Time on the go

[musicguy]

The Hamilton 900 is really a spectacular looking 12s. What is that
blue part is that a reflection?


Rob

 

[rocl444]

Not a reflection, but I don't know. It looks bluer in the photo than it is. Someone on here should be able to tell us.

 

[Jim Haney]

It is called a lockout lever to be used when servicing it, that locks out the setting train so it won't drag down the watch during servicing it. The screw above the 900 will turn it back in to get it out of the way.

You should speak to your serving guy to see if he know what is going on.

 

[rocl444]

It is called a lockout lever to be used when servicing it, that locks out the setting train so it won't drag down the watch during servicing it. The screw above the 900 will turn it back in to get it out of the way.

You should speak to your serving guy to see if he know what is going on.

Is this something I can do? I am in New Zealand and the guy who serviced the watch is in New York.

 

[Keith R...]

It's been a productive night, both my 14 Jewel Simon's Duplex and my 19 Jewel Josh Johnson, ca 1842
are timing even, with my 15J Howard #5477. Both just restored by, "The Last Wind-Up" of Bozeman
Montana. The Howard serviced by Rob Carter of Kingsport TN.

Keith R...

 

[Lee Passarella]

All nice, Keith, but as a Howard enthusiast,I say Wow! for that particular watch. I have yet to get me a key-wind Howard. But there's still time, still auctions, still shows. . . .

 

[Keith R...]

I like a Mershon regulator. I saw this old movement that was missing the cross. I called my old buddy
Ray Tyulty and got one. Jon sold me some old glass backs and Rob C. serviced and cased it. The pic
was taken a couple years later and I serviced it again since then.

Keith R...

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Hayward #183483
Dueber Newport coin case

Picked this up last week. Got it all repaired and serviced friday, so it's been keeping me company all weekend. Good runner. My meager stash of coin bows had been depleted, so this brass or gold filled one is in it's place till I can somehow find some more.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

 

[Keith R...]

American Tremont 1865 and an English Tremont 1876.

Keith R...

 

[Patrick Brady]

First post here, and I have to say I've really enjoyed reading the thread. In the short time I've been collecting pocket watches every collector without exception has suggested I join NAWCC, and here I am. Been a wrist watch collector for many years but have simply lost interest in mass produced wrist watches. Vintage are hit or miss in both in price and retained value. I'm now hooked on pocket watches - the beauty, the craftsmanship, the providence. I've carried one on nearly every occasion over the last year but am still trying to settle on my "go to" for every day use. Picked up two Elgins at a local antique store, serviced by a hobbyist watch maker. Posting one here, the Elgin 387, 17j, from 1933. I've only found one other dial with the same numbering. The movement isn't much to look at, but again it's a rock-solid performer. Glad to be a part of the community here.

 

[Dave Coatsworth]

Welcome, Patrick! Thanks for sharing.

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Welcome to the nawcc message board Patrick!

Thanks for sharing you watch, looks good!

Seems like your grade 387 was produced from around 1911 to the mid 1940's with
357700 serial numbers allotted. Quite a popular movement.

Have a great day

 

[musicguy]

Patrick I would also like to add my welcome to those above.
I carry a pocket watch every day rain or shine.

Welcome to the NAWCC Amreican Pocket watch forum section.




Rob

 

[Chris Radek]

Welcome! I like the little curly ends on the 2,3,9. And how the 5,7 just boldly go on top of the seconds bit. I agree it's a cool dial.

 

[musicguy]

It looks like the dial on the Elgin 478



Rob

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

That is the "D299" dial according to the 1927 Elgin material catalog. Made in 16s only.

 

[Patrick Brady]

Thanks guys, a warm welcome indeed. I'm humbled by your insight and thoughtful responses. I will have a grand time getting to know everyone.

 

[Keith R...]

I'm a dial fan myself. I believe dials make the model, as much as anything.
When I grabbed my series I E Howard I had to look closely at the dial, as it
closely resembled my early series III Howard's.

Shown 1859, 1864 & 1865.

Keith R...

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Today is the grade 103 g.m. wheeler. Nice looking movement, good runner, and could definitely use a cleaning up as it's one of the watches that's been hanging around here neglected. Wanted to give it a road test today and see how it handles.



Edit:
I don't know if it's the site, or my phone, but one or the other LOVES to flip my pictures around. Sorry about that.

 

[musicguy]

I'm liking the 18 size Hamilton 936 that I have been wearing for the past 3 weeks, it's keeping real
RR time(maybe better, I only made two small adjustments).

I think a PW hits it's stride after a week or two of wearing
them. Winding them the same time every day.



Rob

 

[viclip]

......
I think a PW hits it's stride after a week or two of wearing
them. Winding them the same time every day.

Rob

Rob, if perchance you have any watches with the winding indicator feature, that would make for an interesting first post in a thread showcasing them. As for me, I've been keeping one eye on listings for WI watches but have yet to pull the trigger, nice specimens are a bit pricey so I need to prioriize for now ...

