I know I know ... the crap coming out of former easten block countries, etc...

but there are some INCREDIBLE nice looking dials/hands out there ...

wouldnt that be a niche where one could really "win a name" fast if done nicely ... ?

I probably would buy one of those on strap if done RIGHT (I were on the fence a couple of times before) ...









I find this upcycling way more prudent than have those rot in some drawer

thoughts?

 

Unfortunately, most are just too large, at 47mm-50mm. Movements can be delicate (over 100 years old) and have no shock protection. I agree, dials/hands can be beautiful, but in the end they are also "Frankin" watches which turns most collectors off. All about preference.......if it's your thing, have at it!.

 

there were mid-sizes as well iirc...
again, prob. not a collector's item, but a nice formal watch... def one of a kind

i'd have no "moral" problems buying one if those were done right

 

Father Time Antiques in Chicago does conversions. I've seen this in person and its pretty cool. They are big though.

http://www.fathertimeantiques.com/i...iew=item&id=773:gallet-chronograph&Itemid=141

 

I think the lack of shock protection is one big reason.

 

For the same reason you don't see many frisbees worn as hats. It's a design thing.

 

The main problem, I think, is that they are not immune to even humid air. (or dust)

 

Could be the same reason we don´t see many wrist watches worn in pockets

 

just saw an article here in Boston about the Vortic Watch Company in Colorado
using old Waltham pocket watch dials, hands, and movements and installing them in new wrist watch cases
and selling them

http://www.wbur.org/2016/02/22/startup-waltham-watchmaking

 

why dont we see more pocket watches on wrists ?

Uh, because they are called Pocket Watches, not wrist watches. Duh.

 

I dunno, I have watches built as wristwatches with no shock protection... including my Elgin Type A-11!

While I do think shock protection is important, its protection value might be over-rated. Then again, there's not a watchmaker on every corner making balance staffs, either.

Tom

 

So, I have a couple of those wrist adapters for lady's pocket watches that you can wear on your wrist. Every so often I think about finding a watch to fit, but it's something I would rarely wear.

This watch, pictured, I have worn! It's a 1917 Ingersoll MIdget, which was a 6s lady's or boy's pocket watch. Add the wire lugs and the radium, and off it goes to war. I also have a few aftermarket crystal guards.

This example has been serviced and relumed. The original lume was sloppier so I wasn't too concerned. (Plus the clockmaker recently lost an eye, ugh!!!)

It's surprising how well this example keeps time and I have worn it a lot. That's also the original strap, thankfully in good enough condition.

Tom

 

In the early days, wristwatches were essentially pocket watches with soldered lugs on them. Look up "Trench Watch" and you'll see what I mean. Most people have respect for those. But those usually used ladies movements or smaller calibers. Usually, they were 30mm-35mm in diameter. Even a hundred years ago, when wristwatches were being born, they knew strapping a 50mm case to your wrist was silly.

 

I have a pocket watch - it's called an iPhone.

 

If it's too big for the wrist, just hang it from your neck!

 

too big/less comfortable/too fragile?

 

I don't know about any of youze guyz, but I would trade every wristwatch I own for this Breguet:

That, right there, is fking watch perfection.

 

"Danglass' watch, a masterpiece by Breguet which he had rewound with care before setting out the previous day, chimed half past five in the morning." Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo (1845). Breguet used to include this quote in its print ads. If that isn't a classic, I don't know what is.