Time on the go

[Keith R...]

Several weeks back I had a conversation with Rick and we discussed the old threads
about carrying a watch. I really did not spend time looking for it, as it has been dormant
for quite a spell.

I will tell you my position on a wrist watch. Our closest town is Lebanon, KY and we do
indeed have a Walmart. Over the years I would go in, select the size and kind of quartz
watch I wanted to wear on my left wrist. Sure enough 3 years would go by and the battery
would conk out. I'd buy one at our local jeweler, give that crook some money and maybe
make it two years and it was that time again. I got fed up, I was already collecting pocket
watches and I finally found my permanent American watch maker (Rob Carter), so I made
my mind up to look through the watches for the best fit.

Keep in mind I collect mostly key winds, but I do have some serviced lever sets. I came to
the conclusion the best bet was my old E Howard Mershon in a hinged salesman display
case. I only had about $200 in the movement and $75 in the glass back. My other choice
was any one of my AT&Co grades in a silver case. Then I remembered every now in then
I go to church, weddings, funerals and special events, so I needed a carry watch for just
that occasion. I thought I'd use the same value model and add a bit for say a gold case.
Now one should note, I own hunter cased watches, but I prefer not use them. Instead I
collect original side winders. Also, from time to time, I'll switch up and grab one of my
other fusee's or a Swiss watch.

So I have my three displays of serviced watches and I have a group of carry watches
(also serviced). I will show two and name off the rest. As time goes by and I grab one of the
named ones for carry I will add the photos to this thread. Here I will name them and show
three of them (Rockford is for Sunday).

E Howard SN# 15062, AT&Co grade SN# 311609, Rockford model 2 SN# 66146.

Now Rick and I discussed making this thread for anyone who wants to add their
carry watch to this list. Keith R... and Rick Hufnagel.

Now if one goes to a meet and carries one, that counts.

EDIT: Thanks Tom M., for putting up the model 1859 with the DS dial, in "My early
Possible Railroad" thread!!

Here are the carry watches for Keith R...

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Nice! I did search for the old thread and couldn't come up with anything. Thank you! I carry most of my watches, but it varies by what I'm doing, or where I'm going. Since I've been at work everyday since christmas, I really haven't changed it up too much. So ill start with some work watches that take a little bit of a beating everyday!

This is an Elgin 124, 15j 18s adjusted watch that is as trusty as they come. Its been an unbelievable time keeper, and I put it in my favorite case for jeans, the fahys oresilver screw back and bezel. It came to me without a usable case. I can't say enough about the reliability of this movement!

I hope to see many carry watches! There's all kinds of rare and wonderfull things posted daily here, but what do you actually carry around?? Do you have one that is your trusty watch, or a bunch of them?? Put them up! Thanks!

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

I love model 2 18s Elgins, so here is my next work watch. Once again unbelievable time keeper, within a couple minutes a week. It's a gm wheeler grade 82, 13 jewel movement that I have unscrupulously cased in this nice looking dueber hinged nickel case. I know the one case screw is silver, I've been changing them out as I find blued ones. Alot of these watches were purchased non running or movement only so I can work on repair.

 

[Lee Passarella]

I'm with Richard. I carry a lot of watches, and I change them up all the time, often without regard to whether I'm going to church or the supermarket. But thanks for initiating this thread, Keith. I'm sure we'll see some interesting responses and photos. I'd have to think a bit before I listed/displayed my favorite carry, though.

 

[Keith R...]

Lee, I know what you mean. I also have the English and Swiss to lean on.

Got rid of it, post service pic (hack watch, last pic).

Note, the Barraud went with me to town and watched me eat lunch.

Keith R...

View attachment 515623

 

[Fritz Katzenjammer]

these all see regular wear, to work, on my motorbike when the weather allows...

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Lee, you don't have to pic one! Share whatever your wearing!

