Thread: Pocket Watch

Yep, the Perfection was a lower priced model for them. As I recall either 7 or 15 jewels. If it's a 15 and in mint shape in every way it might be worth the asking price but not a 7.

If you're looking stick with one of the larger manufacturers like Waltham, Elgin, hamilton Illinois or similar. If the thing needs parts they usually come from a parts watch and some of the lessor know outfits are hard to come by. The more well known companies can always be had.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

If you're looking stick with one of the larger manufacturers like Waltham, Elgin, hamilton Illinois or similar.

Good advice. I've passed on a lot of really nice pockets from Marion Watch Company, Columbus, etc. because of the parts issues. A good watchmaker can turn a new staff but it can cost you more than you paid for the watch.

Trick is to find an old world watchmaker,these young pups are good but pricey as hell.
Are some great new watchmakers in my local from Vietnam that soon I will have to use.
My guy charges 65 bux to Clean any pocket watch and he has zillians of parts and makes ones he do's not have.Addendum, he charges 85 for wind indicators.
Just did three of my Speedos,Cleaned, timed, pressure tested,new gaskets,new crystals,450 bux out the door (all three)
Downside is,it may take him 4 mos to give you a call (you do not call him)
Double downside is,he's 90

I'm lucky enough to have a guy who specializes in vintage watches near me but he's pretty much out of the repair side now and has a guy who is basically an advanced collector doing the actual work. He's good but needs direction. They've been talking about closing the shop for a couple years now and if they do I'm not sure what I'll do. There's another guy in town who is a master watchmaker but his prices will take your breath away.

I had this old Waltham from the late 1800s and it wasn't working too good so I took it in and we pulled out the staff and balance assembly and it was obvious the staff had broken at some point and someone took a fine nail and ground it down and used that for a staff. Even in the old days when guys were competent plenty of jury rigging was done on these watches.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

it was obvious the staff had broken at some point and someone took a fine nail and ground it down and used that for a staff.

A testament to how well those old watches were made. Try that with a Rolex

My watchmaker does a lot of trade work which means a great deal of mail order. I don't know what the procedures are here for shilling, but if you are ever in need, PM me and I'll forward his contact information. As to cost, it depends on your perception of expensive. I'm willing to bet there are a lot of people on these forums who would have no problem counting out several hundred dollars for a vintage straight. I'll guarantee the hard core watch collectors aren't much different.

Originally Posted by hamilton946

A testament to how well those old watches were made. Try that with a Rolex

My watchmaker does a lot of trade work which means a great deal of mail order. I don't know what the procedures are here for shilling, but if you are ever in need, PM me and I'll forward his contact information. As to cost, it depends on your perception of expensive. I'm willing to bet there are a lot of people on these forums who would have no problem counting out several hundred dollars for a vintage straight. I'll guarantee the hard core watch collectors aren't much different.

I've always had this theory when folks start collecting no matter the item a point comes when a different type comes in and the early collectors are priced out. 30 years ago when I bought my first watch it was a Waltham Vangard, very high grade from around 1910 and it was in almost NOS condition and as I recall I paid $350 for it. Back then common watches they couldn't give away. These days junk goes for big money and for the really nice stuff you need some deep pockets. I think at this point all the nice stuff is in the hands of dedicated collectors and as they die off it gets recycled. You don't see too much more of "my uncle died and I found this mint piece in his bedroom drawer" which was a common thing a few years ago.

You're right. Not too many years ago, pawn shops had baskets of 992's, 940's, Bunn Specials, Howards, etc. because everyone thought pocket watches were for old men. I find it's the same thing with straights. I'm dumbfounded at the prices some of these vintage ones fetch; most are common razors that, as one member put it, have achieved "mythic status". Not because they shave any better, but because someone ended up paying a pile of money on eBay which then resets the going price.