Pocket Watch Primer

[Union Navy]

Re: Pocket Watch Primer

Possibly acceptable, but also hazardous. These things get dropped and fall out of pockets. Murphy says that the more expensive the watch, the greater chance of it being dropped or falling out (usually over a paved surface). Attaching a chain through a belt loop, around your braces or even around a button will work and provide extra security. And any metal fob is likely to fall into your pocket and bang aginst the watch.

[Union Navy]

Re: Pocket Watch Primer Shepards Hook

Check this out, one of the coolest hair/shepards' crook watch chains I have seen! :

http://cgi.ebay.com/Victorian-Mourning-Hair-Snake-Watch-gold-Fob-Chain-/350461212275?pt=Vintage_Costume_Jewelry&hash=item51991db673

If I didn't already have a nice one/ had the money I'd definitely snag this.
-Clay Pendleton

Great chain! I'd go for it if it didn't cost so much the feed the Spencer.

[dixieflyer]

Re: Pocket Watch Primer Shepards Hook

Thanks Bob. I have worn a chain that had a ring closure (not sure of the correct terminology here) attached to my braces in the past, but wasn't sure if that violated pocket watch etiquette or not.

Warren Dickinson

[Mark Choate]

Re: Pocket Watch Primer

I appreciate this thread being revived as it is just "chock full" of wonderful information on pocket watches. Bob, you are to be congratulated for the research. Pocket watches rank right up there with period pipes as some of my favorite topics to discuss and I recently purchased an antique chain with a large bar and the comments on how they were displayed was helpful, as well.

Also, I was delighted to read Matt Woodburn's definition of a "horologist." After learning of his recent acquisition made on "Cinco de Mayo" I thought perhaps I was seeing a trend develop. :wink_smil

Seriously, excellent information.

regards,
Mark

[Union Navy]

Re: Pocket Watch Primer

Thank you - it is always gratifying to be appreciated. I hope to have a few inspected, cleaned and oiled specimens for sale sometime in the future, if I can ever get my lazy butt away from the reloading bench.

The most often used term is "spring ring" for that type of closure.

As for "horologist," I too wait in anxious expectation for this to proceed in a favorable direction.

[artilleryman]

Re: Pocket Watch Primer

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]

Re: Pocket Watch Primer

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]

Re: Pocket Watch Primer

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]

Re: Pocket Watch Primer

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]

Re: Pocket Watch Primer

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]

Re: Pocket Watch Primer

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

[Marine Mike]

Re: Pocket Watch Primer

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]

Re: Pocket Watch Primer

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]

Re: Pocket Watch Primer

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]

Re: Pocket Watch Primer

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:



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/vintage-pocket-watch-ribbon-black