I've been wearing this around a bit, another one I was hoping it was 15 jewels and it's 11, but it's proven so far to be a great carry watch. Keeps great time. It's rough around the edges, and it's definitely been well used. Rocky model 1 .

 

[Keith R...]

Now I probably could add this one, it is keeping perfect time with my Barrud and it's 15J.
The retailer is Molyneux, made in the 1850's. These same ebauches supported many
retailers like Jules J. and others. This one 55MM (18 size) 142 grams and 15J. It Keeps
perfect time. I'm like OldSchool though and prefer open faced watches.

This style is a bit more scarce then most of the other 1850 straight line levers.
Many of these were throughout the South during the great conflict.

F. Molyneux of Geneva Switzerland, expressly for the North and South American markets.

Keith R...

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Here's today's watch, the crystals came yesterday so I finished it up and carried it all day, and it's keeping great time. The movement came orphaned.... And I had two identical trashed silverine cases, so with one good center and two bezels, and sanding and a ton of polishing, I have what I think is a great looking display case. And another check on the model 2 list.

 

[Lee Passarella]

OK, since Richard invited me to show some of the watches I carry, here are a few, ones I haven't seen in any recent posts, so a little unusual though maybe not earthshaking in any way.

South Bend Studebaker c. 1927.

Hampden, c. 1884. Interesting because it is one of the last made in Mass. before the company moved to Ohio. I like the case more than the watch!

Rockford, Model 6, c. 1883. The guy who sold it to me said it's interesting because of the arrangement of the plates in the movement. Any idea about that?

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

I was hoping anyone who wanted to post their carry watches would please go right ahead! That's what this is for, kind of like the what are you wearing today thread.

I think the plate reference on your Rockford is the awesome cut out for the escapement, and the separate cock for the escape wheel. What a nice movement!

 

[luvsthetick]

Rockford, Model 6, c. 1883. The guy who sold it to me said it's interesting because of the arrangement of the plates in the movement. Any idea about that?

I sure like the model 6. Seller must have been referring to the exposed escapement of this model and plate design.

 

[Lee Passarella]

Messed the last posting up a bit. The Studebaker movement is attached as is the dial of the Hamilton Model 992, c. 1926.

 

[Lee Passarella]

I sure like the model 6. Seller must have been referring to the exposed escapement of this model and plate design.

View attachment 515802

Yep, exactly. My memory failed me. Thanks.

 

[Lee Passarella]

OK, my last post. Since there are Rocky fans out there, here is one of my favorites, a Model 9, c. 1908. I like the damaskeening, but call me shallow: I like the two-tone case as much as the watch. More?

 

[CentreKeystone]

This past winter I have been carrying my Elgin B W Raymond 571. I just think it looks pretty.

 

[Fritz Katzenjammer]

23j Vanguard... recently acquired in trade for stuff I don't use, this was picked up from my watchmaker this morning and will now see regular use.

I wore a nasty little Roskopf "dollar watch" to the shop to pick this up, my very German watchmaker offered to launch it into the nearest snowbank when I pulled it out in his shop...

 

[richiec]

This is the one I wear Sundays and holidays and most importantly, to meetings and marts, a Model 1884 Chronograph, circa 1887, keeps great time and all functions operate flawlessly.

 

[Lee Passarella]

Interesting, Fritz. Roskopf was new to me. But I just checked the internet, and you can get them by the bucket loads there. What do you think? Are Roskopfs worth checking out, or is it, as a they say, an acquired taste?

 

[Fritz Katzenjammer]

Interesting, Fritz. Roskopf was new to me. But I just checked the internet, and you can get them by the bucket loads there. What do you think? Are Roskopfs worth checking out, or is it, as a they say, an acquired taste?

They are basically a Swiss version of the American dollar watch... so they're junk really.

Having made that pithy observation, they have their charm like any other working man's basic tool. Kind of the watch world's VW Beetle, people love them even if they really were a crap car built down to a price.

And yes, I had one and loved it... when the damn thing ran that is.

