Old Pocket Watches
At one time I had a pretty good sized collection of pocket watches. Over the years I've gotten rid of most of them keeping only a couple that have been passed down to me.
This is one that I have held on to and I am wondering if there are any experts who can tell me more about it. It belonged to my 3rd Great Grandfather, passed down from my grandfather to me. I believe it was manufactured inn 1893-94 and it coincided with my 3rd Great Grandfather being appointed as the postmaster for Stoney Point, South Carolina in 1896.
I believe this was a utilitarian piece that was most likely needed for his job. I think it is an American made (Waltham) railroad style that was made for accuracy and utility. It has one cool feature which is called a "Safety Pinion" which lets the crown slip when it is fully wound. Once it is fully wound up it makes a ratchet type feel to let you know to stop winding.
It still works perfectly despite the fact I've never sent it for serivce. Right now I keep it in a small display dome on my desk and I wind it occasionally but I am thinking of passing it on to the next generation.
Should I service it? Anybody have anything else to add before I pass it along?
Photos below:
I like that Deco Style Hamilton a lot, while that Elgin is such as classic American Railroad watch!
It's the tool watch of the day if you will, a working watch.
Gorgeous watch! I looked at the new Hamilton limited edition. Was so tempting
That movement decoration 👌 I got an old Doxa after my grandfather too, but I don't know if it was something he ever used or inherited himself. It didn't run, so I left it on my bookshelf as decoration. I bumped it a little while ago and shattered the crystal...
I have have been watching ebay for the right Doxa, thanks for sharing.
I have a few antique pocket watches, all of which work and keep good time. I never "wear" them, but I find them fascinating. If you haven't discovered it already, the Pocket Watch Database is a good site for info.
https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/search/result/waltham/6537917
That movement decoration 👌 I got an old Doxa after my grandfather too, but I don't know if it was something he ever used or inherited himself. It didn't run, so I left it on my bookshelf as decoration. I bumped it a little while ago and shattered the crystal...
I'd love to see the movement on this one. Those hand look vaguely Germanic, I wonder if the movement does as well?
I'd love to see the movement on this one. Those hand look vaguely Germanic, I wonder if the movement does as well?
Wow, thanks for posting. Well not very Germanic but very Swiss, its an Ebauche Swiss type right? Basically, the ancestor of the Unitas 6497-98?
Wow, thanks for posting. Well not very Germanic but very Swiss, its an Ebauche Swiss type right? Basically, the ancestor of the Unitas 6497-98?
Great looking watch and good family history. If you have a good repair shop, it‘s good to get it serviced. Old oil can wear out parts and since this is running, all the movement parts should be in good shape. A service will make it ready for that next generation.
Another gorgeous Deco Style piece!
Great looking watch and good family history. If you have a good repair shop, it‘s good to get it serviced. Old oil can wear out parts and since this is running, all the movement parts should be in good shape. A service will make it ready for that next generation.
Thanks, Rob and I think you are right. I will drop it off this week and just get it done.
I have a similar looking piece from that time period.
I have a similar looking piece from that time period.
Wow, she's a beaut. Are you related to the Mr. Twyman engraved on the caseback?
Wow, she's a beaut. Are you related to the Mr. Twyman engraved on the caseback?
I don't believe I'm related, that watch somehow made its way to my father's family in Rhodesia.
Isn’t that just lovely
What a venerable old beautiful piece , my first watch was my great uncle‘s Waltham wrist watch , the 17 Jewel incabloc movement style stretchy metal banded dress watch , sunburst dial smokey silver ( probably from real smoke )
I don't collect pocket watches but I do have 2 vintage stop watches Waltham from ww2 and a CWC military issue , Waltham on the right
I don't collect pocket watches but I do have 2 vintage stop watches Waltham from ww2 and a CWC military issue , Waltham on the right
Love the broad arrow on that dial, this idicates military issue right?
Love the broad arrow on that dial, this idicates military issue right?
Certainly does, the Waltham has one on the back case but it's very faint
Blued hands, enamel dial? Yeah, I'd go for it if you can!
I don't collect pocket watches but I do have 2 vintage stop watches Waltham from ww2 and a CWC military issue , Waltham on the right
Those are awesome!
I have a similar looking piece from that time period.
Wow...the enamel on that is incredible.
Almost looks like the dial on that could be made out of silver!
That movement decoration 👌 I got an old Doxa after my grandfather too, but I don't know if it was something he ever used or inherited himself. It didn't run, so I left it on my bookshelf as decoration. I bumped it a little while ago and shattered the crystal...
The detail work on those hands is crazy awesome. The good news is that crystals can be replaced.
Those are awesome!
Cheers