Need help identifying PW

[RobertG]

I am a clock guy, and I need the advice of you watch guys. I recently inherited three watches, two pocket and one wrist. None of them work. All have sentimental value and the dollar value is inconsequential to me. What I need to know is:

What are the names/styles/models of each of these watches?
What is the approximate age of each?
If you had to pay (as I will) to have each of these put into operating condition, would you do so?

http://www.promoproductsusa.com/Clocks&Watches.htm

The serial number on the ElginNatlWatchCo. is: 138259.

The serial number of the Bulova is: 1213374

The Elgin’s serial number is not on the outside case.

If you need to see the works to help answer my questions, just let me know, but you will have to tell me how to get the backs open because I don’t have a clue. Do they unscrew, or are they pried open?

Thank you for your help.

Robert

[RobertG]

I am a clock guy, and I need the advice of you watch guys. I recently inherited three watches, two pocket and one wrist. None of them work. All have sentimental value and the dollar value is inconsequential to me. What I need to know is:

What are the names/styles/models of each of these watches?
What is the approximate age of each?
If you had to pay (as I will) to have each of these put into operating condition, would you do so?

http://www.promoproductsusa.com/Clocks&Watches.htm

The serial number on the ElginNatlWatchCo. is: 138259.

The serial number of the Bulova is: 1213374

The Elgin’s serial number is not on the outside case.

If you need to see the works to help answer my questions, just let me know, but you will have to tell me how to get the backs open because I don’t have a clue. Do they unscrew, or are they pried open?

Thank you for your help.

Robert

[John F]

Welcome to pocketwatch forum!

I suspect the numbers you gave are from the case. The serial number for watches is marked on the movement itself, and not the case - cases and movements were typically made by different companies entirely, and up until the 1920s or so were sold separately (a customer would select a case and movement to their liking, and the jeweler would “marry” the two). So the numbers on the case have nothing to do with the movement. You’ll need to open the backs to get the serial numbers for your watches. Some case backs screw off, others are hinged. The large hunter case Elgin is undoubtedly hinged in back, and there’s also likely a cuvette under the back cover. Kent Singer has some helpful instructions on how to go about opening a watch case - http://www.knology.net/~ksinger/opencase.txt

Also, since you have a couple of Elgins, you should know about an excellent website on Elgin watches, at http://elginwatches.org/index.html (you’ll need to paste the url directly into your browser, as a direct link isn’t possible).

You may need to post the Bulova on the wristwatch forum, although someone here may be able to help ID it.

John

[RobertG]

Thank you. I will try to open the backs and post those pictures as well.

Robert

[RobertG]

O.K., I have udated the photos to show the workings. Any and all info you can give me on these would be very much appreciated.

Especially your opinion as to having them repaired.

http://www.promoproductsusa.com/Clocks&Watches.htm

Robert

[jwdavis]

Hi Robert,

Your Elgin, serial #3765112 was manufactured in 1889. It is a Hunter Case, 18 size, 7 jewel, Full Plate movement, Grade 96. It is stem wound and lever set. If you look down by the five around the perimeter of the case, you should see a thin metal lever that you pull out with your thumbnail and allows you to set the time by winding the crown.

The Elgin serial #25454475 is an Open Face, 12 size, 7 jewel, 3/4 plate movement, Grade 303 that is stem wound and set. It was manufactured in 1922.

As to spending money to have them fixed, I think the key here is the sentimental value you mentioned in your original post. In my area it generally costs $40 - $80 to clean and repair a watch unless it is severely compromised. For a family heirloom, it would be money well spent, IMHO. Good Luck!

Jack Davis
Nawcc #0155192

[RobertG]

Thank you very much. The info is very helpful.

The Hunter case was my Great Grandfather's and the open face was my Grandfather's. If I can find someone in my Chapter who can service them for about that price range, I will definitely have it done.

Do you think the yellow cast on the open face indicates that it is plastic rather than glass?

Robert