Pocket Watch Primer

[artilleryman]

Thanks for the information. It is very useful. I wish enterprising supplier would start reproducing period watches, so the original time pieces would not have the risk of getting lost or broken. Thanks again. Mike Croy, Artilleryman.

[poilu1917]

So I just picked up an original silver English pocket watch with gold hands that dates to the 1840s. It didn't come with a chain, but I recently aquired a really nice repro Victorian stye T-bar brass one. How "faux pas" historically would it be to wear the silver watch with a chain made of brass? Please forgive my ignorance on this topic, but I am usually horible when it comes to civilian fashion norms be it period or modern. Thanks in advance!

[cprljohnivey]

Bob,

I bought an 1868 Waltham a few years ago in running condition. After just two twists of the key.... the spring snapped. It is now a blanket display item. What should I expect to pay to have a replacement spring put in, a general cleaning, and get it back to running condition?

[poilu1917]

Don't know about the cost of parts, but I just got pricing for general repair/servicing for my watch. Depending on the shop, it ranged from $55-$95. The cheapest was the local watch repair, the most expensive was the more well known place of course.

[cprljohnivey]

Wow... when I first broke it... I got a quote from a local guy wanting $400 to fix it. I paid $75 for the watch so I said... thats it... Its now a blanket display item. Looks like I need to shop around a bit more.

[Doughboy]

Jon,
that is a good price! I need the name of your watchmaker!

[Marine Mike]

There are watch and clock collector clubs all over the US that hold shows open to the public. These will be a good source to find the best in your local area. I know of only one in my area that is able to make a new spring from stock and this is the kind of guy you need to find.

[Union Navy]

Depending on the model, you can get replacement mainsprings on ebay and a few other online parts retailers. Making springs from stock is getting to be a lost art. Installing them is not hard (with the right tools).

[poilu1917]

Sorry to ask again, but how "faux pas" historically would it be to wear a silver pocket watch with a brass chain? I am currently searching for a good Victorian Silver chain but until one turns up I was wondering if I can get away with using a brass one if it isn't that bad 1800s fashion wise. Thanks in advance!

[CompanyWag]

Bringing this discussion back to the top. I noticed that there is no mention about men wearing pocket watches from neck ribbons. Wartime images turn up from time to time showing neck ribbons with the watch shoved into a shirt pocket or even a pants pocket. Its a very secure method and doesn't require wearing a vest.The most notable example is the image of Myles Keogh wearing a neck ribbon:

Myles-Keogh-5.jpg

Here's an antique one that sold on Etsy. I don't know the date of this one, but wartime examples were probably in a similar configuration:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/97674342...h-ribbon-black