Garage Sale Elgin Pocket Watch!

[bigcaddy64]

This was one of my better finds yesterday when I was out hitting sales. It’s not a particularly valuable movement but in terms of how often I find pocket watches in the wild, it’s quite rare to me.

I was talking with the guy having the sale, while looking through jewelry, and he mentioned he has a pocket watch doing nothing in a drawer. He let me take a look and said make an offer. I gave him everything I had in my wallet and he accepted.

Research tells me it’s a 1890 Elgin with a Duber case, in working condition. The best part is the chain fob with the horse charm! It shows years of wear and was supposedly worn by a relative who used it every day until their death.

On a good day it might be worth 80-100 bucks but I’m keeping it for my collection. Now I just need a key to wind it up.

 

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[JimDon]

Great old watch. Wear it well

 

[tamrock]

I believe you could find a key online fairly easy. There's a watch and clock repair not to far from where I live that got me a pocket watch key for one I had. It was new and was made of chome steel. It didn't look period, but did the job.

 

[bigcaddy64]

I believe you could find a key online fairly easy. There's a watch and clock repair not to far from where I live that got me a pocket watch key for one I had. It was new and was made of chome steel. It didn't look period, but did the job.

I might have a spare in my collection of watches. Pocket watches are what sparked my interest in collecting and I’ve always kept anything related to them when found. Some of my fusee watches might use a key that fits the winder so I can at least test it tomorrow.

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Very nice purchase, congrats!

 

[bigcaddy64]

I was able to test the winder last night and the watch is going to need a complete service. It winds and will run for a few seconds.....then stop....then want to run again but there't too much resistance for it to overcome.

I'd happily dig into it but with it being a full plate movement, i'm nervous about pulling it apart. I'm more familiar with size 16 movement that don't have the balance cock assembly sitting above the train. Balance staffs are really delicate and i've never serviced one of these before. It might have to sit a while until i service another 18 and learn more.

 

[A2coins]

Thats a really cool find Good job

 

[JimDon]

I was able to test the winder last night and the watch is going to need a complete service. It winds and will run for a few seconds.....then stop....then want to run again but there't too much resistance for it to overcome.

I'd happily dig into it but with it being a full plate movement, i'm nervous about pulling it apart. I'm more familiar with size 16 movement that don't have the balance cock assembly sitting above the train. Balance staffs are really delicate and i've never serviced one of these before. It might have to sit a while until i service another 18 and learn more.

Go for it! It would be a good watch to practice on . I don’t think Watch makers will work on this kind of watch any longer.

 

[Tpmetal]

Go for it! It would be a good watch to practice on . I don’t think Watch makers will work on this kind of watch any longer.

they will certainly work on them. There are just not a whole lot of clock/watch workers left in general. And for a piece like this its value is far less then what costs to repair clean and service it. I would say minimum of 120 to have her done properly, that is IF it runs and need no serious work.

 

[bigcaddy64]

Go for it! It would be a good watch to practice on . I don’t think Watch makers will work on this kind of watch any longer.

I'm still assembling my tools for the repairs. All i need now is a cleaning solution for the parts. I'm leaning towards some simple green (in my ultrasonic) with a denatured alcohol rinse. I also need a main spring winder, correct oils and grease but they should be coming along soon.

 

[bigcaddy64]

they will certainly work on them. There are just not a whole lot of clock/watch workers left in general. And for a piece like this its value is far less then what costs to repair clean and service it. I would say minimum of 120 to have her done properly, that is IF it runs and need no serious work.

It does run, its just gunked up inside. It will run in 15-20 second bursts before stopping on its own.

 

[Tpmetal]

I'm still assembling my tools for the repairs. All i need now is a cleaning solution for the parts. I'm leaning towards some simple green (in my ultrasonic) with a denatured alcohol rinse. I also need a main spring winder, correct oils and grease but they should be coming along soon.

nice! i have a few sitting around i have been meaning to learn how to tear into. My set of mini screwdrivers arrived, still need a few more things.

 

[bigcaddy64]

nice! i have a few sitting around i have been meaning to learn how to tear into. My set of mini screwdrivers arrived, still need a few more things.

i already had the screwdrivers and ultrasonic. All i had to pick up was some watch hand removal levers, hand press, movement vise, Rodico, bronze tweezers, cleaner basket, oil, grease, etc.....

Just a few things and you are on your way lol