Calling all Pocket Watch Buffs

TexOmega · Apr 1, 2021

There is a "7" in front of my 4 it did not show well in my picture.
serial # 74,556,143, so circa 1929.

Yes, I push the stem "in" to set the time.

Was the JUNIOR aimed at youngsters for a first watch, you think? It is about a size12

Canuck · Apr 1, 2021

TexOmega
There is a "7" in front of my 4 it did not show well in my picture.
serial # 74,556,143, so circa 1929.

Yes, I push the stem "in" to set the time.

Was the JUNIOR aimed at youngsters for a first watch, you think? It is about a size12

@TexOmega ,

AHA! That 7 changes things! The manufacture date would be 1929-30. That is why it is a bit more refined than my Yankee! The price guide doesn’t go into detail as to whether it was designed for youngsters, or not. The name might be related to its smaller size.

Canuck · Apr 2, 2021

I have several Waltham Crescent Street pocket watches. The Waltham factory was located on Crescent Street, Waltham, Mass., in case you ever wondered. Waltham is now part of Boston, Mass., as I understand it. From what I have read, the buildings still stand.

The Crescent Street grade was produced in 18-size models, from 15-jewels, to 21-jewels. And in 1870, 1883, and 1892 models. It was also produced in 16-size, 1899 and 1908 models, with 19 and 21-jewels. Details on the subject watch are here:

https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/search/result/waltham/15120344

There are apparently only minor differences between the 1899 model, and the 1908 model. Differences being in the construction of the motor barrel between the two, location of the setting lever (the setting lever on the 1908 model being at the 11:00 position), and minor differences in the bridge over the train wheels. The subject watch is an 1899 model, and is railroad approved. Double-sunk, vitreous enamel, 24-hour (Canadian) dial.

The 1899 and 1908 models in the Crescent Street, Riverside, Vanguard, and Maximus grades are (in my opinion) among the most attractive American-made watch movements. Even the lesser grades in these models are good lookers.

TexOmega · Apr 2, 2021

Hamilton 12s
A nicely decorated Grade 914, pendant set, adj 3 positions, 17j, circa 1918
14kt Hamilton case with a nice presentation especially the " & Pleasant Association"
Gothic blued Hands

Canuck · Apr 2, 2021

By about 1920, full-sized pocket watches had slumped in market share, in favour of the 12-size like @TexOmega ‘S fine example of a Hamilton 914. Of course, the full size (16-size) was still favoured for railroad use. And there were still lots of full size pocket watches in use, but the 12-size models were rapidly overtaking them in sales.

Doing a Google search, I have sort of concluded that a “Throwing” company had something to do with fabrics, or yarns.

Your Hamilton 914 is a few short days away from being 101 years old. The 14-karat case is in remarkable condition.

noelekal · Apr 2, 2021

My wanter button is turned up way too high because of this thread. Should have started collecting pocket watches years ago when the whim first hit me. Of course I would probably have a drawer full of junk pocket watches by now so perhaps I was better off waiting. This thread has provided the impetus for me to gain a little knowledge about the subject.

Production runs and production figures are confusing to a novice.

noelekal · Apr 2, 2021

I'm recovering from the second Moderna vaccination, taken Wednesday afternoon, so am lurking online and looking at watches.

These "salesman's samples" that are found on Ebay auctions; are they for real or in some instances have the backs been damaged/lost and they've been fitted with a clear back? Seems reasonable to expect that such creations were produced back in the day. Also seems probable that they would be contrived in later times. Are "salesmans' samples especially desireable? I believe I'd prefer a standard back.

Alpha · Apr 2, 2021

Certainly not a 'Buff' with only this one which has made an occasional appearance in the past and tonight out it comes again 😀

TexOmega · Apr 2, 2021

noelekal
I'm recovering from the second Moderna vaccination, taken Wednesday afternoon, so am lurking online and looking at watches.

These "salesman's samples" that are found on Ebay auctions; are they for real or in some instances have the backs been damaged/lost and they've been fitted with a clear back? Seems reasonable to expect that such creations were produced back in the day. Also seems probable that they would be contrived in later times. Are "salesmans' samples especially desireable? I believe I'd prefer a standard back.

Appears to be a salesman's/display case to me with the snap on bezels.

Manufacture's name may be polished off.... but they could have made generics, too.

That's a high RR grade movement, so a precious metal cases were always sacrificed when recessions hit.

Tony C. · Apr 2, 2021

Wow, this thread went from the OP to 500+ very quickly! And many beautiful watches posted, of course.

For the benefit of those who may have missed it, this article that I published on a special Longines PW in 2018 may be of interest:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/a-u...n-to-one-of-the-“princes-of-precision”.77020/

Canuck · Apr 2, 2021

noelekal
I'm recovering from the second Moderna vaccination, taken Wednesday afternoon, so am lurking online and looking at watches.

