Need information of sizing of European Pocket Watches

[Ken Hags]

Hi people,

Something;s been bothering me for quite some time now. I often come across pocket watch movements...many high end. While I would like to have some of them, I often decline due to my inability to verify their value. When I look in the Cooksey Shugart Complete Prict Guide to Watches, I find information like: "Time only - Gold - 40-45mm - $1899." I used to work on the premise that the diameter figures given were for the movement size since that is the case with most American information. I am now thinking that it must mean the size of the total watch diameter (in the case)...since I almost never find movements of the size shown in the "foreign" section of the book. Can anyone tell me for sure. Thanks, Ken Hags NAWCC #0153372

[Ken Hags]

Hi people,

Something;s been bothering me for quite some time now. I often come across pocket watch movements...many high end. While I would like to have some of them, I often decline due to my inability to verify their value. When I look in the Cooksey Shugart Complete Prict Guide to Watches, I find information like: "Time only - Gold - 40-45mm - $1899." I used to work on the premise that the diameter figures given were for the movement size since that is the case with most American information. I am now thinking that it must mean the size of the total watch diameter (in the case)...since I almost never find movements of the size shown in the "foreign" section of the book. Can anyone tell me for sure. Thanks, Ken Hags NAWCC #0153372

[Don Dahlberg]

People who know watches and governments use the size of the movement as described at http://www.timezone.com/library/workbench/workbench631691117422306218
Sometimes they use mm, but usually use Lignes or Size (18, 12, 8/0, etc.) or at least identify the movement by make and calibre.

People who know little or nothing about watches report whatever seems reasonable to them.

If you are buying watches from them, you need to be careful about more than the size of the watch. You need to research the watch that interests you. Don't buy a watch that you know nothing about. There are too many fakes or poorly made watches that look or sound impressive. If you follow this message board you will see many questions about antique Swiss pocket watches, where the case is adorned with medals won at various competitions. Most of these were very inexpensive watches made by one of thousands of cottage watchmakers of varying ability and commitment.

Study first, then buy.

Don

[Jon Hanson]

Why speculate--why not ask Cooksie?

[Ken Hags]

Ya know Jon...that's a very good suggestion. I've been sitting here for about ten minutes now wondering why I hadn't thought of that. Sometimes the old brain just doesn't function like it used to.
Thanks,
Ken

[Jon Hanson]

Hi,

Also, use lignes for Swiss and MM or English!

The cheapest (and best) and simpliest method for measuring is the plastic 6"* ruler with American sizes, Swiss lignes, MM and inches. I use one daily and I gave out all of my extras to friends and collectors in past years; otherwise, I would have contributed them to those that needed them, didn't want to spend for expensive tools, or know where to get same.

Jon

* There also exist old metal versions but these are now collectible and cost 1-3 dollars ea. or more depending upon who is selling them.