A Return to Pocket Watches

[hsguy]

Interesting thread. I actually live in Elgin but alas the factory is gone. I sometimes think I should buy an Elgin pocket watch though.

 

[StrawHat]

In addition, the Railroad Watch Standards evolved over time, following along with the progression in the quality of watches. They were updated every few years and a watch that once was acceptable could be outdated in the next version. At one point, the standards went so far as to have an actual list of manufacturers/models that were approved.

The standards were also not mandated by the government - a railroad could use all or selected parts depending on their need. For example, local "short line" railroads with limited traffic were not nearly as strict as the larger regional or national railroad lines who moved a lot of trains every day. Some of the larger, "richer" railroads actually had additional standards above and beyond those that Ball came up with, which for some would even include the railroad watch inspector sealing the setting lever with a drop of wax and a tiny seal in order to tell if the watch had been reset if allowed to run down - a very serious offense at that time!

And just to be clear, not all pocket watches are "high jeweled"; not all high jeweled watches are "railroad grade"; and only a small fraction of all the railroad grade watches produced were ever used by an actual railroad. Regardless, if you are looking for a pocket watch then either high jeweled and/or railroad grade are good things to look for.

And the inspectors would have loaner watches to give out while inspecting/repairing the working watches.

Railroad watches were extremely accurate for the era. And are accurate enough for today. Heck, my Ryerson model from National Watch is a non railroad grade, 7 jewel keep time to a couple minutes a week. Plenty accurate for a farmer, merchant or banker.

And with a copy of the Almanac, it can be reset each day if necessary.

Kevin

 

[Bald1]

Bald, 27 jewel? That's a lotta jewels!

(You might find this interesting: Hamilton/Ball, Model 999-N, 23J, from 1919 approximately. - Topic)

U are right. That's a lot of jewels. So many in fact, it was a typo lol. Mine is also 23 jewels. I've tried a few times to get a value on it but like S&Ws the prices are all over the place.

 

[chief38]

I love pocket watches and I do have two of them. I never carry them anymore because I find I already have way too much stuff in my pockets. Between Roscoe, an extra magazine, my keys, wallet, my other wallet, a pocket knife, change, my cell phone.... I have no room left for a pocket watch.

Back in the day when men wore vests, suit and sports jackets, there were a lot more pockets to carry stuff. Sometimes it amazes me when I get home and start pulling all my EDC stuff out to put away. Probably adds 5 pounds to my total weight! When I am home for the day, it's actually a pleasure to not have anything at all in my pockets with the exception of my lightweight Spyderco Delica.

 

[Bald1]

Chief, that's a lot to carry. So I gotta ask. 2 wallets??????? Is one a dummy wallet with 10 bucks in it to give to robber? Or is one empty and that's the one your wife sees while the other one has your gun money stash?

 

[StrawHat]

Yes, older pocket watches can have issues with magnetism but almost any jeweler or watch smith that deals in mechanical watches will have a de-magnetiser. Just place the watch on the device and press one button. It takes all of three or four seconds and I would be surprised if anyone would even charge you for it (sorry for the pun...).

Wouldn't you know it! Fours days into our road trip and both of my watches have become magnetized! Hope I can find a jeweler North of Atlanta who can help me. My demagnetized is at home.

Kevin

 

[Onomea]

Seems to me a watch repair guy told me to keep me pocket watches away from electronics, including the phone in your pocket...

 

[MRB1]

A few years ago I picked up two railroad pocket watches made in the USSR. High quality, heavy as a brick and keeps good time. I never carry it because of the weight. Not a pretty watch at all, but works.

 

[Bald1]

A few years ago I picked up two railroad pocket watches made in the USSR. High quality, heavy as a brick and keeps good time. I never carry it because of the weight. Not a pretty watch at all, but works.

We'd all like to see what a USSR RR watch looks like. Can u post a pic?

 

[StrawHat]

The Dueber Hambden Watch Co was purchased by a Soviet Union firm in 1930. All the machinery and a few of the employees were moved to the USSR to be rebuilt and help bolster their shaky economy.

Kevin