These "salesman's samples" that are found on Ebay auctions; are they for real or in some instances have the backs been damaged/lost and they've been fitted with a clear back? Seems reasonable to expect that such creations were produced back in the day. Also seems probable that they would be contrived in later times. Are "salesmans' samples especially desireable? I believe I'd prefer a standard back.

I think there is too much of a tendency to plumb others for their feelings about this and that. And to dither and fuddle about whether something is “original”, or not. The consequence is that a lot of collections are built that conform to what others like, or dislike, or call “mint”, “pristine” “as original”. Dammit, buy it if you like it! It’s your collection after all! As to display cases? These generally have a removeable back and bezel. If the back and bezel match, I’d say it’s about 90% guaranteed it is an original case. As to salesman’s display cases. They generally have the case embossed with the company name.

Canuck · Apr 2, 2021

Tony C.
Wow, this thread went from the OP to 500+ very quickly! And many beautiful watches posted, of course.

For the benefit of those who may have missed it, this article that I published on a special Longines PW in 2018 may be of interest:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/a-u...n-to-one-of-the-“princes-of-precision”.77020/

I am somewhat astonished myself that a bee in the bonnet about a dedicated forum for pocket watches, in the mind of @DaveK has gone to 28 or 29 pages, over 11,000 views, and over 500 posts since Feb. 22! That is just short of 7 weeks! And I am constantly astonished at the quality, not only of the photography, but the watches! Scratch a pocket watch collector, and you uncover a fanatic!

Some time over Easter, I plan on reading your article on the Longines.

Canuck · Apr 2, 2021

Alpha
Certainly not a 'Buff' with only this one which has made an occasional appearance in the past and tonight out it comes again 😀

I’d say late 19th century, Swiss, pin/set, stem-wind, patent micrometer regulator, 15 or 17- jewels, Breguet hairspring, looks to be temperature compensating balance wheel, private label for a European jeweller, better than average grade and beautifully preserved. Is this a family piece? Whether you have one pocket watch, or half a gross, whether you have just one pocket watch to like, or half a gross to like, you are a pocket watch BUFF! And you’re welcome here. Thanks for showing us your unique watch!

DaveK · Apr 3, 2021

TexOmega
...That's a high RR grade movement, so a precious metal cases were always sacrificed when recessions hit.

👍 Sangamo Special were top of the line

Image courtesy of the NAWCC

JimInOz · Apr 3, 2021

I'd just like to note that I think this an epic thread (only a single thread? 🙁).

My attention has been elsewhere, but I'll try and contribute when I can, although my input may not meet some of the previous posts.

Canuck · Apr 3, 2021

I have two model 2, grade 4, Illinois “Railroaders”. I have shown its “brother” about one month or so ago. So here is the second one. This is the only movement ever produced by Illinois that has an image engraved on the train bridge. These watches are known as “transitional” key winders in that the movement can be wound with the stem, or with a key. The type is often called “adaptable.” They can be cased as open faced or hunter cased key winders, or (as this one), hunter cased stem winders. The hand-engraved image is of a wood burning locomotive and tender. Since these were not railroad grade, one can but wonder what market Illinois was aiming this watch at. There were 4,500 of them made. This one has a scarce dial.

Here is the “skinny” on this watch.

https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/search/result/illinois/702737

LesXL · Apr 3, 2021

Guys,
I'm checking a nice Illinois PW on eBay... It has an Illinois Central grade 606 movement, but dial only says Illinois.

Is this normal/accurate?

Thanks for your feedback 😀

TexOmega · Apr 3, 2021

@LesXL

Your PW dates past the point of a horizontal "ILLINOIS", so I say it is correct for the era.

This was the era where redials were impossible, they were fired and fused to the enamel.

LesXL · Apr 3, 2021

TexOmega
@LesXL

Your PW dates past the point of a horizontal "ILLINOIS", so I say it is correct for the era.

This was the era where redials were impossible, they were fired and fused to the enamel.

Thanks, man!

I was more worried that it could be a dial placed on a wrong movement.

Nothing in the ads says it is a "project" watch but wanted to check with the PW experts.

TexOmega · Apr 3, 2021

LesXL
Thanks, man!

I was more worried that it could be a dial placed on a wrong movement.

Nothing in the ads says it is a "project" watch but wanted to check with the PW experts.

Any Illinois dial with the correct feet location would "work" and every buyer could pick and choose IF THEY DID NOT REQUIRE A RR GRADE WATCH as a condition of employment.

Metal dials, enamel dials, fancy, plain.

Most of the worries with PW collecting is a swapped out case.......or as your question, is the dial correct for the era and movement.