Thread: Pocket Watch

If you want to go really old-school check out a Illinois pocket watch, IMO, nothing like them this century or the last.

Originally Posted by Bayamontate

If you want to go really old-school check out a Illinois pocket watch, IMO, nothing like them this century or the last.

Illinois watches had a very loyal following among the folks working on the Railroads. Towards the end around 1930 Hamilton bought them out but still allowed them to produce under their name.

Maintenance is also a consideration -worth speaking to your local watch/clock repairer.

I used to use a hunter (watch with a lid), but had to get it cleaned regularly because dust got into the watch.

I now use an Adina, which has a modern face & only need to change the battery every year or two.

All the best,
Michael

Originally Posted by Bayamontate

If you want to go really old-school check out a Illinois pocket watch, IMO, nothing like them this century or the last.

Beg to Differ,Get thee a Hamilton 950B,and never look back.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Beg to Differ,Get thee a Hamilton 950B,and never look back.

All the outfits had their top of the line watches and really when it comes down to it they all were capable of very precise time keeping. Whether it's an Illinois Interstate Chronometer or a Hamilton 950 or a Waltham Vangard or any of the others the technology was the same and it was little differences between competitors and the loyal fans of one brand over the other that seems to elevate some to almost mythical status. Besides just try getting one of these super high grades in great condition. if you can find one you better be really flush with cash.

I've had a few Hamilton 992s, an Illinois Bunn Special. A 950 will set you back near a thousand USD last time I looked. If you buy a mechanical watch such as one of these vintage pieces you'll need to have it serviced and finding someone you can trust to do the job right may be an issue. I am thinking TBS could tell you where to get that done. A friend who is a watch mechanic told me one of those should be serviced once a year. Mechanical watches make their own dirt simply by operating. Lubricants dry up .... more to it than the 'romance' of the thing. If it was me I would buy a quartz movement. Right now I'm carrying a seiko wrist watch, sans band, in my pocket. Too cheap to buy a "real" one and it is working.

Actually pocketwatches will go much longer than wristwatches because the parts are bigger and the forces are stronger however it depends on the environment the watch is operating in and the seal of the case. I never like them worn in a pocket because fine lint can get into the mechanism. Better to get a leather pouch and wear it on your belt. A 950 right now in mint condition will go for almost $1500+.

Jimmy is right, unless you have a thing about mechanical and vintage buy a quartz it will run forever and probably be dust and water resistant which the vintage are not. Many of the vintage pieces were repaired by jury rigging and are full of parts that work but don't really fit so you need to know if you go the vintage route. It's easy to be taken even if you know something about them. For servicing you not only need to find a competent mechanical watch repairman (which is no easy task these days) but you also need one who specializes in vintage and who has a stock of parts watches. If an improper part is put in the watch may never run properly again.

Actually about a grand at the NAWCC marts,the Bs and elinvares command 1500+
The japanese are buying up all the great RR watches,they come to the shows with wads of cash and a translator,Thats buis.
Just like all the great mac tube audio stuff I sold to them back in the 70s.out of the country never to return

I liken quartz watches to shaving with a BIC disposable; yes, it'll work, but...



Which one would you use?

I've been collecting watches for 45+ years. My advice would be to buy a good 21 jewel Hamilton or Illinois. The parts are readily available and watchmakers can be found that charge a reasonable amount for a clean. oil, and adjust.

That way, just like your razor, you have something that can be passed down that your siblings will be proud to keep.

Funny thing, after I posted earlier in the thread I thought about the fact that I'm using a straight razor exclusively to shave my face. Something from a bygone era. A mechanical pocket watch is in the same ballpark but I'll stick with the quartz for now. Love the old vintage timepieces though.