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Going to Heinz Hall tonight, so I figured I'd wear a gold one. This is an Elgin 108 15 jewel adjusted movement in a fahys Montauk case. With the exception of the convertibles, this and the grade 4 hunter version were the top of the line for Elgins 16s movements in it's day. And oddly enough for me it's a seemingly all original watch.

 

[Lee Passarella]

Nice looking Elgin, Richard. Will try to make it to Heinz Hall one day. You have a great symphony orchestra there in Pittsburgh.

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

I definitely enjoy the Pittsburgh symphony orchestra, have seen them a couple times. P.s.o. is doing "the music of queen" tonight so it should be a good show. Last time I went was a few months ago to see the rock band Kansas, who is one of my favorites. It's nice to get a night out!

 

[Keith R...]

You guys should note, Richie's Waltham chronograph appears to be an original
sidewinder. Now that's my kind of Sunday watch in post #18!!!!

My Sunday watch and tomorrows Super Bowl watch. It's a verge and at plus 1
minute in 24hrs. Note, SN# AD-1820 (so SN# is the date). Hallmark little e matches
for London, 1820.

Keith R...

 

[richiec]

Thanks for the compliment, Keith, love that verge, I only have a couple of fusee's, would be afraid to wear one to a Super Bowl party, or the Daytona 500 party later this month. My other main carry is a 17 jewel, gold flashed Waltham 1888. My wife had the chain, gold and diamonds, made for me about 12 years ago when I got the watch and when we were both working. At that time it was the most I had ever paid for a watch, $385, don't know if I could get that today, the case back has some wear through.

 

[Lee Passarella]

Anybody have watches they would love to carry to special events but are afraid to do so because of their actual or perceived (by you, for the most part) value? I have a couple. I spent too much on lesser watches over the years, or I'd have more, I'm sure.

 

[Keith R...]

Good question Lee, I don't carry gold or gold filled, as I fear wear or scratches. I
don't carry scarce, since they are irreplaceable. I have about 6 and one day I'll have to
take a Road trip, self deliver, hang out for a week, take them back home. The rest, if they
are silver, are subject to being toted, with a smile.

Keith R...

 

[richiec]

I have my great, great, great, great grandfather's M I Tobias fusee from 1847 in an 18K case that I would wear on special occasions until the chain hook broke off. Lost the hook and can't fix it myself and haven't found anyone local who can tackle the task. It had been cleaned and oiled about 11 years ago. Last time I found someone, they moved away.

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

That's a great question! I don't really have any incredibly scarce or valuable ones, but more sentimental value. My first pocket watch I found when my great grandmother moved from her long time family home to a nursing home, and I really don't know who's it was, or where it came from but if something were to ever happen to it I would be heartbroken. It's a b.w.raymond 19j 240 In a nickel case, so like I said it's not crazy valuable, but it's nice and a special piece to me. I took it to the chapter meeting today and it's the first time it's seen daylight in a long time!

I feel like any of the ones I've purchased for myself I could always replace or repair, but the special ones are the ones I've aquired from friends or family, oddly enough they mostly unique and special in their own right, and I'm generally too nervous about anything happening to them to wear them. Most of the time.

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

I'm bringing this thread back up to the top! Still curious to see the ones people really wear around!

Today I went for the 16s. This is a grade 2 Elgin, which was made in either 13 or 15 jewels. You can tell the difference between the grade 2 and 3 by the grade three being marked adjusted. Or in this case the grade 2 is only 13 jewels! These are fantastic, solid running timekeepers and although I don't have the nicest examples, they are rescues and a nice addition to my carry watches.

The first two pics are the grade two 13 jewel im carrying, and the last is a 15 jewel grade 2 that I also carry often.

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Here it is at the top again, aww shucks. There's alot of people who posted great watches they carry, but so many have just read through! Are there so few pocket watch carriers left?? Pull it out of your pocket and snap a pic!! Please and thank you.

