Pocket Watches

Not to derail anothers post I figured I'd start another :p

Here is the watch my dad gave me a few years ago. I have been able to remove the crystal collar (cover) and see some numbers on the gold housing. But I can't get the back cover off for the life of me. I would love to know about the watch but have been told the serial number on the mechanizm is the only way to know what I have... :confused: crud...

Anyone out there able to shed some light my way, or do I have to suck up some trust and let a watch repair place wrench on it?

It's thick and heavy for it's size and has a plastic crystal (cover). I did a gagle search and that was a bit over wellming :p

Well it looks like a lever set railroad approved type of watch with a Montgomery dial. Any competent watch repairmen would have a gizmo to safely unscrew the back.

Nice watch. Are you a pocket watch user normally?

If you decide to use it, make sure you don't have anything that will scratch it in the pocket like keys, pens or phones. (My watch got scratched that way - and I thought it was scratch resistant!)

I can't see the whole case there however some backs screw off and some pry off and some have a hinge and open that way. the Elgin BW Raymond was their better watch assuming of course someone didn't replace the mvmt with something else. If its a screw on and hasn't been opened in a while it can be really hard to open and usually takes someone with large powerful fingers, I kid you not. There is really no tool to do it outside of maybe a piece of thin rubber to keep the watch from slipping in your hands.

Ya the back is a screw off type, my dad said he unscrewed it way back when... The only time I would wear this one would be formal gatherings and such. Fear of loosing it (family piece) would bother me. I plan to find one for everyday use. But modern ones just seem like so much crap. I'm always looking for one in steel or silver for regular carry.

Next time I get a suit taylord up it's going to have a vest for a pocket watch :D

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Well it looks like a lever set railroad approved type of watch with a Montgomery dial. Any competent watch repairmen would have a gizmo to safely unscrew the back.

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Would that "lever set" be under the collor, there is a small lever at around 1oclock if I remember corectly.

Hey Chef,

I sold a watch VERY similar to yours a couple of years ago.
Your watch looks like a B.W. Raymond, 571 Grade (good watch.)
That crazy looking little 'dollar sign' under the name ELGIN signifies that the watch has an "Elinvar" (unbreakable) spring.

Here is a link to a page that explains how to set a Lever Set Pocket Watch.

http://pocketwatcher.zoovy.com/category/watch_information.settingaleversetwatch/

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Originally Posted by DwarvenChef

I plan to find one for everyday use. But modern ones just seem like so much crap.

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I used to have a hunter (watch with closing lid), but dust kept getting in and it needed regular servicing.

I now have a modern style one, an Adina, which works well and I've had no probs with.

Re having a fob for your watch - some jeans have them and they work nicely - My Levis have the little fob just above the bigger pocket. You could possibly get a fob tailored into the inside pocket of a pair of trousers if you're wearing a suit.

All the best,
Michael.

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Originally Posted by DwarvenChef

I plan to find one for everyday use. But modern ones just seem like so much crap. I'm always looking for one in steel or silver for regular carry.

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How about Stauer - Stauer Pocket Watch ?

It's gold (plated) rather than silver or steel, but it's really a beautiful piece. At $75 it's going to be MUCH nicer than anything you'll find at wal*mart, but not a $500 antique either.

I've eye-balled their watches for a long time, especially the ritorno, but I've yet to buy one. The reviews have been a little mixed, but most of the really bad reviews have been comparing them to far more expensive watches like rolex.

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Originally Posted by VeeDubb65

How about Stauer - Stauer Pocket Watch ?

It's gold (plated) rather than silver or steel, but it's really a beautiful piece. At $75 it's going to be MUCH nicer than anything you'll find at wal*mart, but not a $500 antique either.

I've eye-balled their watches for a long time, especially the ritorno, but I've yet to buy one. The reviews have been a little mixed, but most of the really bad reviews have been comparing them to far more expensive watches like rolex.

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The real question you have to ask yourself is do you want a real pocketwatch or not? The Stauer is made in China and its the old story of you get what you pay for. I'd rather save my money and for about $300 you can get a vintage model U.S made in decent shape if you stick with maybe a 12 or 14 size Elgin say in a lower grade.