Thread: Looking to carry a pocket watch again, any ideas?

Hello,
I used to religiously carry a pocket watch when I was in High school, then I got a cell phone and didn’t need it. I want to get a new one but don’t know where to start. I go on eBay and there is every thing from .99 cent junk to $4,000 masterpieces! I would like to just start out with a nice vintage watch under $200 or so. Doesn’t need to be fancy gold or anything, I can be pretty rough on things so it doesn’t need to be elegant. I like the duel open sides with the Skelton window but know this was not an option on older ones. I am not partial to vintage, if I can find a new one that is quality that is fine. I just don’t want that junk that you see at gas stations all made of tin. Want some weight to it so that you know it’s real. Any one help me on some manufactures names or ideas where to buy.

Thanks

this place Pocket Watches sells a few brands of new models, I got a Colibri nothing fancy and in an old style look, I have had it about 4 years now keeps perfect time I only adjust it 2x a year when the clocks change. I have bought a few things from that site including cigar cases and cigar lighters always great service.

Personally, I think if you are wanting something reliable, with some weight, go for a Railroad Pocket Watch. Something about a 1945 to 1950 vintage. It won't be a whole lot more than the 200 bucks you were willing to pay.
eBay is a possible source. I have bought a few Pocket Watches there and by being judicious, I have picked up a couple of really nice ones in the 300 dollar price range.
Just something to think about.

Jeeter

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Originally Posted by Brother Jeeter

Personally, I think if you are wanting something reliable, with some weight, go for a Railroad Pocket Watch. Something about a 1945 to 1950 vintage. It won't be a whole lot more than the 200 bucks you were willing to pay.
eBay is a possible source. I have bought a few Pocket Watches there and by being judicious, I have picked up a couple of really nice ones in the 300 dollar price range.
Just something to think about.

Jeeter

Sorry but you will not get a railroad grade pocketwatch (U.S Vintage) in 16 or 18 size other than a bunch of junk for anything less than $500. For $200 you can get a small 12 size non railroad grade in descent condition. Check out oldwatch.com.

Sorry but you will not get a railroad grade pocketwatch (U.S Vintage) in 16 or 18 size other than a bunch of junk for anything less than $500.

thebigspendur


Uhhhh...I beg to differ! The Hamilton 992 (1926 vintage) that I have in the watch pocket of my Liberty bibs, right now, cost me $300 on eBay. It is a 16 size and it runs like a sewing machine.
I said "...by being judicious..." I did not say those deals come along seven, or eight times a day.
BTW, the 992 was the watch Hamilton produced for years (I understand Hamilton sold over 500,000 of them) then it was replaced with the 992B (Railway Special.) This was 1940, or 1941. The last 992B was built in 1969.
I also bought an 18 size Elgin Father Time, for less than $500. 1899 manufacture and it too keeps very good time. I have posted a picture of it somewhere.
NO these didn't come along one right after the other. The time lag between the two was something like three years. And no they aren't a "bunch of junk."
Judicious is the word. Patient comes to mind as well.

I just ran onto a Hamilton 992 on eBay. You can "Buy It Now" for $349.99 The seller says:
"Dial and case are in great condition!
Watch is in good working order--recently serviced!"

Here's a link to the Auction.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Antique-Hamilton-992-Railroad-Pocket-Watch-16-Size-21-J_W0QQitemZ260408774933QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPocket_W atches?hash=item3ca1929115&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_t rkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A1%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1326%7C29 3%3A2%7C294%3A25

Wow, That is a nice looking watch! I just dont know if im ready to take it to that level yet. But thanks for sending me the link!

I don't see any mention of guarantee or warranty so the seller can say anything he wants to say. Once you get the watch and it doesn't run so hot then you have to get it serviced/repaired.