Brian Sheridan
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,456
- Location
- Erie, PA
Won this beautiful 1926 Bulova Trojan on Ebay. I just got it back from the jeweler who cleaned it and replaced the main spring. It runs very well.
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Let's See Your Watches! The Vintage Watch Thread.
- Thread starter Chamorro
- Start date
Audrey Horne
Practically Family
- Messages
- 595
- Location
- Orange, CA
Not mine but I saw these at the British Museum
rlk
I'll Lock Up
- Messages
- 6,100
- Location
- Evanston, IL
1926 Elgin
J.L. Picard
One of the Regulars
- Messages
- 144
- Location
- Voyageur
Audrey Horne said:Not mine but I saw these at the British Museum
Thank you for the interesting post.
Only the Swiss can be so precise (+/- 2.83 sec over a fifteen day period!).
" L'exactitude est la politesse des montres" J.D.
A.Blighty
New in Town
- Messages
- 18
- Location
- United Kingdom of Great Britain
1930-40s(ish) watch restoration advice
I'm looking to do a bit of a restoration job on my grandfather's watch and return it to it's former glory, as its undergone a few repairs in the time between his death (a few years before I was born) and my recieving it.
Both the watch strap and crystal have been replaced, and the latter isn't really a very good fit. But its mainly the strap that I'm concerned about as I'm not sure that it really goes with the watch, and I'd like something as close to the original style as possible.
If anyone has any suggestions on the strap front or knows of any similar examples of this style of watch it'd be a real help, I haven't really managed to find any myself. I'd also be interested in finding out more about the maker out of curiosity, as its the one thing I wasn't able to get any information on from the hallmark.
So here's what I've uncovered:
The case is 9 carat gold and has a hinged back and closed wire loops for the straps. It bears what I think is the London hallmark (panther head) and was made/hallmarked in 1937, and I believe the maker's mark is 'LA' or 'L.A.' There's also a '9' in a square at the top of the hallmark but I'm unsure what that signifies.
The hallmark is on the inside of the case on the back plate along with an engraving and date (1st May 1940, which is when I assume it was given to him by my grandmother, presumably in Glasgow). The numbers 779617 are engraved just below the hallmark and are also scratched on the back of the watch mechanism. The back of the case is blank except for my grandfather's engraved initials. There are a few other scratchings on the inside of the case too but I can't make them out.
The watch face has the word "Control" written on it and although it isn't too visible in the pictures, theres a bit of a wavy pattern/texture going around from the center. The replacement crystal is also convex, and I'm wondering if the original wasn't actually flatter.
One of the gears on the mechanism has 'SWAN ***' engraved on it, and 'Swiss made 15 Jewels' on the actual mechanism casing.
I'm looking to do a bit of a restoration job on my grandfather's watch and return it to it's former glory, as its undergone a few repairs in the time between his death (a few years before I was born) and my recieving it.
Both the watch strap and crystal have been replaced, and the latter isn't really a very good fit. But its mainly the strap that I'm concerned about as I'm not sure that it really goes with the watch, and I'd like something as close to the original style as possible.
If anyone has any suggestions on the strap front or knows of any similar examples of this style of watch it'd be a real help, I haven't really managed to find any myself. I'd also be interested in finding out more about the maker out of curiosity, as its the one thing I wasn't able to get any information on from the hallmark.
So here's what I've uncovered:
The case is 9 carat gold and has a hinged back and closed wire loops for the straps. It bears what I think is the London hallmark (panther head) and was made/hallmarked in 1937, and I believe the maker's mark is 'LA' or 'L.A.' There's also a '9' in a square at the top of the hallmark but I'm unsure what that signifies.
The hallmark is on the inside of the case on the back plate along with an engraving and date (1st May 1940, which is when I assume it was given to him by my grandmother, presumably in Glasgow). The numbers 779617 are engraved just below the hallmark and are also scratched on the back of the watch mechanism. The back of the case is blank except for my grandfather's engraved initials. There are a few other scratchings on the inside of the case too but I can't make them out.