 

[Keith R...]

The 1870's, wind indicators became fixture with chronometers, deck watches and the like. I
recall Port and starboard watches out at sea (12 on 12 off) and a deck watch with a wind
indicator (Hamilton).

Here's a Thomas Russel & Sons from about 1871. Sea navigation and trains would be excellent
examples for use of wind indicators. By English standards this is 18 size or 55MM outside case
diameter and about 25MM thick.

Keith R...

 

[Keith R...]

Well, I was hoping some American Wind Indicators would hit the board.

Here's one of my original side winders marked adjusted at 15J. I thought I'd sign off
with an American watch.

Keith R...

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Nice Keith!


This is a dueber grand, pendant set, in a dueber Sterling case. From roundabout 1908.

It's been in pieces in a tub forever, and the other thread had me thinking about it so I finished it up the other day.

This poor case had a model 77 keywind Broadway in it. The Broadway didn't have a prayer, so I put a stem and sleeve in the case and I think it's a perfect match for this movement. Fun project. Good carry watch!

 

[musicguy]

Nice job Rick!

Rob

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Thanks Rob!

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

While I have been carrying that dueber grand a few days, and will switch back to it when I get home, I always try to take something special to a chapter meeting, so I brought out the model 70 keywinder!

 

[viclip]

In 1923 this scene greeted the19-year-old young man opening the presentation case before him:



This 12-size Illinois "Autocrat" ~ Model 3/Grade 405 ~ boasting 17 jewels, had been manufactured the year before in Springfield. The white gold filled "Autocrat Model" case made by Wadsworth bore a 25-year guarantee but it doesn't specify the karat count, probably 14K. Whether then or subsequently, the new owner obtained a 12K WGF chain of the classic 14" length, together with a 10K WGF pocket knife with a pair of stainless steel blades:



The first owner obviously intended to sport the outfit, which he did, likely only for special occasions judging from the light wear observed. I too will carry this set on special occasions but before doing so I'll have the watch serviced.

I was able to ascertain that the original owner was born in 1904 & died in 1984 being buried together with his widow in western Michigan.

Here's a few more shots:





The serial numbers of the movement & the case match those on the certificate. I'm glad that the outfit was kept together for nearly a century. I'll be the stern custodian of this interesting find to the end of my days.

 

[musicguy]

viclip,

He must have taken very good care of this watch to have
kept the warranty and box for 60 years. It shows that
it was important to him.

Nice find and nice watch.


Rob

 

[viclip]

viclip,

He must have taken very good care of this watch to have
kept the warranty and box for 60 years. It shows that
it was important to him.

Nice find and nice watch.

You posted this in the Time on the go thread
do you intend to wear this one


Rob

Thanks for the comments Rob.

I will wear this outfit, albeit following servicing & also albeit gingerly.

i also meant to post a shot of the exterior of the presentation box, but forgot, so here it is:



The box is actually square but rotating the image caused it to distort rectangularly.

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Nice one Vic, congrats!

 

[viclip]

Nice one Vic, congrats!

Thanks Rick.

Wow these 12s Illinois beauties are more addictive than full-bodied eggnog!

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

I reorganized my whole watch repair area.... And decided to try and complete as many of the ever growing pile of projects that I can. Not doing to bad on it so far.

I've had this grade 79 hh taylor for a while, but it's been a mess. I straightened it all out, and put it back in it's original case. It's been keeping great time for a few days. I'm not a big fan of the spade/whip hands, but that's what was on it.

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Heres the watch for this weekend.


This is the Elgin 18s model 6. Made in three grades, 98, 99, and 100.
7, 11, and 15 jewels respectively. All Gilt. A short lived model with a total production of about 17,000 across the three grades. A really neat piece of Elgin history.

You would think the typical openfaced pendant set model 5 would have come first, but the model 6 interchangable begins about a quarter of a million serial numbers earlier.

Not only interchangable, but it's also the first Elgin 3/4 plate 18s movement!

This is a grade 99, 11 jewel that I got at our last chapter meeting. I'm pretty fond of it, and it's an exciting addition to the Elgin collection!

 

[Jerry Treiman]

It is nice to see all of the 12-size watches showing up in your pockets.
This week I have returned to my comfort zone with this Waltham Colonial-A “Riverside”. (It is actually 14-size, but slimmer than almost any other American dress watch). It is interesting mainly for its patented case. The 14K case, by H.W. Matalene, includes his special setting mechanism (second photo). The numbers are stencil-cut through the metal dial and filled with luminous paint. The case also has a hidden hinge for the back cover.

 

[Gregory]

I've carried some of my other pocket watches but I really prefer carrying one of my great grandpa's pocket watches. I guess I'm just sentimental. They're the only watches I carry now. And my favorite one, that I've pictured here several times before, is his Waltham 1883 Crescent St. made in about 1897. I know the store where he purchased the watch at which was Hope Bros. Co. on Gay St. in Knoxville, TN.

