recommend a vintage pocket watch for daily use - inexpensive (not collectible)

[duns4me]

Hello all,

I just wonder if you could recommend which brands of pocket watches I should be scouting out if I'm looking for:

an inexpensive vintage pocket watches - that works - good for daily use - to be carried in a pocket - not for investment - just for nostalgia.

Inexpensive could fall into two categories: under $25, between $25-$50.

I don't care if it is ever worth more than I pay for it - I just want it for a gift, for nostalgia - for someone (like me) who just like old things and the feelings that go with them.

This is intended as a gift for a gentleman, however, I guess I'd be interested in women's pocket watches too (for myself) if possible.

Any suggestions?
Thanks!

PS: I got this idea when I discovered my father's old Westclox Bull's Eye in a drawer. It means a lot to me, especially since it was dad's. I don't know how to wind it - or if it still works - but it will never have another home as long as I'm still around :smile:

[duns4me]

Hello all,

I just wonder if you could recommend which brands of pocket watches I should be scouting out if I'm looking for:

an inexpensive vintage pocket watches - that works - good for daily use - to be carried in a pocket - not for investment - just for nostalgia.

Inexpensive could fall into two categories: under $25, between $25-$50.

I don't care if it is ever worth more than I pay for it - I just want it for a gift, for nostalgia - for someone (like me) who just like old things and the feelings that go with them.

This is intended as a gift for a gentleman, however, I guess I'd be interested in women's pocket watches too (for myself) if possible.

Any suggestions?
Thanks!

PS: I got this idea when I discovered my father's old Westclox Bull's Eye in a drawer. It means a lot to me, especially since it was dad's. I don't know how to wind it - or if it still works - but it will never have another home as long as I'm still around :smile:

[John F]

I would suggest a Waltham or Elgin as a brand, as you can get them for a reasonable price and parts are plentiful.

A gentleman's watch of the 20th century would typically be a "12 size," of which there are many to choose from. A women's would be a "6 size" or smaller.

You may be able to pick up something in the price range you're looking at, but then be prepared a bit more to have it serviced and repaired. You'd probably be better off spending more than your range to get a working watch, which would cut down on the repair/servicing costs.

[GD1]

If you do a little hunting around you should be able to pick up a useable Elgin or Waltham PW in 7-15 jewels which should be a reliable and functinable timepiece. Not likely at $25.00-50.00, probably $50.00-75.00 more like it. Problem is, after having it cleaned and oiled, which it will probably need, you can tack on another 50-100 or more depending on does the work. You can by an inexpensive import {WalMart} quartz pocket watch for a lot less if you just want the look and it will serve the same purpose with less upkeep and maintenance.

[Jerry Treiman]

Also, consider how the recipient may use it. If they will treat it with care and not bounce it around too much, an Elgin or Waltham, as suggested above, would be fine (Walthams may be slightly easier to repair, when needed). However, none of these are shock-resistant and cannot take abuse. If they are going to carry the watch in their pocket with coins and whatnot and are fairly active (and accurate timekeeping is not important) another Westclox Bullseye or Pocket Ben may be just the thing. These are durable watches of no great intrinsic value that keep going and going and going.

[LarFure]

After Waltham went out of business their name was bought up by a Swiss watch company and were sold with the Waltham name on them. The ones I have bought all have the Unitas movement in them and some are even shock resistent. After they have been serviced they will keep very good time. I have one on my bench right now that only gains 25 seconds per week.

[Greg Davis]

I have a number of pocket watches in my collection I would part with for $25 - $50, all in working order. I'd be willing to bet a lot of NAWCC members do... most are just less willing to admit it than I am. Too proud of their reputations as high end watch collectors, I guess. :wink:

I think most watch collectors start off by picking up a less expensive watch or two, and develop a fascination for them that leads to more significant and collectible acquisitions. As I moved deeper into the hobby, the early acquisitions became less interesting to me, and I found myself selling those off in order to finance more costly acquisitions. I'm pretty sure mine is not a unique story among this crowd.

Fair warning, though... this is exactly how I got started in the hobby. So while you may not think this will lead to anything serious, you'd be well advised to steel yourself. Pocket watches are addictive.

- Greg

[IMHO]

Greg,

I've more $25-$50 watches than not! And someday I might even sell one ... maybe.

