Having recently made the mistake of pulling out all the pocket watches I collected in the 80’s, for the first time in maybe twenty years, I’m now condemned to a cycle of watchmaker visits to get them serviced — at least the nice ones.

It’s interesting to see all the stuff with fresh eyes.

Here’s one of my nicest American pocket watches, a Waltham Riverside Mamimus.


It hasn’t been serviced yet!


Gold train and diamond balance end jewel.


Double sunk porcelain dial.


And, just back from the watchmaker, this early 1900’s Vacheron & Constantin hunter case pocket watch.


This is the part I didn’t fully understand until I already had too many watches: the cumulative expense of all that periodic servicing can get enormous really fast. That’s why I put them away for so long.

And, I stopped wearing three piece suits. Pocket watches were real easy when you were wearing a vest.

 

Your quality photographs really do justice to the two watches. May I take the liberty of showing a few of mine?

1/ A 17-jewel 1892 Waltham CRTS.

2/ Hamilton 19-jewel grade 952.

3, 4, and 5/ E Howard series 5. (Not a Keystone Howard).

6/ Keystone Howard series 11, 21/ jewel railroad chronometer.

7/ Waltham 1883 CPR, 17-jewels.

8/ Waltham Crescent Street, 21-jewels. Served a railroader over his 48-year career with CPR.

9/ Brandt (Omega) grade CCR, 19-jewels. Railroad approved in a Canada. Circa 1905.

10 & 11. See labels.

 

Dear Santa,

For Christmas I would like the Mods at OF to give us a sub forum for pocket watches

 

Great Idea. I don't collect pocket Watches but I'm very grateful to learn and see the gorgeous movements of the Members on OF.

 

I always love the movement these pocket watches have!

 

I keep toeing the line on these and stepping back. I am fascinated by these old birds. My watchmaker always has a few for sale.

 

Ok, one more also waiting it’s turn with my watchmaker.

A miscased, early Hamilton