Jeff Hann.... was suggested I ask you.

[Jon Hanson]

I have to mention this--why are you considering a new watch? Are you aware of the markup and resale value?

An infinitely better solution (and value) is to buy a good quality (in excellent, original condition) antique
pocket watch!

Jon Hanson

[Greg Davis]

Joanna,

You ask how do you find one... they are abundantly available, if you but know where to look. Hint: don't go to malls.. :wink:

Second hint: None of the watches you mentioned has any way of proving their ruggedness and durability. Quartz watches are generally regarded as rugged and durable (albiet worthless in terms of collectibility).

Since non-members of NAWCC are not able to attend Mart events or check out the eMart, my personal advice to non-members is to browse the available antique and vintage pocket watches on eBay. There you will find ruggedness, durability, quality, collectibility and reasonable prices... all available to be delivered to your door before Christmas within your price range. Heck, even some of the better railroad grade pocket watches fit nicely within your price range.

What's more, you will find a wide variety of options in things like cases, dials, and movements that simply cannot be found in new products (since pocket watches are considered passe by today's watch-buying consumer). And when you're ready to accessorize, you'll find watch chains, fobs, and pouches.

Now, if you think all this is a plug to sell my own stuff, think again. I don't sell watches on eBay (I buy a lot though).

Regards,

- Greg

150941
Ch.149 member #77

[ckeithjohnson]

Joanna, I think what you should consider is buying two watches. The Wenger with all your features for everyday use and an antique Railroad watch which will have lasting value and I am sure would be immensely appreciated by your friend.I think you can buy both watches for under your budget. Check eBay for Hamilton, Waltham,Elgin and others for 21Jewel R.R. watches. Good Luck, Keith

[Dr. Jon]

All teh suggestions so far aare good and resonable but I'd like to sugegst you consider a 12 size (that is a small pocket watch). With care you shoul dbe able to get on in 14K. There are some very fine watches made by Hamilton and Howard in the US. Generally any of these with 19 to 23 Jewels marked adjusted to 5 positions started off as a first class watch. You can often get these in reasonable venues such as Ebay in 14k in your price range. Condition has a strong effect on price. For a gift you probably want to avoid a watch with an inscription, usually inside on the inner cover.

There are some very fine Swiss watches such as Agassiz which you have a reasonable chance of finding in 14k in your price range.


There are other fine American 12 size watches but most made so many models in many price ranges that it takes a while to get to know the best of the best.

Look for watches by dealers who are either Jewelers or specialists with high feedback generally over 98% positive who state that they have had the watch cleaned and oiled and offer a return.


One down side is that your significant other may catch this disease, heck so might you!!

Dr. Jon

[doug sinclair]

Joanna,

Food for thought! Antique and vintage watches are durable. Given competent and regular care, and worn within limitations, they are durable and will last for decades. BUT! They are NOT rugged! Their durability is proven by the fact that they are around, still operating, after 60, 70, 80 years. These watches that are still operational never fell into the hands of someone who needed a RUGGED watch. That is why they have lasted this long. This PROVES their durability. Whether they perform trouble free for a long time is simply the difference between USE and ABUSE! USE they will withsatnd. ABUSE, they won't! Buy a modern quartz watch, steel case, mineral crystal, reasonable price. They won't stand up to the worst kind of abuse either, but they will take more abuse than a vintage one. And do NOT believe that an 11 year warranty will protect the watch from damage due to wear beyond reasonable limits. Sent it back smashed, and you'll likely find the warranty to be null and void. So! Read the warranty to see what you are protected against, and what is NOT covered!

Doug S.

[Greg Davis]

When you carry crappy things, you treat them roughly because you don't care. When you carry nice things, you treat them with more respect because they mean more to you.

Give me a Wenger/Fossil watch and I'll scratch it with impunity. I'll use a pocket knife to pry the back off and change batteries myself. If I scar it, so what... it's just a Fossil/Wenger. No biggie. I'll throw it into a pocket with keys and loose change without concern. I can't be bothered to waste time worrying about a Fossil/Wenger.

Now if you give me a nice gold or gold filled pocket watch it will get MUCH better treatment. It would NEVER share a pocket with change or keys, and I would never once consider putting a battery into it. :biggrin:

I think most men are like that, too. Some few (like my best friend) are completely unconcerned about material possessions, and might treat something nice no better than they treat something crappy.

If you've never given a guy something nice to care for, don't make the assumption he's rough on everything (just because he's rough on his crappy things).

- Greg

150941
Ch.149 member #77

[Spike]

Horologically speaking, Greg, it sounds like your friend might be viewed as "a watch-lover who has not yet found his watch to love." As you implied, the same might be true of Joanna's friend.

[This message was edited by Annie on November 21, 2003 at 11:01.]

[Greg Davis]

My friend is truly a minimalist when it comes to possessions. The only furniture he has is the bare minimum to conduct a civilized home. He has no bric-a-brac, no collections, and no decorative stuff. Pure function, no form, nothing superfluous.

When he moves I always investigate the pile of stuff he'll throuw out because he just doesn't care about stuff.

A watch lover at heart? Not Chuck. He attaches no sentimental value to anything, as far as I can tell. Some guys are that way, and Chuck is one of them. Nicest guy you'd ever hope to meet, too. Certainly not selfish or petty. But he'd just as soon smash up a watch that stopped working as take it in to get it repaired.

I doubt there is a watch rugged enough to endure that form of manly attention. :smile:

- Greg

150941
Ch.149 member #77

[neighmond]

I am Tom Nelson's Watchmaker.

What I suggested is that you talk to Jeff Hess But it looks like Jeff Hann did an admirable job answering all of your queries, so all's well that ends well.

I do hope you've found what you are looking for. Please be sure and let me know if there is some way I can be of service in the future! I remain

At your service

Charles James

Every man must have a purpose to strive for
A cause to fight for
A dream to live for
Because
A man without a dream is dead.

[Dave Berghold]

OK, Zeno is offering an alarm pocket watch with a mechanical movement. So the works are Russian made. If you are interested in more information, I have some literature. Feel free to email me directly. Dave