Calling all Pocket Watch Buffs

Canuck · Jan 10, 2025

I just did a visual comparison with my Hamilton grade 941 (hunter model) which came along much later than the handsome grade

943 posted by @TexOmega . The most notable difference between the two is extensive addition of engraving listing the features that were mandated for railroad standard watches at the later date on my 941. The other notable difference being rarity. My 941 was produced circa 1913. By the time my 941 was produced, it is very likely that it wouldn’t have been considered to be railroad standard because of the hunter case.

TexOmega · Jan 11, 2025

Nice grade 941.....production 25,411 and still kinda low compared to the 992 and 940

Grade 943 production 2399 and documents show many became grade 947.

I bought mine off e* b* y back in the day early 2000's as a Buy It Now. Had 5 or six messages from collectors telling me I paid WAY TOO MUCH, that 10 years ago they saw them for half in the wild.

Yeah, well, I was not looking 10 years before and had $500 of fun the first week I had it, gravy since.

I'm sure they were just bummed I beat them to the BIN button😀

Waltesefalcon · Jan 11, 2025

Tex, that 943 is the bee's knees!

Canuck · Jan 11, 2025

TexOmega
Nice grade 941.....production 25,411 and still kinda low compared to the 992 and 940

Grade 943 production 2399 and documents show many became grade 947.

I bought mine off e* b* y back in the day early 2000's as a Buy It Now. Had 5 or six messages from collectors telling me I paid WAY TOO MUCH, that 10 years ago they saw them for half in the wild.

Yeah, well, I was not looking 10 years before and had $500 of fun the first week I had it, gravy since.

I'm sure they were just bummed I beat them to the BIN button😀

Anyone who implied that you paid too much? Sour grapes!🍇 The seller priced it so that it would likely only be considered by a knowledgeable buyer. Namely @TexOmega. I paid $600.00 (Cdn.) for my 941.

Alpha · Jan 11, 2025

Still love my Elgin 😀

TexOmega · Jan 15, 2025

Fredonia Watch Company was in business 1881-1885 and was sold to Peoria Watch Company in 1885 after producing around 20k watches.

18s 15j circa 1884 sold through a Jewelry store, Osgood’s, in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Very cool early Keystone gf “Box” Hunter case with “open” Morning Glory hands.

Canuck · Jan 15, 2025

An anti-magnetic prior to the invention of the better known non-magnetic alloys. The watch has a bi-metallic, temperature compensating balance wheel, probably utilizing steel. I wonder what alloy was used in the hairspring. Hamilton had Elinvar and Elinvar Extra, Waltham used an alloy they named “Conium”, and I’ve forgotten the name Elgin gave their special alloy. I marvel how 140 year old watches can survive in this condition. But thankfully, they often do.

SOG53 · Jan 17, 2025

WWII Hamilton 2974 “Comparing Watch” with orig padded wooden protective box. Base metal case. USN BUSHIPS stamp on caseback. I believe these were synchronized to ships Chronometer, and then carried around the ship to get all other impt watches synchronized

I buggered it up a bit - I found a proper SS crown to replace the bronze one pictured, and in my excitement replacing it I excessively unscrewed the setting lever screw so the keyless works now need to be reset. My question is how much of disassembly is required in order to fix the keyless works? Should I just go ahead and strip it down and service while I’m there? It hasn’t been serviced any time recently to my knowledge
Thanks!
Sid

.

Canuck · Jan 17, 2025

I think your belief as to how these “comparing” watches were used is correct. I believe they were also used to compare the time readings on the several chronometers that would have been used on many ships that had them. Parts are available for these from Paul Kritchen. Get back to us if you need to know more. Interesting, these comparing watches were only timed in 3 positions! (I don’t have one of these.)

