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Looking to get my first pocket watch. Any recommendations?

haqq777
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Hi OF friends,

I am looking to get my first pocket watch. I have never owned or even seen anyone (in person) own one. I obviously am new to it and I was hoping for some recommendations, even some links for purchase if possible.

I don't want it to be expensive, in all honesty. I don't even know if I will use it regularly like I do my wrist watches. I told wife and she thinks the idea is idiotic (but really, what does she know, right?).

So in short, I am looking for an inexpensive, and reliable pocket watch to test waters and see if I like keeping and owning one. Would really appreciate any feedback and recommendations from you guys.

Thanks!
 
M'Bob
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It would help to narrow the field a bit. What brand would you like, if possible? What era? And you have to give a price range.

Without the above, however, I would consider a nice, inexpensive, stainless Omega pocket watch to get started.
 
haqq777
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M'Bob M'Bob
It would help to narrow the field a bit. What brand would you like, if possible? What era? And you have to give a price range.

Without the above, however, I would consider a nice, inexpensive, stainless Omega pocket watch to get started.
In all honesty I have no preference for brand and era. Price I am hoping for something under $200 USD.

How much are those Omega ones you mentioned?
 
Canuck
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Buy yourself a cheap quartz pocket watch for $100.00 bucks or so. One with a chain so you can wear it in a vest, or maybe a pocket. See if you enjoy carrying and using a pocket watch. If it goes well and you are prepared to make a commitment, then maybe pick yourself up a Hamilton 992B. Collectible, American made, perhaps the most significant railroad standard pocket watch. These were last made circa 1969, so they are modern, and parts are available if you need repairs. But be prepared to shell out a bit more than $200.00 for anything decent. Attached, a Hamilton 992B from circa 140.

B719B8DA-0088-46EA-A7FE-E3273B72CDAA.jpeg 6870AE9C-5243-43F9-9AB5-2CAF78089709.jpeg
 
haqq777
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Canuck Canuck
Buy yourself a cheap quartz pocket watch for $100.00 bucks or so. One with a chain so you can wear it in a vest, or maybe a pocket. See if you enjoy carrying and using a pocket watch. If it goes well and you are prepared to make a commitment, then maybe pick yourself up a Hamilton 992B. Collectible, American made, perhaps the most significant railroad standard pocket watch. These were last made circa 1969, so they are modern, and parts are available if you need repairs. But be prepared to shell out a bit more than $200.00 for anything decent. Attached, a Hamilton 992B from circa 140.

B719B8DA-0088-46EA-A7FE-E3273B72CDAA.jpeg 6870AE9C-5243-43F9-9AB5-2CAF78089709.jpeg
Sounds like a good idea. Thanks.
 
Wryfox
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When I was 13 I bought my first pocket watch, a Waltham.....off to the races I went back in time and held in wonder this device that was made 100 yrs prior and through this incredible mechanical magic it was still running. As I progressed I bought many cheap models, mostly because I had small budget but also because I didn't know better. Here's what I've learned over lo many years. If you want a nice collectible, and looks nice too, and can show off, and keep really good time, the only thing you should buy is a good vintage railroad watch. You can google for more info but suffice to say they are the pinnacle of watch design for a whole era of timekeeping. Plus there is that added bit of romance for a time when rail was the only way to travel and it still took a week to get from new york to san francisco. You might have to up your budget to $300 or more but you'll have a far superior timepiece. My $0.02.
 
Deafboy
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Canuck Canuck
Hamilton 992B

Yup.
Here's mine with a salesman's case with a display back.
641830-a6f68269de1909f905b2b4c6efd98bc2.jpg
Edited:
 
jimmyd13
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$200 is more than enough to get yourself an intersting vintage or antique pocket watch. While a JLC is out of that range, you can get any other serviced GSTP .... I should have one to hand. OK, this one's waiting to go off to service although she is a runner:
IMG_20181220_2108189.jpg IMG_20181220_2108293.jpg

(Yes, I know the hands are on backwards). For that price, you get yourself a military, issued, pocket watch with hardy and reliable movements and a good look. The thing is, you can pick up so many from the late 19th century through to the 20s (the deco ones of the 30s bring more money), that you really can take your pick. If you're not bothered about gold or complications, then just search for something original with a good balance. Most other issues are easily rectified because the movements are relatively simple. It also means servicing is usually cheap.
 
verithingeoff
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haqq777 haqq777
In all honesty I have no preference for brand and era. Price I am hoping for something under $200 USD.
This Gruen Verithin came to me for $295, complete with original box, dates from about 1953 aussie-emoticon1%20(2).gif
s-l1600.jpg
 
s-l1600.jpg
Lbreak
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I would recommend start reading up and looking at American made pocket watches. It will present to you quite an interesting history. At 200 you would probably end up with a gold filled case, railroad standard watches might be a bit beyond the budget.
 
airansun
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Hamilton 992B is the way to go.
9527634F-E5F7-412B-8CE8-09E6AC728000.jpeg 10FADBCC-775B-4665-9FF2-A97302F4B4BB.jpeg 12B73252-C894-42C5-BBC9-2DFE6D963000.jpeg 95192132-F8CC-4CD6-908C-D1D9C6A07FFD.jpeg

They are reliable, beautiful, inexpensive and rugged. Lots of American history in them.

There are some interesting things out there that don’t cost much. I’ve seen these for a couple of hundred USD on eBay.
B739B7DE-97D6-4EB5-8F7A-CB5A44F7E1A2.jpeg DB3992F1-D360-4523-8420-0ADD4BD84FF0.jpeg

Made for Shell Oil as gifts to employees etc.
Edited:
 
Canuck
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For sure the 4992 B Hamilton in the sterling case will not be available for under $200.00! Even the chrome ones go for more than that. But if one of these is excluded from your short list, it would be a good watch to acquire once you’re hooked.
 
airansun
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Canuck Canuck
For sure the 4992 B Hamilton in the sterling case will not be available for under $200.00! Even the chrome ones go for more than that.

No kidding. I haven’t looked in a while, but I know that many of my pocket watches have substantially depreciated since I bought them.

I bought this one at a live auction back in 1983 for maybe $225 or so.
 
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