So by the time this was made, I'm assuming it was fairly obsolete. Hampden had flooded the market with 17 and higher jewel 16s watches, Waltham was always a few steps ahead with the 16s as well, but Elgin kept on trucking with it's 15 jewel adjusted 16s watches untill around 1896 I believe, when they introduced the "newer thinner" model 7 and upped jewel counts. Of course once again I'm omitting the expensive high grade convertibles.

This particular grade 3, which has the adjusted Mark right under the serial number, was made in 1895, and marks the fall of the model 3 and 5, 16 1/2 size Elgins. Grade 3 was produced for one more year after this . They would rapidly be replaced by the model 6 and 7.

This came to me really corroded and had some crazy hands on it... Probably because it has the oddest sized Elgin minute hole I've seen so far..... I did find some "ok" hands, but it makes a good carry watch! Since I opened the 16s box I figured I'd give them all a days walk.

Thanks for reading and please correct me if I'm wrong! This was alot of my own studying through serial lists and old advertisements and pwdb images and whatever books I can get my hands on.

 

[Lee Passarella]

I'm glad folks want to keep this conversation alive. So here's what I had in my vest pocket today, a Rockford Grade 825, 18s 17j, c. 1899. I think it's a lovely little watch--very nice movement, nice case with original paper. Quite nice. And probably worth just about nothing on the open market. Keeps fine time, though. So it goes with PW collecting.

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Lee, I'm learning that I like pretty much anything that says Rockford. Awesome watch! Beautiful 2 tone!

 

[Keith R...]

I've been doing something of late I call exchange. When it comes to my carry watch, I'll have
a week designated American and the following week designated English and then Swiss. My
two Swiss are easy to remember, Salty (Saltzman) and Moly (Molyneux).

The week begins on Sunday and English to boot. It's one of my favorite's, a 17J Josh Johnson
from 1842. Now the third pic is prior to service. After Denis restored the Johnson, it came home
with the reg scale at mid-point as it should be. I tend to get excited and want to run them as soon
as they come back, when really I should take a fresh serviced pic as it's first in hand.

For those not familiar, this is known as a Liverpool runner and right at 50MM across the case.
It weighs about 130 grams.

Keith R...

 

[yellow_sub]

This may make some of the more diehard collectors cringe but here we go. I started collecting watches about 7-8 years ago when I was 25 and I can honestly say that about 99% of the time since then, (when I'm out of the house) I carry a watch. It doesn't really matter to me which watch I put in my vest each morning or what I'm doing that day. I'm unable to ever get a drivers license, so I ride my bike a lot and I'm a mechanic/service manager for a bicycle shop but I will still always be wearing one. Whether or not it's my early waltham 57's, my waltham "special rail road king", my nearly 200 year old fusee, one of the cheap 7j's or any of the others in between, they all see regular use and probably always will. These things are fully functioning mechanical pieces of art, designed and built for a purpose. If I wanted to stare at something beautiful and sitting on a shelf, I'd have bought a painting or sculpture. Haha. BUT with all that being said, I do not own a watch (yet, at least) that's exceedingly rare or that could be straight traded for a car. My opinion would most likely change if I had something like that.
I hope this post didn't come off as arrogant or anything, I was just adding my 2 cents about my specific collection. I can imagine there are many who disagree with me.

Anyway, here is the one I had with me today. This picture is a bit old, as I've since moved the movement into a display case

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Nice one! I caught a glimpse of a few of yours elsewhere and was hoping you'd put some up! Thanks!!! Keep em coming!

 

[steamer471]

I recently fixed this Hayward grade Hampden. Thought it had a broken staff when I purchased then found it only had a cracked lower jewel. I've been carrying it for a week now. The other watches are also carries and I switch between these. I have a few watches I won't carry unless it a very special occasion. I also feel if I can't carry it or use it as it was intended I really don't need it.

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

A Hampden man! Awesome! I definitely see a Hayward in my future... Have looked at some early key winders.

