Show me your pocket watches!

eschwebach · Mar 23, 2015

I have always thought pocket watches were cool, and have always appreciated the craftsmanship that goes into making a nice pocket watch. I recently inherited my Grandfather's pocket watch that he carried on the RR. It's a 1928 Illinois Bunn Special, 60 hour with 21 jewels. It keeps great time which is a testament to the quality work that went into it.

I would like to see some pics of your pocket watches...

Zeta33 · Mar 23, 2015

Hey Erik, I don't have anything to contribute to your thread but I did want to stop in and tell you how cool that watch is! Wow!

willard0341 · Mar 23, 2015

I wanted to comment also... Gorgeous heirloom!

Railsplitter · Mar 23, 2015

Erik,

Sweet watch indeed! Looks to be in excellent condition. What a wonderful keepsake! I've been wanting one of those for some time now but just haven't pulled the trigger. I live in Springfield, Illinois and the Bunn family has a rich history here. I really need to get me one of these.

For now though, it's this modern day Swiss Army watch. I'm amazed at how well this thing keeps time. I've reset it twice since I've had it because of Daylight Savings Time but if it were not for that, I would have never had to. Very reliable and accurate watch.

eschwebach · Mar 23, 2015

Zeta33 said:
Hey Erik, I don't have anything to contribute to your thread but I did want to stop in and tell you how cool that watch is! Wow!

Thank you Harris, I appreciate it brother!

willard0341 said:
I wanted to comment also... Gorgeous heirloom!

Thank you very much!

Railsplitter said:
Erik,

Sweet watch indeed! Looks to be in excellent condition. What a wonderful keepsake! I've been wanting one of those for some time now but just haven't pulled the trigger. I live in Springfield, Illinois and the Bunn family has a rich history here. I really need to get me one of these.

For now though, it's this modern day Swiss Army watch. I'm amazed at how well this thing keeps time. I've reset it twice since I've had it because of Daylight Savings Time but if it were not for that, I would have never had to. Very reliable and accurate watch.

Rick, I think it would be very cool if you found a nice Illinois PW being that you are from the area. I know there are some available on eBay, but buying there always make me nervous. I like your Swiss Army Watch, just tonight I was looking at modern day interpretations of the pocket watch (Victorinox, Stuhrling, Gotham). I have to be careful not to start another expensive hobby though...

BlackHills · Mar 23, 2015

Nice watch....love that swingout movement. :thumbup:

1905 Illinois

1916(?) Howard

leghog · Mar 24, 2015

Hamilton 992s 16S. First from 1904. Second from circa 1920.

Elgin. First is a 18S Veritas from 1903. Second is a 16S B.W. Raymond. Third my great grandfather's 18S from 1898.

Waltham Vanguard 16S.

leghog · Mar 24, 2015

A couple of Omegas. First from 1947. Second from a few decades earlier.

eschwebach · Mar 24, 2015

BlackHills said:
Nice watch....love that swingout movement. :thumbup:

1905 Illinois

1916(?) Howard

Those are two great ones BlackHills, do you carry them?

eschwebach · Mar 24, 2015

LEGHOG, that is a super impressive collection! I think my favorites are the Hamilton's and the Waltham Vanguard.

kaotikross · Mar 24, 2015

Small World, I reside in Springfield, Ill, also. The Watch company was, I believe, off 11th where the EPA parking lot is now, although i could be mistaken. I own a Park Sherman sealed lighter from here, love to find a watch as well.

Daddyo16 · Mar 24, 2015

This is a vintage Elgin that someone in our ancestry owned, we're just not sure who. It runs and still keeps good time, but there's no crystal and I can't figure out if it's supposed to have one or not.

Railsplitter · Mar 24, 2015

kaotikross said:
Small World, I reside in Springfield, Ill, also. The Watch company was, I believe, off 11th where the EPA parking lot is now, although i could be mistaken. I own a Park Sherman sealed lighter from here, love to find a watch as well.

Well howdy neighbor! I think you are correct about the location of the Watch Company. That's where I've always thought it was too.

eschwebach · Mar 24, 2015

Daddyo16 said:
This is a vintage Elgin that someone in our ancestry owned, we're just not sure who. It runs and still keeps good time, but there's no crystal and I can't figure out if it's supposed to have one or not.

Hi Daddyo16, your Elgin appears to be from 1895, it's a 7 jewel grade 117 from what I could find. I did find a picture of that watch and it is supposed to have a crystal. Very cool, I love these old pocket watches! Take care brother.

http://keepthetime.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=827

Railsplitter · Apr 4, 2015

Thanks to this thread that Erik started

my interest in getting an antique watch that was made in my hometown nearly a century ago was rekindled. This just arrived in the mail today and I absolutely love it! In the pocket it goes.

The small dents in the back cover and the slightly less than pristine dial kept it within my price range.

1923 Illinois Bunn Special:

Thanks for starting this thread Erik. I should have gotten one of these a long time ago.