:biggrin:

[duns4me]

Thanks very much for your help, everyone.

The Westclox might be a good idea for the gift item. He used to carry a pocket watch while in the Air Force (they weren't permitted wrist watches) and enjoyed it. The watches he had then were not the best quality and failed. He enjoyed carrying one though - so I'd love to find him another daily-carry watch that can be fine in a pocket with whatever else he might be hording at the moment. (Everything he finds goes right into some pocket)

Greg, I was a little afraid that collector-bug might be a problem. Since I posted my message, I've been reading on-line. While many beautiful old watches are out of my range, and not appropriate for this daily-use gift (I don't want a delicate watch damaged by carrying it roughly), I do already feel intrigued - beyond the gift watch idea. Some years ago, I started out innocently being curious about classic cameras ... that turned to german made cameras ... to german made in WWII era ... to ... well you get the picture. But I set boundaries and came out okay. :smile: Just what I need, another hobby :smile: At least pocket watches are small.

If you'd like to suggest any you care to part with that might suit the described gift situation (being in the pocket daily) - that would be great. If it is off by some seconds each week, I think he can deal with that. I have decided though that I don't want any of the radium (glow) type watches. If possible, it would be neat to have a second hand.

Thanks again, everyone.

[Pat McCarthy]

One thought might be to get away from the vintage watches for a more modern one.

I carry, almost daily, a Russian product - a Molnija - which is a 16s mechanical open face watch. It keeps excellent time, and has a nice bas relief of a Russian steam locomotive on the reverse. Interestingly enough, it too, was a gift.

These watches are available all over the net - even eBay - for less than $50.00.

Of course, that's just one option. There are numerous companies making mechanical pocket watches today, just search around the net a bit to get a feel.

Still, my best idea for an every day carry is a Hamilton 992b in a Model 15 case. Unfortunately, those are running in the $400.00 to $500.00 range.

Good luck on finding what you want. A good pocket watch is a great gift to give.

[Doc Mark]

Greetings,

If I may, I would like to support the suggestion that's already been made. I have an 1871 Elgin "H.Z. Culver" model pocket watch, 15 jewels, and I carry it every single day, in the watch pocket of my jeans. I have done so, for several years, and am still amazed at how well it keeps time! You can find watches of this type for around $50, or less. Though I paid a little more for mine, it was well worth every single penny, and I love carrying and using it! Recently, I found and bought a Waltham Model 1883, made in 1909. This watch may eventually take over as my everyday carry watch. Both the Elgin and the Waltham are quality, well-made pocket watches, and anyone who likes watches would be proud to own and use them. IMHO, they will give much more satisfaction than something like the pocket watch I first used, a "Scotty"!! Good luck on your decision, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc Mark

[duns4me]

Thanks Pat and Doc,

Very interesting ideas from you both. I know a "newer" watch would be cheaper and maybe tough, but he would value something that had been owned before, had been carried for decades, more so than a new item. (I would too) Not meaning to sound snobbish, but old things have a life all their own somehow.

Doc Mark, if I could find such an Elgin as you just described for $50 or maybe a little more in working order, I'd be very interested. I looked some up on line and find them quite beautiful. Since you carry yours daily, that seems like very good testimony. I'll keep my eyes open for one like yours. If you want to point me at any for sale, please do.

Thanks.

[duns4me]

I've spotted two Elgins on eBay that end today - but I hate to post the auction in public. Can I privately email someone here who could tell me if these are worth considering? I just want to make sure they're appropriate to this gift idea - but I'm sort of clueless.

Thanks.

[Doc Mark]

Greetings,

I would be happy to take a peek at the Elgin watches you're considering. Just send your message to me, as new, a private post, and I'll get right back to you. Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc Mark

[duns4me]

Thank you. I sent a private message. (Hopefully I did that correctly).

[duns4me]

Thanks very much for your help, Doc Mark and everyone.

Doc Mark, I really appreciate the suggested reading material. I'll see what I can locate. Maybe my local library might even have one or two of the books you suggested.

To Everyone: I have seen a "pretty face" on a Hamilton 940 that has each minute numbered. It looks very elegant to me. It also features blue hands. Is minute numbering and blue hands unique among pocket watches? It really appeals to me. I have to admit, I've gone from seeking one watch for a gift, to secretly wanting that particular Hamilton 940 just because it strikes me as so lovely. Heaven help me, I see another hobby-addiction beginning.

