recommendations?

[John Cote]

If I were going to purchase a vintage American man's pocket watch for someone who might actually wear it ocasionally, I would go for a 16 size Hamilton, like a grade 992 or 992B. My reasoning is that there are parts available and almost any watchmaker could fix one. They are well made watches which will last.

However, Hamiltons were made in Pennsylvania. There were some interesting watches made in Ohio, including Hampden and Colombus, but these are generally of lesser quality and harder to get parts for. New York watches are even more obscure.

Anyway that is my bias.


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JohnCote
President, Indiana Chapter 18 - NAWCC

http://www.interstatetime.com

[Jon Hanson]

contact Louis at louisc1@mindspring.com

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Jon Hanson, moderator

[Kent]

Hi:

"Complete Price Guide to Watches, No 21, C. Shugart," T. Engle and R. Gilbert, Cooksey
Shugart Publications, Cleveland, TN, 2001 is available in most major bookstores. Its also available at the National Assoc. of Watch and Clock Collectors Gift Shop (https://www.nawcc.org/giftshop/americart/books.htm). Although some of the pricing is debatable, and some facts presented are under debate, its the best single source for learning about pocket watches and their pricing.

There are a number of reputable dealers who are available on the internet. I suggest that you contact one and discuss just what would be an appropriate gift. There are a wide variety of antique pocket watches, in good running condition and in gift quality appearance, available at reasonable prices. For example, 12-size, 1920's era, men's dress watches provide a very good value in quality for prices that are much less than watches of comprable qwuality in 15 or 18 size.

Kent

[Greg Crockett]

In your question, you mention that it would be nice to have a watch from New York, etc.

Although the New York Standard Watch Co. made their watches in New Jersey, their products have the New York name and they are not expensive. While some collectors turn up their noses at New York Standard, these can be rather nice watches if in good condition. New York Standards are of modest quality but can give good service. Further, I have recently been able to buy parts for them from S. LaRose (staff, balance jewels and main springs). If you find a nice looking New York Standard in good working order, I find nothing wrong with them as low cost collectors items. Some have fancy dials, they also made a rather nice chronograph. Although I like my high grade railroad types, repeaters, etc., in spite of the snobs I also enjoy my New York Standards.

To find a great selection of all types of watches and clocks, join the NAWCC and go to a regional show. There are plenty of good watches, at good prices, and good people. Fun at every price range.

Best regards,
Greg Crockett