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View Full Version : Looking for vintage pocket watch chains?

TimeHandedDown
04-12-2007, 06:04 PM
I am looking for a vintage chain for my Hamilton 992b. Does anyone have any recommendations or links? Rob
darren-uk
04-12-2007, 06:14 PM
If you want an original then something may turn up on ebay, but it'll probably have the watch with it :?|

Failing that, or anyone else suggesting somewhere, you could always try someone like http://www.oldfathertime.com/watchchains.htm who may have a modern, generic chain that would at least look the part.
4thdimension
04-12-2007, 11:42 PM
Chains were sold separately from the watches, of course, so what sort was determine by taste, time period, color and utility. A machinist I used to know, who was in charge of grinding the mirror for the Hubble, didn't like the idea of split or fused links for the chain on his Hamilton stainless steel case. He machined his own for it out of a solid piece of stainless!
-Cort
Jon Hanson
04-13-2007, 06:47 PM
TRY Lance Thomas at

watchcompany@earthlink.net
TimeHandedDown
04-13-2007, 08:51 PM
yes I have bought an 1857 waltham from lance and he had to repair it for me since it wasn't running when I recieved it! He warranteed the watch for a year! I will definately try him again! Thanks Rob
Jon Hanson
04-13-2007, 11:53 PM
mail damage?

If broken, return it.
TimeHandedDown
04-16-2007, 05:44 PM
Not sure. It was supposed to have been serviced before I bought it but maybe it was just finicky like I have heard model 1857's can be when shipped by mail. Rob
hamiltonrrwatch
04-18-2007, 08:59 AM
"If you want an original then something may turn up on ebay, but it'll probably have the watch with it :?| "

Just a footnote; be wary of chains sold on Ebay, advertised as being "vintage". Most of the time, the actual chain is either newer, or has been made up. The sellers add older, marked spring rings and swivels, then tout the chain as being a "genuine Simmons" or some such garbage.

The only way to tell for sure is "stare and compare"; do the research, go to Marts, and try to find old catalogs for reference.

Gary
Fred Hansen
04-18-2007, 12:15 PM
As Gary posted I think you also should be able to find something at most larger NAWCC marts.

Fred