Is your dueber grand lever set? The one I have is from about 1908 and it's pendant, which I found strange, I suppose only the older ones were lever. It's not complete yet.. I got it as movement only and it has a slew of busted jewels... But it kept perfect time for a day when I got it, before I took it apart and found the dammage. haha.

Thanks for posting! That's a nice variety you've got to carry around!

 

[steamer471]

Thanks! Mine is lever set. When I got it three years ago it had a winding issue. The big screw on the clutch would unscrew itself. Can't remember what I did to fix it but it keeps good time. Time to re-clean and put in a new mainspring. I think that's why I have the regulator so far up. Have learned a little more since then and will be more thorough. I'm starting to drift towards the early Hampdens and have a Studley grade I found on line that's my next project. No key winds yet but looking for the right one.

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Yes I like them as well! Ive managed to collect a few neat ones. One of my favorites is a Menlo Park a lady gave me... It was beyond my repair skills and is currently ruining the life of my favorite watch repairman... What people have done to hack watches is beyond me.....

I like the early ones, but I also like the model 1 and 2 16s watches. There's an "Sr in flag" or "nr in flag" out there somewhere with my name on it. I do have a neat "d star" model 1 and an unadjusted "d" model 2 that I really enjoy.


Good luck with the studley! Let us know how it comes out! Have a good day!

 

[musicguy]

Are there so few pocket watch carriers left??

I do think most people wear a pocket watch on this forum.
I wear the same one in my pocket everyday and have posted it in
two or three of these carry threads. No need to post it again.

Almost all of my watches are serviced and keep good time. Every once in a
while I will wind up 20 or so watches and listen to them tick.


Rob

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

First of all..... That is a really cool sound when you wind up a ton of watches...

But really it's more of trying to start conversation and get people involved who otherwise wouldn't post or share pictures of their watches. Easygoing thread to post whatever you have in your hand. Comment on people's watches. Maybe new members can put stuff up. Doesn't have to be a high grade watch. Are you carrying a 7 jewel, put it up on the board. Look at the great hampdens he just posted, or the rockfords or that really awesome chronograph, walthams, Elgins, hamiltons. There's a great mix of watches! I'm sure I missed some.

I know I'm eccentric, and probably annoying, but am just trying to be courteous and welcoming to anyone who wanted to post . Encouraging people to participate. I'm excited to see what everyone has posted. Id say im not the only one. But I can't speak for anyone else.

No disrespect at all, I'm just explaining why I keep on rolling with this.

 

[musicguy]

I'm just explaining why I keep on rolling with this.

No need to explain anything. Any reason to show off our watches is a good thing.


Rob

 

[viclip]

In addition to my wristwatch, I routinely carry at least 2 pocket watches, at least one of which has been recently returned from my watchmaker having been repaired &/or serviced. I carry the most recently returned pocket watch for about a month in order to ascertain that all is in order, esp. that the mainspring hasn't self-destructed, & to allow the movement to settle down for purposes of regulation.

The pocket watch most recently returned to me is a 12-size Elgin Model 3 Grade 345 of 17 jewels. The movement is housed in a solid 14K yellow gold case manufactured in Canada by the American Watch Case Co. of Toronto. Elgin manufactured the movement circa 1928.

That same year the "JJ" Nairn, mentioned in the inscription on the back cover of the case, was honored by his peers for having been on the Board of Directors of Canadian Canners Ltd., of which he was a founding father, for 25 years. This presentation pocket watch was given to him as a token of appreciation by his colleagues.

Incidentally, Canadian Canners' brands included the "Aylmer" line of canned produce. I believe that the Aylmer brand (albeit under different ownership these days) of canned tomatoes is still on the grocery store shelves, at least in Canada. I remember seeing their canned corn as well as beets; also they got into the canned soup business.

So to my American friends here on the board, is there any recollection of "Aylmer" canned goods having been imported from Canada for sale in the USA?

