Just received my grandfather's pocket watch, and quite possibly his grandfather's too

[ArcticMoose]

Long story short, my grandmother decided I could have anything watch-related found around the house as it was being emptied. I just got these, couldn't be more thrilled!





Can anyone tell me more about them, or where I can find more information? I've done a bit of searching, but haven't come across any particularly specific information.

The Hamilton could potentially have been my great great grandfather's, since I believe it is engraved with his initials. I'm looking into it.

Besides origin and history, my most pressing inquiries are: What specific questions should I ask a watchmaker before allowing any work on them? Any specific requests I should have, besides the obvious such as leaving original dial and hands alone?

I haven't dared attempting to wind them for fear of breaking them, so I don't know what condition they are in besides the obvious, that the Elgin is missing its second hand.

[Art 1]

[BOA]

You might want to try the American Pocket Watches section of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors Message Board. Lots of information there. Good luck.

[unclesallie]

well, i am far far from being an expert on pocketwatches, but they are very cool.
first thing you should know, is that there were millions of them made. second, is that they range in value from $0.00 to $10M. I know nothing of Elgin, but Hamilton was manufactured in Lancaster, Pa., near where I live(about 35 miles away). I agree with Boa: join the NAWCC, and go to some Chapter meetings. There you will find pocket watch enthusiasts who can tell you all you will ever want or need to know. Or, you can come visit in South Central Pa., and I'll take you over the National Watch and Clock Museum in Columbia, Pa., and then up to Adamstown, where there are guys who are real experts......

[ArcticMoose]

Originally Posted by BOA

You might want to try the American Pocket Watches section of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors Message Board. Lots of information there. Good luck.

Wow, lots of information indeed! Thanks.

Originally Posted by unclesallie

There you will find pocket watch enthusiasts who can tell you all you will ever want or need to know. Or, you can come visit in South Central Pa., and I'll take you over the National Watch and Clock Museum in Columbia, Pa., and then up to Adamstown, where there are guys who are real experts......

Thanks, I'd love to, but I'm afraid it's about 26000 kilometers too far away.

[gaopa]

Those are beautiful pocket watches! To learn more about your Elgin watch, check this site.

http://trusted-forwarder.org/elgin/help/index.html

Like you, I am fortunate to have two of my grandfather's RR pocket watches. My grandfather worked for the old Virginian RR from the time he was 14 in 1898 until he retired in 1950. I have his 1874 Elgin H.H. Taylor RR watch which his father gave him when we went to work and also his 1886 watch. Nothing like a bit of history especially when is from the family. Cheers, Bill P.

[ArcticMoose]

Originally Posted by gaopa

Those are beautiful pocket watches! To learn more about your Elgin watch, check this site.

http://trusted-forwarder.org/elgin/help/index.html

Good info, thanks!

Originally Posted by gaopa

Like you, I am fortunate to have two of my grandfather's RR pocket watches. My grandfather worked for the old Virginian RR from the time he was 14 in 1898 until he retired in 1950. I have his 1874 Elgin H.H. Taylor RR watch which his father gave him when we went to work and also his 1886 watch. Nothing like a bit of history especially when is from the family. Cheers, Bill P.

So true, I wish I knew more about the history of mine.

Originally Posted by gaopa

Beautiful photos of beautiful pocket watches!

Does the case back pop open if you just pull hard enough at the seam?