Thread: POCKET WATCHES

Thank you for the information Johntoad.

It is a very simple, yet elegant design.

I intend to keep the watch in the family as it was passed down from two generations before me and should remain a family heirloom.

I actually used to carry the watch, but haven’t worn a vest or pants with a watch pocket in over 20 years. As a matter of fact, I don’t even wear a wristwatch these days.

Originally Posted by Johntoad57

I can't offer you anyone. I don't know if the old watchmakers still exist and repair these watches. I used to do this but I can't see anymore and my hands shake too much. My son couldn't give a rats ass about learning this craft, so it dies with me.

I'm sorry that I can't be of more help. They are still some out there, I just don't know where anymore. Parts are becoming scare and if they do have parts, they want a lot of $$$ for them. Don't be surprised if you get a quote that high!

Unfortunately all the old timers are gone or are on their way out. I used to dabble but I'm getting too old myself and the guy I used here in town is retired too. You might try superior watch service in NYC. I'm not sure if they still fix vintage stuff.

By the way if you want information on these pieces we need a look at the innards. That will tell all. There is a book-complete price guide to watches that has always been the bible on this stuff. I used to get it every year but haven't since 2000 so I do't know if it's still in print.

Otherwise you just have to check watch repairers in your town and check on line but beware guys with little training or experience.

Originally Posted by DZEC

Thank you for the information Johntoad.

It is a very simple, yet elegant design.

I intend to keep the watch in the family as it was passed down from two generations before me and should remain a family heirloom.

I actually used to carry the watch, but haven’t worn a vest or pants with a watch pocket in over 20 years. As a matter of fact, I don’t even wear a wristwatch these days.

You can get a pouch to wear on your belt if you want to wear it again and you should.

Thebigspendur is right. You should wear your watch often and at least wind it every once in a while and let it cycle through. That way it won't gum up. I have two pocket watches that I wear often. They are a 1904 Elgin and a 1906 Waltham. They belonged to my Granfathers. I wind them a least every two months to keep the movements in working order.

I may have stumbled into a possible place for you in my search for replacement crystals (based in Ottawa):

https://ashtontracy.ca/

From the website:

"Swiss-trained watchmaker Ashton Tracy’s watchmaking workshop offers world-class service, repair & restoration services for most watch brands, whether modern or vintage. Ashton is a WOSTEP certified, Rolex trained watchmaker who specializes in the restoration of vintage Rolex, Tudor, & Omega watches due to specific training and years of experience in the industry."

Can't vouch for anything as I have not used their services, but seems maybe a good place to start?

Good luck!

I did some searching as well and found someone in Outbacks neck of the woods (about 2.5 hrs away) that has 40yrs of experience. Once i get some money saved up I plan on giving him a call.

Originally Posted by tintin

I did some searching as well and found someone in Outbacks neck of the woods (about 2.5 hrs away) that has 40yrs of experience. Once i get some money saved up I plan on giving him a call.

Very Good! I hope they can help you!

Here are the old watches I mentioned. Pretty cool..

Those are very nice watches Tom. The bottom two (Waltham and Hamilton) are probably railroad grade watches by the looks of them. The top two Elgins are unique in their own right. The one on the right is a dress watch and the one on the left has an interesting two tone dial.

Very nice collection. Do they run?

I can't tell if the Waltham says 21 or 23 jewels but I have one that looks the same. Some of those were their later watches when they started using Swiss mvmts. That's what mine is but you have to open it to tell.