antique elgin pocket watch

1924 Elgin 17 Jewel, 12 size in very good condition.

You bought an old clock on eBay, has inherited a watch from a family member, or found a large quantity at an antiquary. For the purpose of service or repair. Most of the old clock service is operated remotely from a repair shop line (unless you're one of the few who repair shop near you watch). When you contact the repairer usually The first agenda is to identify the clock. What information should help you identify your old pocket watch or wristwatch? Here is some information key can be obtained (for America Watches)

The name of the field: Most clocks are indicated on the dial (or side) of the clock with the name of the company (ie, Elgin, Waltham …). While some watches may be marked with the name of jewelry, or bearing not at all on the dial.

The size of the watch: American pocket watch size is indicated by a single number (18), or a number followed by a -0 (3-0). European clocks were generally sized in millimeters, or progressive (pronounced lines). A line is 2.26 mm.

This The following is a list of common sizes to see America and the equivalent in millimeters:

• 20S-46.56mm
• 18-44.86 mm
• 16S-43.18 mm
• 14S-41.48 mm
• 12S-39.78 mm
• 10S-38, 10 mm
• 8p-36.40 mm
• 6S-34.70 mm
• 0s-29.62 mm
• 3/0s-27.94 mm

When you take this measure, measure the width of the clock face not the case.

Movement Identification: If you are comfortable with opening the watch to see the works (movement) that will help in identification. With a "full" license plate is not visible in art and work only part you see is the wheel. In a plate "partial" movement, you may see some or all of the gears (wheels). Three finger movements Floor leading three bars in a row.

Serial number, serial number printed directly on the movement, not the case. This question is useful for determining the type of movement. In addition, had many hits of the model or serial number printed on the motion, as is the case of Hamilton watches.

Type of case: A case material, it is usually either silver or gold. Money is a base metal or a material called silver or silver coin (an alloy of nickel, copper and manganese). If Real silver, metal usually stained a dark gray (except recently polished). A case is usually filled with gold (gold with a bronze-filled) or solid gold. If it is solid gold, which is usually stamped with a value of carats.

A case can be opened forward ( "openly"), or may have a lid that opens when you click on the stem, called a case of "hunter".

Before contacting the repair shop, to collect all this information as possible. This will help you get an idea of the value his watch, and a rough estimate of repair costs.

Joel Trenalone is an architect working at California State University, who also operates a small business in repair and sales of antique and vintage mechanical watches. Find more about mechanical watches and services offered at http://www.TimePieceShoppe.com

Watch repair shop do all the initials and the date of jewelers mark inside the box when working on antique clocks?

I have a clock Lord Elgin pocket. I think it is gold and is very ornate, with the image of a village on the front and a bird with a banner and flowers in the back. Both are surrounded by a border of flowers and leaves, and the circumference of the watch has a wavy edge. The first brand of jewelry that I can read is 1935. I'm trying to learn the age clock. I would also like to know if it can be repaired. It works, but I can not set the time.

If the craftsman and knows his job is did … that can be repaired by a master craftsman who actually build the parts needed .. the husband has a collection of pocket watches that use an old watchmaker … There is an organization of producers clocks may be able to find one on the network. But do not use a jeweler regularly.