The watch face has the word "Control" written on it and although it isn't too visible in the pictures, theres a bit of a wavy pattern/texture going around from the center. The replacement crystal is also convex, and I'm wondering if the original wasn't actually flatter.
One of the gears on the mechanism has 'SWAN ***' engraved on it, and 'Swiss made 15 Jewels' on the actual mechanism casing.
High Pockets
Practically Family
- Messages
- 569
- Location
- Central Oklahoma
The scratchings on the inside of the case you can't make out are probably the markings left by the person who cleaned and oiled it years ago.
Sometimes it's just a date.
You might check in here and ask the experts,
http://mb.nawcc.org/forumdisplay.php?f=23
I used to work on pocket watches, wrist watches were too small for my meat-hooks!
Sometimes it's just a date.
You might check in here and ask the experts,
http://mb.nawcc.org/forumdisplay.php?f=23
I used to work on pocket watches, wrist watches were too small for my meat-hooks!
A.Blighty
New in Town
- Messages
- 18
- Location
- United Kingdom of Great Britain
That makes sense
Thanks for the link I'll check out that forum!
Thanks for the link I'll check out that forum!
rlk
I'll Lock Up
- Messages
- 6,100
- Location
- Evanston, IL
Elgin Pocket Watch for Theodore Roosevelt?
Serial No. dates the movement to 1890. 1904 Campaign Watch Fob? Pine cones and oak leaf and shield shape remind me of the National Park Service. From Florida via eBay.
Serial No. dates the movement to 1890. 1904 Campaign Watch Fob? Pine cones and oak leaf and shield shape remind me of the National Park Service. From Florida via eBay.
Shangas
I'll Lock Up
- Messages
- 6,116
- Location
- Melbourne, Australia
Very nice. But it could probably do with a hell of a clean! That case looks really grimy. As is the same for the movement inside, most likely.
PoohBang
Suspended
- Messages
- 781
- Location
- backside of many
This is my 1952 Omega Seamaster Calendar with the date at the 6.
and as always more pics on my blog.
and as always more pics on my blog.
rlk
I'll Lock Up
- Messages
- 6,100
- Location
- Evanston, IL
Elgin 1944-6
vintage68
Practically Family
- Messages
- 959
- Location
- Nevada, The Redneck Riviera
Picked this up over the weekend in San Francisco, a Hamilton Automatic Jazzmaster Slim in 40mm. Love the vintage look, and I get the accuracy (and warranty) of a new watch:
cmalbrecht
Familiar Face
- Messages
- 70
- Location
- Sacramento, CA
I have a vintage LeCoultre alarm wristwatch that looks and runs great, but it has a small crown and takes a lot of winding. I just have it hanging to look at. In 1978 my wife got all mushy and bought me a Rolex for $475.00 I'm married to it too. About a year ago she got all our stuff appraised and the watch is now worth over $1,000. Go figure. It has a lizard strap and presently Rolex will replace it for about seventy bucks or so and they want another fifty for the buckle. I keep my old buckles from years back and get a nice lizard strap with an old buckle on it for about $25 once a year or so. And I'm too old to care if people think it's a knockoff or not.
(I may be old but I still shave every day.)
(I may be old but I still shave every day.)
Michaelshane
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,928
- Location
- Land of Enchantment
Unlucky Berman
One of the Regulars
- Messages
- 180
- Location
- Germany
The latest watch I got for my collection:
A Hamilton Merritt with the black enamal numbers from 1937. It's a small watch, but it needs wristband with 18 mm, therefore it looks much more masculine than some other Hamies of that time.
A Hamilton Merritt with the black enamal numbers from 1937. It's a small watch, but it needs wristband with 18 mm, therefore it looks much more masculine than some other Hamies of that time.
