How durable are pocket watches?

[Jacke Chilson]

Hi Your watch can be used every day if you want. They were built like minnie tanks and were used by hard working men and dandys and have lasted longer than most of there owners. With care and periodic maintenace should last for years longer.

[doug sinclair]

Dan,

With antique pocket watches in coin silver cases, there is a fine line between USE and AB-USE. DON'T cross it!

a./ Carry it in a watch pocket or a vest pocket only.

b./ Don't carry it in a pocket with coins, keys, etc.

c./ It should be the LAST thing you put on, and the FIRST thing you take off.

d./ Always have it on a leather thong or chain, and securely hooked to you.

e./ NEVER carry it in a regular trouser pocket! Car steering wheels are the kiss of death on these babies.

f./ You can never have a $ 500.00 accident with a $ 50.00 watch!!! You COULD with your Waltham. If you need a watch for every day wear, buy a Swatch. Modern wrist watches are much tougher, AND are disposable! Consider your fiancee/wife, and don't wreck it.

g./ Look for a posting from Barry Goldberg, Kent Singer, or anyone else on this board who wears an antique pocket watch every day, and follow their advice.

Regards, Doug S.

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[Barry G]

Gee -- I never knew I was a member of the special fraternity of people who actually wear their watches! :wink:

I think when it comes right down to it, it really depends on the watch. All watches were made to be worn, but some were made better than others. Also, some watches are easier [and cheaper] to repair than others.

Your watch [which, according to the serial number, was made in 1881 and is actually an 18 size, Model #1877], is a very well-built, sturdy watch for which replacements parts are readily available in the event something untoward should happen to it. Yes, you should definitely take basic precautions such as those mentioned by Doug, but this is not a delicate watch that you have to worry about breaking simply by using it as it was meant to be used. Most of the precautions listed by Doug are to protect the appearance of the watch [i.e., keep the case from wear and dents, prevent the crystal from getting scratched or cracked, etc.]

As for practical suggestions, I never wear a watch without a chain attached securely to it. When wearing jeans, I carry my watch in the coin pocket and attach the chain to a belt loop. when wearing a suit, I wear a vest and keep the watch in the vest pocket with the chain attached to a button. I also know people who don't wear a vest with their suit and instead carry it in their top jacket pocket with the chain attached to the hole in the lapel.

To sum, there are certainly watches I own that I rarely, if ever, wear, including ones that are unusually old, rare, valuable and/or delicate, as well as a few that are in absolutely pristine condition. The rest, however, I wear on a regular basis and get a lot of joy out of doing so. And I would certainly consider your watch to be a good candidate for daily wearing.

Regards,

Barry

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My Online Pocket Watch Collection (http://barrygoldberg.net/watches.htm)

[Rich]

Hi Dan!

Just in case you missed it, have a peep at this similar topic ............
http://www.nawcc.org/ubb/Forum3/HTML/001560.html


:smile:


COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON TO ALL OUR READERS!



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'Rich'
#149591

[Rich]

Actually, just ONCE will suffice......

Sorry folks! My cat, already full of festive spirit, jumped on the keyboard.........

:redface:

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'Rich'
#149591

[Larry Jones 98326]

Rich,

In all fairness, I think we should hear the cat's side of this story.... :biggrin:

Actually, as a registered user, you can go in and delete the extra post......

Cheers,

larry

[Kent]

Rich's cat story is right up there with "My dog ate the draft of my Bulletin article."

[hc3]

And what a lovely wedding gift!

I would suggest buying a "learner" watch, a large cheap dollar type. Get used to carrying that first.

When travelling, I carry an 18 size Waltham, and have yet to break a pocket watch unless I dropped it. I've broken some crystals, though never on a hunting case.

Wrist watches are far too exposed for me.

I really get a little warm feeling from having that 100+ year old thing ticking away in my pocket. These things are basically tougher than we are. Keep it dry, don't drop it, and enjoy!