Canuck · Jan 17, 2025

Canuck
An anti-magnetic prior to the invention of the better known non-magnetic alloys. The watch has a bi-metallic, temperature compensating balance wheel, probably utilizing steel. I wonder what alloy was used in the hairspring. Hamilton had Elinvar and Elinvar Extra, Waltham used an alloy they named “Conium”, and I’ve forgotten the name Elgin gave their special alloy. I marvel how 140 year old watches can survive in this condition. But thankfully, they often do.

And I quote myself! It occurred to me when I made the post above, that the non-magnetic, temperature insensitive alloy that Elgin used was known by the copyrighted name of “Elginium”. But I wasn’t absolutely certain that I was right until I checked my facts. Hamilton’s name for the alloy was Elinvar, then later, Elinvar Extra. Waltham’s name for their alloy is Conium, and Elgin’s name was Elginium. The Fredonia non-magnetic model came along before any of these alloy names appeared on the scene. The Fredonia hairspring (above) appears to be white in colour. It is a known fact that some chronometer makers used platinum hairsprings. What about Fredonia?

I have pictures in my files of an 1892 model, 18-size Waltham movement (circa 1915) marked non-magnetic. It too came along before the alloys listed above. And IIRC, there was a Non-Magnetic Watch Company that used Illinois movements. There is sooooooo much to know!

JimInOz · Jan 17, 2025

Canuck
There is sooooooo much to know!

And this is the place to do it, thanks to you and others who contribute so much knowledge.

Duracuir1 · Jan 22, 2025

I picked up a couple tins of watch parts based on crappy auction house photos.

There was a decent looking watch book and a pen knife. I was hoping for some spring bars and old buckles.

The box contained everything but.

It was still cheap fun and I found a Gruen Veri Thin pocket watch and its loose bezel.

The dial is dirty but other than the missing crystal, the watch looked complete. I gave it a wind and here we are, 45 minutes later and it is still running.

Not a competitor to the beauties that are usually posted here, but still impressive to see it run with only a few turns of the crown.

The photos of the pile are in low light. The pile is still on the table. I may get better pics tomorrow.

Here are pics of the Gruen.

My hands are a mess, so don’t mind them. Poke and slice myself daily in my leather shop.

And here is a sneak preview of « the pile »

Late entry. The « 9 » is missing.

Canuck · Jan 22, 2025

One might ask what you plan to do about that dial!

ghce · Jan 22, 2025

Its really quite a nice movement, you might be able to find a dial somewhere or with nothing to loose but your dignity it could be your chance to shine as a dial refinisher.

Duracuir1 · Jan 23, 2025

ghce
Its really quite a nice movement, you might be able to find a dial somewhere or with nothing to loose but your dignity it could be your chance to shine as a dial refinisher.

I have sent a message to my pocket watch advisor.

Here are daylight pics of the pile.

Oregon_Antiques · Jan 23, 2025

I have been selling on eBay for the past 20 years. I have come across some pretty incredible finds. I would have to say my favorite are the enameled dials. Here is my most recent one.

SOG53 · Jan 26, 2025

2 Ball watches the first 999P mvmt # B632956, dated 1928. I cant recall how to open up the movement, its been in the bank for a few years I forgot. Big thick glass which I like, nice blued hands dial is spotless.

Second one is Second hour hand, SN B646512, 21 J

I like the Ball Official RR Standard Cleveland text on both.

TexOmega · Jan 27, 2025

I would bet the back screws off but if someone placed into that case at some point, possibly a snap on back because I see no hinge.

TexOmega · Jan 27, 2025

Omega circa 1908-9 , 18’’’ 17j with gold gilt and double sunk porcelain dial.

DaveK · Jan 27, 2025

SOG53
2 Ball watches the first 999P mvmt # B632956, dated 1928. I cant recall how to open up the movement, its been in the bank for a few years I forgot. Big thick glass which I like, nice blued hands dial is spotless.

Second one is Second hour hand, SN B646512, 21 J

I like the Ball Official RR Standard Cleveland text on both.

Both of these are great. That white gold case is stunning 😎