Pocketwatches

[volatile]

A question about chains

I'm used to seeing pocket watches with chains with a loop at one ned, for the watch, and a T-Bar at the other, for the buttonhole:

I've just stumbled across this chain on Ebay that has a loop at one end, a T bar in the middle and a clasp at the other:

How are chains like these worn?

 

[kpreed]

I've just stumbled across this chain on Ebay that has a loop at one end, a T bar in the middle and a clasp at the other:

How are chains like these worn?[/QUOTE]
I was told the short chain after the "T" bar was for a fob or charm. Good Luck, I
really like mine.

 

[volatile]

I've just stumbled across this chain on Ebay that has a loop at one end, a T bar in the middle and a clasp at the other:

How are chains like these worn?

I was told the short chain after the "T" bar was for a fob or charm. Good Luck, I
really like mine.[/QUOTE]

So it would be worn with the fob / charm hanging loose? That doesn't sound quite right...

 

[kpreed]

That is what I was told by my watch repair guy (old-timer), that kind of chain was for, it was for a fob and yes the thing would hang out.

 

[Feraud]

I'm used to seeing pocket watches with chains with a loop at one ned, for the watch, and a T-Bar at the other, for the buttonhole:

I've just stumbled across this chain on Ebay that has a loop at one end, a T bar in the middle and a clasp at the other:

How are chains like these worn?

This is a double or "Albert" styled chain. The "T" bar goes through a button hole on the vest. One chain holds a watch and the other a fob or other accessory.
Both chains are tucked into individual vest pockets. They do not hang free.

 

[volatile]

This is a double or "Albert" styled chain. The "T" bar goes through a button hole on the vest. One chain holds a watch and the other a fob or other accessory.
Both chains are tucked into individual vest pockets. They do not hang free.

Thanks for that... that makes sense.

What kind of "accessory" are we talking?

 

[Feraud]

Thanks for that... that makes sense.

What kind of "accessory" are we talking?

You are only limited by your imagination! More to the point... Many chains came with fobs that could be pieces of semi-precious stones in a "spinner" styled setting. There are so many variations that include cigar cutters, lockets w/photos, watch keys, coins, sporting accessories, animal teeth or claws, mechanical pencils, etc. These are just examples I have owned and seen in person. The variations are limitless and fascinating.

Here is a bad picture of a few of my chains.

I really should get better photos to post.

 

[kpreed]

I guess my problem was no one said I had to wear a vest, but it does sound right with a vest though.

 

[volatile]

You are only limited by your imagination! More to the point... Many chains came with fobs that could be pieces of semi-precious stones in a "spinner" styled setting. There are so many variations that include cigar cutters, lockets w/photos, watch keys, coins, sporting accessories, animal teeth or claws, mechanical pencils, etc. These are just examples I have owned and seen in person. The variations are limitless and fascinating.

Here is a bad picture of a few of my chains.

I really should get better photos to post.

Wow! I never knew that. Let's hope I win the chain - I think hunting down accessories for it is going to be a whole new pastime.

 

[Feraud]

I guess my problem was no one said I had to wear a vest, but it does sound right with a vest though.

Traditionally worn with a vest but you can "wing it".
I have seen pictures of cowboys in the 1880's wearing a pocketwatch in a chest pocket of a shirt with the chain attached to the buttonhole.
You can also stick the watch in the watch pocket provided on certain pants. If there is a spring loop or other clip instead of a t-bar on the end you can attach it to a belt loop.
There is a lot of room for individual style.

 

[kpreed]

Yes, me being in a wheelchair makes some style statement, but I have never been a big vest guy, but I do like my pocketwatch. Now I have a whole new perspective on chains. Thank you! :eusa_clap

 

[Choeki]

This is a double or "Albert" styled chain. The "T" bar goes through a button hole on the vest. One chain holds a watch and the other a fob or other accessory.
Both chains are tucked into individual vest pockets. They do not hang free.

That's odd. I have a chain with a "T" bar and double chain, but the chain for the charm is very short (3cm or so). Should the charm be tucked into the vest?

 

[kpreed]

My chain with a fob/charm would not make it to any vest pocket too, but I have been told.

 

[Feraud]

That's odd. I have a chain with a "T" bar and double chain, but the chain for the charm is very short (3cm or so). Should the charm be tucked into the vest?

No. The short chain and charm will hang loose.

Notice in this picture the first four chains on top.


They are single chains with a second short chain and fob. The fob chain cannot be tucked into a pocket. They are made short to hang and show off the fob.

It is only the double chains of equal length that are tucked into different vest pockets.

 

[Alan Eardley]

Spot on. The watch side of the Albert chain (named for the Prince Consort and of German origin) on this example is longer than most, giving more freedom to the watch. I wonder of the wearer was long-sighted and needed to read the watch at arms length?

Alan

This is a double or "Albert" styled chain. The "T" bar goes through a button hole on the vest. One chain holds a watch and the other a fob or other accessory.
Both chains are tucked into individual vest pockets. They do not hang free.

 

[Feraud]

Spot on. The watch side of the Albert chain (named for the Prince Consort and of German origin) on this example is longer than most, giving more freedom to the watch. I wonder of the wearer was long-sighted and needed to read the watch at arms length?

Alan

A fine observation! :eusa_clap

 

[Drew Bergstrom]

Well, I got my pocketwatch back yesterday, and it works like a charm.

Additionally I learned that she's one of a run of 8,000 watches made in 1927. I'm going to oke around and see what else I can learn. Does anyone have a good link for info on Elgin watches?

Drew

 

[dnjan]

Depending on how "worn" your Elgin is, be careful what you wear it with. The guy who repairs mine told me that it is worn enough to be sensitive to lint from pockets, and that I would be advised to not putting it into a cotton pocket (which evidently produces more lint).

 

[de Stokesay]

Dnjan, I am curious just what is so worn in your watch. Unless it is an extremely scarce watch I would think that parts might be found somewhere to replace the worn ones, as a watch is just a collection of parts after all.

I have a 1918 Waltham Vanguard in a 14k open-faced case and was told by my watchmaker that the most critical thing to prevent wear and make a watch last is to have it cleaned and properly oiled regularly. As long as a mechanical watch is maintained regularly and not allowed to get wet, it should last a really long time.

If you do have worn parts in your watch that need replacing perhaps posting on one of the many watch forums might enable you to find the bits that you need.

Mechanical watches are a joy to use and its a shame that so many are no longer functioning due to the cost to repair them or a lack of parts. For what it's worth, many people have an interest in this area and it would be great if you could get yours back in condition again.

Good luck.

 

[cowboy76]

Just had two pocket watches cleaned. $135 each. So $150 sounds good IF the watchmaker is good. If you trust the guy, then the price is ok. If not, then no price is OK.

Wow,...I guess I struck it rich with the old gent I found. An old PA Dutch man locally, about 79-80, has cleaned and tuned up two old vintage watches for me so far, great job, they run great now, keep time and it was a whopping $25 bucks for both!! I have an old Enjin Hunter pocket watch at his place right now that he's working on.....he's about the kindest, most wonderful guy you could ever meet! WONDERFUL man I wish I met him sooner, as I'll enjoy his friendship for the rest of our years.