Thread: Pocket Watch

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

Mr. Spendur, a beautiful 950 in a Mainliner Case, no less. Wow!

Those 6497 movements are great Hawk. You'll see them a lot in bulk goods stores around Amish areas as they can't wear quartz or electric for religious reasons.

As for cost, I've found 992's at garage sales and swap meets for $50.00-$100.00; a couple for less. I'm fortunate to have a good friend who is a Certified Watchmaker, Swiss-trained, to do my refurbishing and the like. Years ago, if a watch was carried by a railroad man, it had to keep time to within :30 PER WEEK in six positions. Any of my watches average half of that. I want them as good or better than they were when they left the factory. Just as you wouldn't try to shave with a dull straight, I'm not satisfied with a watch that simply "ticks".

I won't begin to dispute the accuracy of a quartz versus mechanical; there's no contest. Hey, I can shave faster with an electric but that doesn't mean it's better

But :10-:15 per week is good enough for me.

In the '70s I had a 992E with the Waverly case and bar over crown. Porcelain dial and all that. My dad, who was born in 1910, put it to his ear and said this is a good watch. I asked how he knew by listening and he said if it rings like a bell its a good one. I put it to my ear and sure enough, ding- ding - ding. Rang like a bell. That one was circa 1931 IIRC.