I just shared this old post (from another forum) privately with another member and thought others might enjoy it.

smorrisonmd · Aug 30, 2024

Sorry for having to click on the link:

https://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t=tree&goto=7003917&rid=345#msg_7003917

Bernhard J · Aug 30, 2024

Nice story regarding provenance 😀

I have a photo of the first owner of one of my pocket watches (Elgin Veritas with up/down) and his wife, made more than 100 years ago.

UncleBuck · Aug 30, 2024

Bernhard J
Nice story regarding provenance 😀

I have a photo of the first owner of one of my pocket watches (Elgin Veritas with up/down) and his wife, made more than 100 years ago.

I bet she was a good cook!

theluckyluke · Aug 30, 2024

Great story, thanks for sharing. I do relate to what you say.

Every day I am amazed at these watches being 50-80 years old and ticking well, looking great. It’s a nice feeling to think others have enjoyed them in the past, in a completely different context and world.

It feels like preserving a bit of history to me, which is why I am so drawn to vintage.

DaveK · Aug 30, 2024

Bernhard J
Nice story regarding provenance 😀

I have a photo of the first owner of one of my pocket watches (Elgin Veritas with up/down) and his wife, made more than 100 years ago.

Have you shared that story with us yet?

Bernhard J · Sep 3, 2024

DaveK
Have you shared that story with us yet?

The fellow in the photo and first owner of the watch was the mother's maternal grandfather of the seller. He came from Langholm, Scotland, and emigrated to the USA. There he became a master weaver in the textile industry in New England. He traveled to different textile mills setting up the machines to produce fabric. He also owned an apple farm.

So, no "famous" provenience. But rarer than this, because with "normal" people it is not often to be able to follow 4 generations of ownership from new.