Pocket Watch Size?

[BobC]

Just a quick question that I'm sure most everyone here (but me) knows the answer to. I'm interested in getting a pocket watch, nothing special just a hunters case something or other but I'm confused by the "size" listings I see. Could someone help? Thanks, Bob C.

[BobC]

Just a quick question that I'm sure most everyone here (but me) knows the answer to. I'm interested in getting a pocket watch, nothing special just a hunters case something or other but I'm confused by the "size" listings I see. Could someone help? Thanks, Bob C.

[Wes]

Here is a size chart (http://www.pocketwatchsite.com/size.html).
These measurements are those of the dial plate, not the dial. The case will add to this dimension, sometimes substantially, depending on the case.
Good Luck!


edited typo

[Kent]

Bob:

18-size watches a generally the largest men's watches. Most of them are heavy, thick, are what might be described as a MAN'S WATCH. 16-size watches are the smaller of the two commonest men's sizes. Although their diameter is only about a 1/16" less, they tend to be much thinner and less bulky.

Almost as common are the 12-size men's watches. They're usually considered to be a dress watch due to their small size.

10-size watches are smaller yet, coming into favor during the 1920s and 1930s.

To add to what Wes posted:

Like many of our other systems of measurement, American pocket watch movement and case sizes can be traced back to an English system, one known as the Lancashire gage. In this system, the size is based upon the diameter of the watch plate to which the dial is fastened, known as the pillar plate. 0-size has a pillar plate diameter of 1-5/30" (yeah, right!). Nominal sizes then increment by 1/30" for each count. Although there are exceptions, most American pocket watches, and Swiss pocket watches made for the North American market, are sized to even numbers with the most common being 0, 6, 12, 16 and 18. These account for the vast majority of American-made watches. A 6-size watch has a pillar plate diameter of 1-5/30" plus 6/30", or 1-11/30". The diameter of a 16-size movement's pillar plate is 1-21/30", and an 18-size watch is one whose pillar plate diameter is 1-23/30" ( 1-5/30" plus 16/30" and 18/30" respectively). For sizes below 0-size (written x/0), the 1/30” is subtracted from the 1-5/30. Thus a 6/0-size watch has a pillar plate diameter of 29/30”. This is right up there with 12 inches to a foot, 16 ounces to a pound and 32 ounces to a quart. The same people have brought us the term hundredweight, which isn’t a hundred of anything but it is equal to 8 stone. Since a stone is equal to 14 pounds, a hundredweight is equal to 112 pounds.

The fact that even sizes are almost always used, alleviating the necessity of making very fine distinctions, makes it easy to express the watch size with a fairly close approximation. First, measure the diameter of the dial to the nearest 1/32 of an inch, then subtract 1/32" and then subtract 1-5/32". For example, the dial diameter of a 16-size watch is 1-22/32". Subtracting 1/32", we get 1-21/32". Subtracting 1-5/32" leaves 16/32", Hence, its a 16-size watch. Remember to be careful of the hands when measuring the dial diameter. In order to measure the dial diameter, and only the dial diameter, don’t include any part of the case. The bezel, the metal ring that holds the crystal (glass), will have to be removed or opened. In the manner similar to the backs of watches, the bezel either hinges, snaps or unscrews open on an open-face watch and snaps off on a hunting-case watch. Refer to the essay on Opening Cases (http://k_singer.home.comcast.net/opening_pocket_watch_cases__k.htm).

Also see What Size Is My Watch? (http://barrygoldberg.net/watchguide/size.htm) on Barry Goldberg’s website.

[BobC]

Gentlem, thanks much for the reply's and information. I'm currently looking on ebay, it's about the only place I know of to look for an ole pocket watch for. Any and all suggetions appreciated. Again, thanks much!

[Kent]

Bob:

There are a number of reputable dealers who sell on eBay and elsewhere on the internet. Nothing I say below should be viewed as a negative attitude towards any of those fine dealers who aren't mentioned, only that I haven't dealt with them to any great extent.

I have bought many watches from the following pocket watch dealers. They are people whom I have known for many years and whom I respect for their knowledge, ethics, honesty and integrity. I never doubt for a moment that these dealers believe what they say in describing their wares. They may make a mistake (we all do), but they try hard not to, and they can be relied upon to act positively in meeting a customer's satisfaction:
Ed Ueberall (http://members.aol.com/stdwatch/),
Larry Jones (http://www.larjones.com/data/pwgnrl.htm), and
Greg Frauenhoff (http://members.aol.com/gfrauen10/researchmainpage.html).
I suggest that you contact them and discuss what you think you would like for a pocket watch.

[Ralph Porter]

For anyone who would like or frequently needs to measure a pillar plate:

An inexpensive ruler-like tool for measuring drawings called a 'scale' is available at engineering supply stores. These are divided into various increments and 30 units/inch is commonly available. They come in various lengths but the 6" seems most useful.

Ralph