Thread: Pocket Watch

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.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

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.

I'll admit they're not for everybody Jimmy. But like straights, they're an antique that still has a practical use today. Few mechanical devices are still in service after 100+ years. I have timepieces that are 150+ years old that I carry on a regular basis.

Originally Posted by hamilton946

I'll admit they're not for everybody Jimmy. But like straights, they're an antique that still has a practical use today. Few mechanical devices are still in service after 100+ years. I have timepieces that are 150+ years old that I carry on a regular basis.

Yep, me too.

My daily wearer:

The above is what I'm using as I would rather leave the family heirloom Hamilton in the bank box. RR look, but not even close to a real RR watch. Good enough for what I use it for.
These have a Swiss ETA6497 movement and keep time well. While I wish the hands were a bit better, that is not a deal breaker for me.
The research I did indicates the ETA6497 movement is a good one that has been used in some high end watches. A few watch nuts expressed the opinion that these were good value on the forums I checked. These are NOS, by the way.
The current price is $190, so I would not be happy if I lost it, but I'd be more unhappy if I lost the Hamilton. Most eBay listings for these start at $300.
There are not alot of these watches available as they have been sold out on some sites. Still in stock @ pocketwatchsite.com