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Beautiful, vic! I love watches with stories, especially well researched stories. Never heard of that brand though. Sorry

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

In the spirit of "double doggin it" as Fritz so eloquently put it, I felt the overwhelming urge to roll with two today. The wristie was a busted Unitas pocket watch I turned to a pretty sweet wrist watch. Here's the pocket watch.

Elgin 104 7 jewel in a fabulous fahys two tone (sarcasm) rose gold speckled brass case. Was well used, well loved, and still is. Runs like a top. Does anyone else have a 7 jeweler they will never let go
I love this thing. I think the mainspring cost more than I paid for the watch. I wear it a few times a month, don't have to worry about wear through on this baby.

 

[yellow_sub]

Does anyone else have a 7 jeweler they will never let go

I have one. The case is worn, it's a 7 jewel movement and the seller didn't have a key to test it so I ended up getting it relatively cheap. I really just wanted the case since I didn't have a paired one at the time. Much to my surprise, I put it on my timing machine and while in the different positions with crown left (how it would be in my vest when wearing it) the watch was just between 30-70 seconds fast per day. I bumped the regulator over a bit and now roughly 10 months later it's still running and just as accurate.

 

[Lee Passarella]

The pocket watch most recently returned to me is a 12-size Elgin Model 3 Grade 345 of 17 jewels. The movement is housed in a solid 14K yellow gold case manufactured in Canada by the American Watch Case Co. of Toronto. Elgin manufactured the movement circa 1928.

That same year the "JJ" Nairn, mentioned in the inscription on the back cover of the case, was honored by his peers for having been on the Board of Directors of Canadian Canners Ltd., of which he was a founding father, for 25 years. This presentation pocket watch was given to him as a token of appreciation by his colleagues.

Incidentally, Canadian Canners' brands included the "Aylmer" line of canned produce. I believe that the Aylmer brand (albeit under different ownership these days) of canned tomatoes is still on the grocery store shelves, at least in Canada. I remember seeing their canned corn as well as beets; also they got into the canned soup business.

So to my American friends here on the board, is there any recollection of "Aylmer" canned goods having been imported from Canada for sale in the USA?

vclip, Aylmer is owned by the American conglomerate, ConAgra, headquartered in Chicago. ConAgra also owns a brand well known in the States, Hunt's, so I think they wouldn't set up any competition between Hunt's and Aylmer by offering the latter in the States.

Anyway, a lovely watch for sure.

 

[viclip]

vclip, Aylmer is owned by the American conglomerate, ConAgra, headquartered in Chicago. ConAgra also owns a brand well known in the States, Hunt's, so I think they wouldn't set up any competition between Hunt's and Aylmer by offering the latter in the States.

Anyway, a lovely watch for sure.

Yes, I recall that maybe a decade ago there was a takeover by ConAgra, so it makes sense that the old Canadian Aylmer brand wouldn't be marketed State-side (at least not any more). Although we do have Hunt's here in Canada, that label & Aylmer were likely serious competitors for the longest time; my sense is that the Aylmer's line was cut back in recent years.

Anyways thanks for the compliment. I wish my photographic skills were better.

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Today with all the Hampden talk, and I still have my box of 16s out, I grabbed this beauty. First of all don't look at the hands... As soon as some come my way I'll pop a matching hand on it.

This is a great 17 Jewel adjusted model 1, lever set, Hampden ,16s watch. A "d star in flag" . Kent singer and Ed Ueberall have the most fantastic article about these in the April 2004 issue of the bulletin in the "railroaders corner" entitled DUEBER-HAMPDEN AND ITS 16-SIZE STANDARD WATCHES PART 1: MODELS 1 & 2 . Check it out!! It's the reason I purchased this and one other. The case is a bit lumpy on the back.. but looks original, a dueber gladiator gold filled case.

The model 1 came after the model 2 actually, and has that raised center to enable the movement to theoretically fit in a thinner case. I'm tempted to see if it fits in a standard case but I never tried it. The model 2s certainly do not.

Have a good day!