Originally Posted by
Art
There is a lot online about all of the major companies that made these watches, Elgin, Waltham, Illinois, Hamilton etc. You will be able to find serial number information that will allow you to date your watches. The number you want is on the movement not the case. I had one of the watches that had a picture of one of my cousin's great aunt's picture cleaned up for him- it runs strong now-and checked the date against the Waltham records. It was made between March and August 1890. There are also a lot of watch web site forums like watchuseek. late 19th - mid 20th century technology was often very durable. You may find that some, maybe all of the old watches you have only need a good cleaning and lube job to be put in running condition. Good quality vintage pocket watches, and I mean the fully jeweled 17j and up watches can often be had cleaned, lubed and running strong from dealers from $500.00 - $600.00 dollars, sometimes less, unless the cases are solid gold or silver. Pot luck watches on E-Bay or Amazon for a lot less. I know a fellow whose everyday watch is a fine Hamilton 992 and he isn't the only one. Pocket watches are becoming somewhat fashionable again with fans ranging from the steampunk types to old west enthusiasts, to guys stylin' in the GQ crowd.
One word to the wise. I found out the hard way that with watches, a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. It's easy to get at the "innards" of most antique pocket watches. Beware of attempting any adjustments yourself, it can be tempting but can end badly....one who knows :icon_e_surprised: :icon_redface:!!!
Happy hunting.