
Date: 16 Nov 10 - 08:00 PM

Dan, I'll trade you two for that one Waltham! How about the Pocket Ben and the Elgin?

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 16 Nov 10 - 06:51 PM

I just checked out that Chinese watch ... that looks very well made and sure has a lot of features for that price. I will still just use one of the old wind ups but you can't beat that price.

This Waltham that I just fixed has been running absolutely perfect for 3 solid days. I will probably give it away as I just really want to keep my railroads for my kids

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 16 Nov 10 - 03:35 PM

You are absolutely right Q. They are passed by because they are not railroad watches and lots of them were made. But they still keep excellent time and will run another 100+ years and still keep excellent time

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 16 Nov 10 - 03:10 PM

Stauer put out an email offer today for one of their Chinese 27-jewel automatics; $49.00.
Dunno if the offer is open or only to previous customers.
www.stauer.com.
(Caution- Buy something and they try to get you into a "club" Refuse!)

I have two size 16 Walthams, 17-jewel, that I picked up cheap. Both run well. One has a hunter case. Not sought-after by collectors, so often found at low prices. Very good watches, good for at least another 100 years.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 16 Nov 10 - 11:16 AM

Just picked up this one in a Junk Store ! 20 bucks. It is an 1894 15 Jeweled Waltham size 16. The watch didn't run, I tore it apart and cleaned it myself... it has been keeping perfect time now ... very cool. Someone tried to pry open the back of the case. I had to mess with that to get it to close properly again ..

Waltham

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: kendall
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 10:11 AM

Just like my ex wife.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 05:45 AM

Still playing with this old Elgin.
If I stand it upright or lay it down on its face it runs perfectly. If I lay it in its back it quits.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 09:02 PM

And for our friend here on Mudcat. If you are a folkie like we are all here on this forum, get rid of that dang newfangled store bought electric watch of yours and get back to your roots. Heck ya can buy a scotty for 9 bucks that will keep good time .. Your dad, your granddad and his and his used a wind up .. go back to your roots folks, that is what we are all about, "tradition", get a pocket watch "any pocket watch" and get a chain .. and go back to your roots. Just like our music right

:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 08:03 PM

Beautiful watches Q

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 07:42 PM

Since the Bartlett movement was produced along with the Ellery (and even before), I took out mine to look at it.
All of the Waltham movements changed over time, adding jewels and refinements but keeping the basic form of the movement.
My Bartlett is a size 16, 17J 1899 date. Runs nicely, although it last was oiled some 20 years ago. In a Cashier (Canadian gold-fill) case.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 06:53 PM

By the way, Lincoln preferred solid gold watches to silver ones ..
I true republican LOL (sorry couldn't resist)

Josepp, if you want to post some pics on flickr.com I will post for you on NAWCC. Fun to see it for sure

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 06:45 PM

Saw some Pics on the NAWCC of that watch Q ... my gosh how beautiful. Sometime when I get to the Smith I gotta look it up , I am sure it is on display ... I hope - it better be.

We know of 3 Lincoln watches, but here is where my optimistic brain kicks in, it was not at all uncommon to give watches to prominent people. They were considered one heck of a gift. Not saying this is real .. Lincoln stuff has been forged since his death but If I found one I would have it look at for sure. But with great value comes great evidence to support the claim. You have to have the history to back it.   Sometimes researchers can find it based on the serial number via seller. Me I would take a great pic, put it on the NAWCC and let the experts roll with it. Those guy would do it just for the fun of identifying the history of it. That would be a place to start

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 06:28 PM

Error? in Wikipedia-
"In tribute, upon the Gettysburg address, he [Lincoln] was presented with a William Ellery key wind watch Waltham Model 1857, serial number 67613. This watch is now in the collection of the National Museum of American Historey at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D. C."

See post above by olddude- this watch was presented to Dennis Hanks- Lincoln's cousin. From Nawcc, message from the Curator of that section, Smithsonian.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 03:48 PM

That was an expensive drop also .. 105 bucks total to fix a busted jewel. History in your pocket is not a cheap option at all

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 02:12 PM

With your CAR captain I sure Am ... Holy Cow is that a sweet ride

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: kendall
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 01:44 PM

Dan's in love!

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 12:15 PM

Just picked up my 940 from the shop, the old girl is running fine again. Don't drop your watch !! The case is all worn, the dial was replaced in the 20-30's. The railroad guy carried the hell out of it .. Love this old watch even though it is a size 18. Its all about the history

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: olddude
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 09:12 AM

From NAWCC

Hey but there could be more out there, I would have the Smithsonian have a look at it .. If they can trace the serial number to the buyer .. that could be interesting

According to Carlene E. Stephens, Curator, Division of Work and Industry, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution Lincoln's everyday watch was an English lever in an American gold case, sold to Lincoln by George Chatterton, a Springfield Il. The American Watch Co. watch you refer to is a Wm. hunting case sn 67613 in a Waltham case no. E279 and was given to Dennis Hanks (Lincoln cousin) in 1864.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 09:19 PM

Sorry, 1865.

None of the many reports that I found about the discovery of the message identify the English maker of the movement.

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: josepp
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 09:06 PM

By 1965?

Subject: RE: BS: Old Pocket Watches
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 09:03 PM

William Ellery movement was made by Waltham, an 11-jewel model. Lincoln had one in a silver hunter case, dated 1863. The movement cost $13.00. By 1965, it was the cheapest of their movements- Bartlett at $16.00, Appleton-Tracy at $38, and one called American grade 00 at $175.00 (a very rare ladies size, only a handful produced).

Lincoln also had a gold-case watch with English-made (Liverpool) movement; in the news recently when a message about the Civil War by a watchmaker, c. 1861, was found inside.