The company that bought Hope Bros. back in the '30s, Kimballs Jewelry, is still in Knoxville but they moved from their Gay St. location to Kingston Pike in West Knoxville back in 2004. They also took their street clock with them which was sorta sad. It was a landmark and everybody used to set their watches by it when they were downtown shopping in the old days. I used to walk by it every weekday for 15 years when I worked for TVA in their Knoxville offices back in the 70s and early 80s.

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Awesome watch and great history!

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Watch for the weekend!

Series 2 bwr, 336505

I'll be honest I bought it for parts. It came yesterday and I fully anticipated using it to fix an absolutely pristine movement from the same run. When I took it apart, despite what it looked like from the outside, it's in perfect shape and I couldn't justify taking parts from it. So I cleaned and oiled it, replaced some incorrect screws, put a mainspring in, and put it back into the completely wrong case it came with. Darn thing is spot on keeping time. It may not be a looker, but it's a great watch, especially for what I paid for it. I figure since I collect these, I may as well have one I can carry, and this fits the bill.

It was a nice surprise to get a good movement, after the slew of bad luck I've been having.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

 

[Lee Passarella]

The company that bought Hope Bros. back in the '30s, Kimballs Jewelry, is still in Knoxville but they moved from their Gay St. location to Kingston Pike in West Knoxville back in 2004. They also took their street clock with them which was sorta sad. It was a landmark and everybody used to set their watches by it when they were downtown shopping in the old days. I used to walk by it every weekday for 15 years when I worked for TVA in their Knoxville offices back in the 70s and early 80s.

A great story and a lovely watch. I was caught by the sign on Woodruff's store, though. Today, there would probably be a cease-and-desist order from another company whose name started with a "W" and whose signs looked very much like that. But said company went belly up in the 90s.

 

[Jerry Treiman]

This week I have switched to another 12-size watch. It is a 19-jewel Riverside-grade private-label watch for Bigelow, Kennard & Co. The movement was finished around 1904, as indicated by the pending patent marked on the movement. The case was made for BK&Co. by Jeannot & Schiebler (unmarked, but reasonable attribution - the 14K cartouche is as used by J&S). The watch is a happy marriage of an orphaned movement with an only slightly later case that had contained an incomplete BK&Co. movement (ca.1907; missing balance cock and balance wheel). Both movements have the same dial. The case is not inappropriate as BK&Co were a fairly conservative firm and used this case style for several years.

 

[Dave Coatsworth]

Headed off to the National tomorrow and have decided to wear my Illinois 163 60-hour Bunn Special with CPR dial.

 

[Nick23]

I've been carrying this 14 size Model 1897 this week. It's a 19 jewel Riverside Grade hunter, still in the original Dennison silver case, and keeping very good time.

 

[musicguy]

I think I'll wear a few watches to the National. This 1913 gentleman's Opera watch by Waltham
will be one of them. These have 12 size dials with 6/0s movements that have a very
cool filigree around the movement, designed to have a very thin watch case
(maybe the thinnest 12 size of it's time).






Rob

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Wish I could make it out there, I just couldn't work out the logistics. Maybe next year. Take lots of pictures!

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

This weeks watch is my Illinois Currier model 2. serial #46757. This is a really neat movement for a couple reasons. Its a pretty early example of the model 2 Currier from what i have seen, and its a really nice 11 jewel quick train movement. It keeps amazing time, and looks good doing it! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Time for time on the go! It's been a little while.

Wanted to get this out and run it a bit, so it's my companion for the weekend. Elgin M.D. Ogden series 2.

 

[Nick23]

I think I'll carry this Waltham 1892 Model, 23J Vanguard in the demi 'open face' hunter 14K Debois case for a few days. I particularly like the pale blue inlaid enamel work on the front cover.

 

[Lee Passarella]

Here's the 1865 Tremont I carried when I visited the Civil War Timepieces exhibit at the NAWCC Museum. I think it came out late in '65, but it's as close as I could get on short notice.

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

This weekend is my Hampden private label grade 35 for the Boston watch co. It has a really nice seemingly original Fahys coin case, and is 15 jewels and adjusted. The grade 35 is the nameless version of the adjusted Woolworth. Anywho... This is one of my Hampden treasures and I wanted to give it a weekend out of it's box.

Have a good weekend everyone!

 

[rocl444]

I've been carrying a 23j 16s Vanguard from 1907 this week. It arrived in January in very poor condition but has recently had a new balance staff and mainspring fitted and is now running beautifully. A lot of rust was removed from the movement. The case has suffered some extreme abuse too. The bezel had 2 holes which have been filled and the threads have been mashed badly, but for some reason still function well. The swing out cradle had broken from its hinge and that has been repaired too. The leather washer under the crown has disintegrated and I would be interested in where to find a replacement. The minute hand does not seem original. The dial has been cleaned up a bit and is now almost acceptable.
It has only survived because of my foolishness and I don't mind its scars at all.