[Doc Mark]

Morning, Lynn,

You are very welcome, and I was glad to help. A few thoughts, if I may:

1 - The more you learn, the less you will find that you actually "know", and the more there IS to learn! Don't be discouraged, though. It's the "journey" to knowledge that is the best part of the trip!

2 - You are now doing exactly what I, and I'll bet many others of us, have done. You have found a pocket watch that you LIKE, and now you want it!! :cool: It's outstanding that you've found a watch that "trips your trigger", and if it's in good shape, and the price is not too bad, then I'd day, go for it!! Be warned, though: That first watch will lead to others, and like you have already mentioned, it could become another hobby/addiction!!! Very cool, and welcome to the ranks of the "addicted"!!! :biggrin: :wink: Good luck, take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc Mark

[duns4me]

Hello again Mark,

I do definitely have the feeling of "there is so much I don't know." . The one I like for myself is already over the limit I was going to stretch - so I'll have to let it go and hope to find one like it someday when the budget isn't holiday-stretched.

The one I was looking at (for myself) is here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5066...TRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5066279434&rd=1&sspage name=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1)

On the plus side, the seller was really very helpful. He didn't mind sharing his opinions of his own watch.

So, I will try not to let my gaze shift to presents for myself again until after my gift watch is found.

To EVERYONE:
Please contact me privately, if you have watch in your collection, that you might have for sale, suitable for my gift idea. Private message or email would be fine. I can stretch the budget a bit over $50. (eBay is okay for my personal gambles - but too risky for important gifts in my opinion)

Thanks,
Lynn

[duns4me]

Just realized my profile doesn't give out my email.

Hopefully I can break this up in case of spammers.

dunriver (= beginning)
at charter (= middle)
dot net (= end)

[mocoys]

duns4me
Its sounds like you have been bitten by that watch bug. It started for me after my grandfathers death and I got his old pocket watch that he carried every day on the farm. It still works it's a 1919 Burlington and I will cherish it the rest of my days. I have since purchased a few other antique watches and I am trying to learn to clean and oil them my self. I have a 1904 Elgin that has become my every day watch. I bought it on ebay for $38, it did not run but after a good cleaning and a little oil it runs like a top and keeps very good time.

[Norman Bliss]

Hi Lynn

Watch those 940s, they're dangerous. I took my Christmas bonus to a local watchmaker looking for a 992B to carry. He had two of them, and two 940s. I ended up leaving with both a 992B (Model 15, just like Pat recommended), AND a 940. And despite the damage to my bank account, I don't feel a twinge of buyer's remorse; the 940 is a great watch, and prettier than the 992 to boot.

I've had some luck finding good but inexpensive size 12 watches at local antique shops; I got three (an Elgin & 2 Walthams) for between $50 & $70. All run well. I also got a Waltham 18s (same size as the 940) for $40. It was with a lot of watches in a mayonaise tub in the back room of an antique shop, so sometimes you have to ask.

You probably want the carry watch to have a plastic crystal--one of my 12s Waltham's still had it's glass crystal, and it broke in my pocket.

[duns4me]

mocoys, Lucky you to have your grandfather's watch - especially one he carried every day. While some folks might think I'm a bit too sentimental, I think when you can hold something a person used for years of their life, you can just about feel connected to them somehow - even in a little way. And yes, the bug seems to have bitten me. I have another post on here about my first buy - it started out shakey - but turned out fine. Good luck with learning how to clean and work on them - I'm curious to learn more about that too. Enjoy!

Norman, I'm glad to hear your thoughts on those Hamiltons. :smile: Lucky you to find a couple that you really like. I can't get that one out of my mind, so while it is presently over budget for me, I'll make sure when funding permits to search one out for myself. (Self employed means restraining purchases sometimes!)

I'd be thrilled to find a mayonaise tub such as your find - thanks for the tip. There is one little shop that's off the beaten path in a tourist town. He has weird hours and I don't think he's much for eBay ... I'll have to drop in sometime and see if he has anything stuck in a corner. Don't you wish these old pieces could tell their stories?

Thanks for the tip about the crystal, too.

Have a Merry Christmas (or Happy Holiday if that's not your holiday) :smile:

-Lynn