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pocket watches

S

smokemaster

Is anyone into pocket watches?

I have My Grandfathers solid gold , 1855 Elgin Nate pocket watch.
It doesn't run and has no crystal.
Has gold chain and $1.00 gold coin.
Grampy paid $2.00 for it new in 1855.

I want to get it fixed - with parts that won't ruin it's value.
Not into putting the old face on new insides.
Dad said it just needed cleaning and the new Crystal.

From asking questions I got the impression the Crystal replaced is going to be hard to do.
It was glass.A certain kind I've been told.
I guess the watch parts haven't changed much over the years as far as wind up watches go..

Looking for advice.
This is a family thing-handed down to the oldest son...Forever.
 
I want to get it as close to new and original as I can.
Dad died and left it to me.
I'd love to pass it on when I die as a running watch-in as close to original condition as I can get.
It's value to me is more than you could sell it for $ wise.
Dad never got it fixed because he didn't trust Jewelry shops or people that fixed watches.
He thought they would "loose the watch" and sell the watch for gold value and give him a few $.
He,as I do , value the watch more than what it could be sold for,as a watch.
 
Smoke
 


 
 
You need to trust the watch makers. You have a nice watch that deserves to be made well again. Seek out a high end jeweler that has a good rep and been around awhile. You won't be sorry. Do a little research and go with the best. My grandpa was a watch maker and everyone knew him. Ask around for recomendations as to who is the best watch maker around. An Elgin is a steller pocket watch. HAVE IT WORKED ON
 
I know one person who does intricate work like that.  He buys and restores antiques, including watches.  Thing is, he is kind of reclusive and it sounds like what you have is likely very valuable.  I think best you find an insured business in your area.
 
Been looking for a mechanical Jeweled pocket watch but cant afford much, no point getting a cheap one.
As mentioned, get it fixed by a reputable repair shop :)
 
dragonsfire said:
Been looking for a mechanical Jeweled pocket watch but cant afford much, no point getting a cheap one.
As mentioned, get it fixed by a reputable repair shop :)
Click to expand...
You too?  I want one to rebel against smart phones.
 
I've been told that Jewelry shops are just a middle man-cost a ton,they send all there stuff to their repair guy.
The Elgin site recommends Only going to a reputable Antique Watch repair shop,only.
 
Since the watch isn't running it's only worth the gold value.
It is what it is,to me and Dad.
Priceless,Never for sale!
 
This watch has no value other than to Dad and me.
Dad died not long ago.
 
I tried Several times to let me get it fixed.
He didn't trust the people at the time that fixed old watches.
I'd loved to have seen the smile on his face If I got it fixed and returned it to him in running order.
Since I was very young,Mom made a frame/shadow box type thing that hung on our Living room wall.
Dad would see me looking at it on several occasions.
Said it was his Dads watch.
It was up to me to hand it down to the next generation.
I own several pocket watches,none cost more than $30.00.
I love Pocket watches.
 
All were gifts.Because I love pocket watches.Most have hunting or fishing engravements on them,Wind up and Battery run.
 
I want to keep Grampy's watch original...
 
Aj,the watch Right now $ wise is gold value only.
It is worth a gazillion times that to Me and Dad.
Not for sale at any price!
Would like to talk to your guy.
As Dad was,I'm paranoid about  not having it fixed with new insides or whatever.
I want it to be the same as the day my Dads father bought it.
 
dragonsfire said:
Ive never owned a cell phone and dont intend to lol.
Click to expand...
If you do get a pocket watch, do what I plan to do.  Go shopping, buffet, where ever. Pull it out of your pocket and look at the thing for 20 minutes at a time, pretend you are playing games on it, talk to it.  See if anyone notices.  Chances are not cause they are too busy with their phones.
 
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