Pocket Watches

[AndrewWiggin]

Thinking about buying a pocket watch for a friend as a birthday gift, and probably one for myself (happy graduation to me). Do you have any suggestions on where to start? They need to be under $150 each, and I've seen some Charles Hubert pieces but I don't know anything about pocket watches.

So, any suggestions on what to look for, which brands are good, etc?

 

[Circa1929]

Do you have any suggestions on where to start? They need to be under $150 each, and I've seen some Charles Hubert pieces but I don't know anything about pocket watches.

So, any suggestions on what to look for, which brands are good, etc?

Go to a reputable watch repair shop and ask if they have or know of anyone who has and sells vintage pocket watches.
Elgin, Waltham, Westclox, Gruen, etc....

You can score a very nice, reworked and repaired vintage pocket watch if you're not lazy and feel like doing some leg work. If you're not in the mood to search,.. then just cruise the net. Otherwise, a gift of distinction can be found in the inner mechanical beauties of the past!

 

[Big Fella]

I've had real good luck with Jim Ricotta,105 N. Front ST, Philipsburg, Pa.16866, 814-342-3709.

 

[knlgskr]

I've talked with a number of watchmakers/repairmen & consensus of opinion is Hamilton; especially their railroad approved models.

 

[DougK]

I don't know if the quality is first-rate, but you could try Things Remembered. You could also try the Dakota Watch Company; I bought one for myself a few years ago from them and I've been pretty happy with it.

EDIT: Here's a link to a nifty-looking mechanical pocket watch at Dakota: https://dakota.webfeatsecurity.com/chosenwatch.aspx?ProdID=151

 

[Thebigspendur]

For the price you want to pay just go into a shop and buy a quartz model. Most places sell them. You're not going to buy a vintage in really nice shape and running really good for less than $350 and that won't be a top of the line model. Unless a person appreciates a vintage thing like a pocketwatch they probably don't want a watch with brassing and that is off by minutes a week and can require a lot of maint.

 

[Bayamontate]

If you can find one, the Illinois are amazing.

 

[Circa1929]

I don't know if the quality is first-rate, but you could try Things Remembered.

Things remembered = cheap chinese garbage!

You're better off seeking out a vintage pocket watch. Reparied by a reputable watch repairman, you cannot go wrong!

Hamilton pocket watches will bring BIG bucks,... once in a while you'll find a cheaper one,.. not much though. More reasonable ones are Elgin, Waltham, Westclox, Gruen,... I have two Waltham and one Elgin,.. great pieces.
I've dealt with old wristwatches and pocket watches for about 4 years now,... though have owned my first vintage watch from the 1930s 10 yrs ago. Hasn't let me down yet!!

 

[knlgskr]

I spoke with a watchmaker/repairman (Rolex approved) recently & he said Hamilton, Howard, Illinois (Bunn movement), Waltham(Premier Magus), Elgin, Bulova, Gruen, Westclox especially the railroad approved models (particularly Hamilton & Howard) were the best of those he has owned/repaired/serviced.

Patek Phillippe is best of all but doubt if you will find one for less than many thousands.

 

[galopede]

I have several old pocket watches but my favourite is my Hamilton 992. I bought it on the bay several years ago for about £80. Worth every penny.

After a service and a new mainspring at my local watchmaker's it runs like a dream. Trouble is, it's spoilt me for the cheaper ones!

 

[AndrewWiggin]

So an antique shop sounds pretty cool, but I have no idea where to find one in Dallas, at least one that would have pocket watches and not, say, just furniture.

 

[chainfire]

Thinking about buying a pocket watch for a friend as a birthday gift, and probably one for myself (happy graduation to me). Do you have any suggestions on where to start? They need to be under $150 each, and I've seen some Charles Hubert pieces but I don't know anything about pocket watches.

So, any suggestions on what to look for, which brands are good, etc?

I've had the Hubert Paris model 3565 for almost 5 years now and really like it a lot. Mine keeps perfect time and is built like a tank. It was an anniversary gift from my wife and I can't say how happy I am she got if for me.

 

[Prince]

I've had the Hubert Paris model 3565 for almost 5 years now and really like it a lot. Mine keeps perfect time and is built like a tank. It was an anniversary gift from my wife and I can't say how happy I am she got if for me.

Wow. That is beautiful. Does it scratch easily? After 5 years, can you tell?

 

[chainfire]

Wow. That is beautiful. Does it scratch easily? After 5 years, can you tell?

No deep scratches, but there has been some very minor surface scuffing over the years - no worse than just normal wear and tear. I picked this model, because I like the fact you can tell the time without having to open it up.

The only problems I've ever had with it are due to forgetting to wind it, beyond that the watch is nicely weighted and well built.

 

[Circa1929]

I've had the Hubert Paris model 3565 for almost 5 years now and really like it a lot. Mine keeps perfect time and is built like a tank. It was an anniversary gift from my wife and I can't say how happy I am she got if for me.

that's really a very interesting timepiece you have here!

 

[buddydog]

I'll buy all you have for under $350.00

[/IMG]

 

[Circa1929]

I'll buy all you have for under $350.00

[/IMG]

Gorgeous watch!

 

[Doc4]

This thread has gone downhill quickly.

Posts have been removed, and the members involved in the disagreement are encouraged to knock it off and behave themselves.

 

[lamina]

Mondaine Classic Railroad pocket watch is the answer, everybody knows it...or a Reguladora pocket watch, a portuguese company.

 

[pal]

I have been looking at one of these. It's new, 21 jewels automatic, has a 40 hour reserve, and is water proof to 30m. I own an Orient Watch and just love it.
http://orientwatchusa.com/watch.php?id=435