Brian Sheridan
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,456
- Location
- Erie, PA
Unlucky Berman said:The latest watch I got for my collection:
A Hamilton Merritt with the black enamal numbers from 1937. It's a small watch, but it needs wristband with 18 mm, therefore it looks much more masculine than some other Hamies of that time.
THAT'S GORGEOUS!!!
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Questions about vintage watches
I found this site thanks to a link from a fellow Lounger.
http://www.coolvintagewatches.com/Cool/Cool_Vintage_Watches.htm
I am considering purchasing my first vintage wrist watch, and have some questions. I'm looking at the low end of the price range, probably under $500, and probably a tank style.
What does "signed" mean? And "triple signed?"
I assume that a novice like me would be wise to purchase from a dealer like this rather than the random seller on Ebay? Most of these watches are serviced, have a new band, and come with a 6-month guarantee.
Any advice or suggestions for a total noob? Thanks.
I found this site thanks to a link from a fellow Lounger.
http://www.coolvintagewatches.com/Cool/Cool_Vintage_Watches.htm
I am considering purchasing my first vintage wrist watch, and have some questions. I'm looking at the low end of the price range, probably under $500, and probably a tank style.
What does "signed" mean? And "triple signed?"
I assume that a novice like me would be wise to purchase from a dealer like this rather than the random seller on Ebay? Most of these watches are serviced, have a new band, and come with a 6-month guarantee.
Any advice or suggestions for a total noob? Thanks.
Shangas
I'll Lock Up
- Messages
- 6,116
- Location
- Melbourne, Australia
I generally stick to pocket watches, but these rules would apply to vintage wristwatches as well...
Buy from the well-known watchmakers.
Elgin.
Bulova.
Waltham.
Hamilton.
Omega.
etc etc.
Buy jewelled watches (7J or above).
Look out for defects such as cracked dials/crystals and scratched/dented cases.
Buy from the well-known watchmakers.
Elgin.
Bulova.
Waltham.
Hamilton.
Omega.
etc etc.
Buy jewelled watches (7J or above).
Look out for defects such as cracked dials/crystals and scratched/dented cases.
RobStC
A-List Customer
- Messages
- 371
- Location
- Edinburgh, Scotland
Inusuit said:
Talbot
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,855
- Location
- Melbourne Australia
I think its going to depend on the style of watch you want. When I was first bitten by the watch bug some 15 years back I bought from a dealer.
Very nice watch (I'm wearing it now) and very dependable. Only problem is from time to time I see comparable items about for substantially less....
With a budget of $500 you should be able to get a pretty impressive watch (maybe I'm easy to impress). Spend some time trolling through eBay to get an idea of what you like and don't like and then go after that.
I recently picked up a really beautifull Helbros watch for $40, almost mint and keeping excellent time. Its all relative, but for me, low end is a lot lower than $500
If you are after a tank style, keep in mind that the crystals are hard to get.
Whenever a watch repairer works on a watch he puts a small inscription (repair code) on the inside of the rear cover. This can help you tell if the watch has had a lot of work over time.
Carefull when buying from overseas. I have seen guys squatting over cardboard covered milk crates in markets cobbling together watches for sale .
Very nice watch (I'm wearing it now) and very dependable. Only problem is from time to time I see comparable items about for substantially less....
With a budget of $500 you should be able to get a pretty impressive watch (maybe I'm easy to impress). Spend some time trolling through eBay to get an idea of what you like and don't like and then go after that.
I recently picked up a really beautifull Helbros watch for $40, almost mint and keeping excellent time. Its all relative, but for me, low end is a lot lower than $500
If you are after a tank style, keep in mind that the crystals are hard to get.
Whenever a watch repairer works on a watch he puts a small inscription (repair code) on the inside of the rear cover. This can help you tell if the watch has had a lot of work over time.
Carefull when buying from overseas. I have seen guys squatting over cardboard covered milk crates in markets cobbling together watches for sale
.
