Help me identify watches

[jkey]

I have two Elgin pocket watches and I have tried to find out what I have and after reading so much I am as confused as a barking duck. What is size, grade runs. The S/N of one is 12247008 and was sold by Sears. The other is a B W Raymond S/N 5682317 hunter case.
Also what website is most helpful to those like me with limited knowledge to use?

[49stude63]

The database for Elgin does not match the Elgin watch as you describe it. Could you recheck the serial number and post it if it was incorrect?

[jkey]

The S/N is 5687317.

[49stude63]

For the Elgin here is the data and it agrees much better this time. At that time frame (1894) this watch would have been up to RR standards since it is at least 15 jewels and adjusted, I would imagine it has a patent regulator also. This is a great site, if you have a question someone will find an answer for you if they can.
Serial Number SN Range RunQty Name Year grade size code jewels Adj/reg/etc.
-------------- -------- ------ ---- ---- ----- ---- ------ ------ ------------
5687317 5687001 1000 BWR 1894 27* 18s hfn2l 15-17j Adj
# are these marked BWR? (1896 MC says None)


grade total runs first yr last yr class size code jewels Adj/name
----- ----- ----- -------- ------- ----- ---- ------ ------ ----------
27 45000 42 1886 1897 1 18s hfn2l 15-17j Adj / BWR - STD

(*) notes on grade 27: Marked: BWR, None or STD.

[Kent]

Hi jkey:

As 49stude63 pointed out, serial number 5,687,317 is an Elgin Watch Co. grade No. 27. Ed Ueberall and I maintain a data base of railroad watches and other interesting watches. We have several other watches from this run listed as being marked B. W. Raymond. They're 15-jewel watches. As a rule of thumb for the grade No. 27, if it isn't marked to be 17-jewels, than it isn't. For more information, see the Pocket Watch Jewels Wiki article. This watch is a railroad watch, suitable for use in railroad time service.

Other Wiki articles that mare be useful to you are:
Watch Size
Watch Grades
Watch Runs

It would be helpful if you could post pictures of the movement and dial of your other watch.

Please let us know if you have any further questions,