Elgin pocket watch – my first mechanical watch
In 1999 I inherited an golden Elgin pocket watch when my grandfather died. Back then I knew little to nothing about watches let alone the history of this particular watch. All I knew was that it was pretty much the coolest thing I had ever owned and I had inherited it from grandfather and that made it special to me. It was also my first ever mechanical watch.
As to the history of this watch. It originally belonged to my great-grandfather (1881 – 1963) who received it as a retirement gift from the bank he worked for. My aunt recently sent me a newspaper article from 1947 commemorating his retirement. The article says: “ Herman H. Reinhardt, who started his banking career as an office boy at $10 a month when he was 14 years old, will retire Jan. 1, 51 years later, as vice president in charge of saving of the Mercantil-Commerce Bank …” The article even mentions his address, that his wife had died and the names and occupation of his three children (somewhat spooky but cool).
Herman H. Reinhardt - holding a little pocket watch
When I received the watch it did have some issues however. It was not running well (if at all) and it was somewhat banged up. The front lid had, at some point, been forced wide open so that the hinge and the case were damaged and the case-back lid had quite a dent in it.
It took a few years until I had the resources to get it fully restored. But when I did it was an absolute beauty and, according to the watchmaker, it was running strong. I was so proud of it, that I wore it as often as I could for the most part of about 10 years. Eventually however I had the feeling that the crown might not take to well to the daily abuse in my pocket and so I stopped wearing it on a regular basis. Today it lives on a table in my bedroom. I wind it every day and occasionally it get pocket-time.
A few weeks ago I was taking some picture to post my watch on WRUW. That is when I saw the serial number in full magnification.
Now, at this point I would like to explain that even though I have had this pocket watch for quite a while I would have never consider myself a watch nerd or even a watch collector. I just happen to have several watches. That only changed about 2 years ago (thanks Marshall from Wristwatch Revival). Before then, the serial number never triggered a thought. That has changed. So, when I saw the number this time I started to search the internet. The results baffled me. If the results are correct the movement was produced somewhere around 1884-85. Further more, if the data-banks are correct about the number stamped in the hunter-case, that would date the case back to 1865. I was really surprised but it absolutely made my day.
Currently the watch is gaining about +30 to +50 sec/day. Not to bad for an 138 year old watch.
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Lovely pocket watch. I have one myself which was born shortly after I was born. It was coincidental that when the jeweller received it that there were initials and he told my parents they could be polished out but it turned out they were my initials, so they bought the watch as it was.
I’m unfortunately struggling to find any information on a manufacturer on my piece, all I know is it was made around 1902 and hallmarked Sheffield (UK).
Lovely pocket watch. I have one myself which was born shortly after I was born. It was coincidental that when the jeweller received it that there were initials and he told my parents they could be polished out but it turned out they were my initials, so they bought the watch as it was.
I’m unfortunately struggling to find any information on a manufacturer on my piece, all I know is it was made around 1902 and hallmarked Sheffield (UK).
Thank you and congratulations to your watch too.
It will be difficult to find any information without a serial number. Good luck though in your endeavor.
Thank you very mutch.
I've become a little hesitant to play with the regulator. I tried it in the past with rather poor results. So ever since the last service I have stopped messing around with that little lever. But thank you for the tip.
Stunningly well preserved dial. It's great that you took it in to have it sorted. I'd be of the same mind as you about not tinkering with the regulator, it can be tweaked next time it's serviced, and the accuracy of the timekeeping isn't important in the scheme of things.
What a great pocket watch and fantastic story and history to go with it!
Have to add a few more emojis as I could only add one to your post! Unfortunately not all I want to add show up for the comment section. :)
👍💯💪❤
Beautiful watch. Great that your family has such history with it. Thanks for sharing.
You may already know this, but with a hunter case (particularly gold) you don't want to just snap the lid shut but rather depress the release button, shut, then release in order to prevent wear on the little ridge that keeps it closed. Steel will wear away gold rather rapidly.
What a great pocket watch and fantastic story and history to go with it!
Have to add a few more emojis as I could only add one to your post! Unfortunately not all I want to add show up for the comment section. :)
👍💯💪❤
Thank you very kindly.
Beautiful watch. Great that your family has such history with it. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you. I do concidder myself very fortunate to have such a well preserved history to the watch.
You may already know this, but with a hunter case (particularly gold) you don't want to just snap the lid shut but rather depress the release button, shut, then release in order to prevent wear on the little ridge that keeps it closed. Steel will wear away gold rather rapidly.
Yes, thank you for mentioning. I am aware of this.
Locky for me, I did exactly that Infront of the watchmaker who restored it. He cringes and explained how important is was to never do that again.
Well that’s one way to step into the mechanical ⚙️ world of watches. Elgin is a Awsome company with a rich history. Plus being super special from your grandfather is really nice 😊