Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Christmas Watches
I get a lot of email.
Just after Christmas, there's a certain category of inquiries that stands out: questions from those that have received an antique watch as a gift this holiday season. One of the most common flavors these inquiries come in, are those from people that have broken the crystal on their "new" watch and would like to have it replaced.
Now, I get emails about watch crystals every week. But for about a week after Christmas, I get at least one, and often more, every single day. Firstly, I do not generally replace crystals (this may seem odd, but consider that your auto mechanic and auto body and paint work are probably done in separate shops). Replacing crystals and other case repairs call for specialty services with a large selection of crystals on hand, and possibly the machinery to custom cut the glass to fit.
Here are few other things to know about vintage watch crystals...
Because of the content of my web sites, I mostly receive emails about broken crystals on Elgin pocketwatches. The first thing to point out about early pocketwatches is that, like other American companies, Elgin never made pocketwatch cases. Under well into the '20s, the majority of watch companies did not sell watch cases at all. The common practice was that a customer would pick out a bare movement and a case separately at the shop and the watchmaker or jeweler would assemble them together. Because of this your movement and the case don't "go together" in any hard set way. Someone needing a crystal for an antique Elgin pocketwatch is not looking for a standardized Elgin part. A description of the watch is of no use in determining the crystal it needs.
This is one of the reasons that the business of replacing crystals requires having a large variety on hand. Add to this the fact that antique items are simply not as standardized as modern manufactured goods. As with the watches themselves, every watch case may be a little different, even for two cases that are supposed to be the same.
And because of this, there's another thing to know; when you have a crystal replaced, you will have to send your entire watch in for the job. Even if you can measure the diameter required accurately, there are different styles of the profile of the edge. And the crystal has to provide clearance under the glass for the hands, both at the center and at the out side edge. It's not a simple matter of pulling off the shelf a crystal for watch XYZ and snapping it in place. If you want it done right, send your watch to a professional.
One more point about hunting case crystals, that is crystals for cases with front covers, like the one pictured here... Be aware that glass hunter case crystals are extremely fragile. The glass is like eggshell. It shouldn't be touched at all. And keep in mind that glass crystals are literally extinct in some sizes and can not be replaced, except with plastic substitutes. When it's destroyed, it's gone.
Once every month or two I return a hunter cased watch to a customer, only to receive an email a few days later inquiring about replacing the newly broken crystal. This is heartbreaking. These watches are fragile antiques. Parts have not been made in decades, please handle them gently.
While we're on the subject of hunter cased watches, always press the stem down when closing the watch cover rather than "snapping" it shut (in spite of what you see in movies). Otherwise the lip that holds the cover shut quite quickly wears down easily and eventually will not hold the cover closed. This is very difficult, and sometimes impossible, to repair.
Your watch may be 100, or 150, years old, or more. It has survived a long time. Treat it with care and respect and it will be around for the future to enjoy as well.
And finally, here's a few words about daily use antiques, and also here.
Just after Christmas, there's a certain category of inquiries that stands out: questions from those that have received an antique watch as a gift this holiday season. One of the most common flavors these inquiries come in, are those from people that have broken the crystal on their "new" watch and would like to have it replaced.
Now, I get emails about watch crystals every week. But for about a week after Christmas, I get at least one, and often more, every single day. Firstly, I do not generally replace crystals (this may seem odd, but consider that your auto mechanic and auto body and paint work are probably done in separate shops). Replacing crystals and other case repairs call for specialty services with a large selection of crystals on hand, and possibly the machinery to custom cut the glass to fit.Here are few other things to know about vintage watch crystals...
Because of the content of my web sites, I mostly receive emails about broken crystals on Elgin pocketwatches. The first thing to point out about early pocketwatches is that, like other American companies, Elgin never made pocketwatch cases. Under well into the '20s, the majority of watch companies did not sell watch cases at all. The common practice was that a customer would pick out a bare movement and a case separately at the shop and the watchmaker or jeweler would assemble them together. Because of this your movement and the case don't "go together" in any hard set way. Someone needing a crystal for an antique Elgin pocketwatch is not looking for a standardized Elgin part. A description of the watch is of no use in determining the crystal it needs.
This is one of the reasons that the business of replacing crystals requires having a large variety on hand. Add to this the fact that antique items are simply not as standardized as modern manufactured goods. As with the watches themselves, every watch case may be a little different, even for two cases that are supposed to be the same.
And because of this, there's another thing to know; when you have a crystal replaced, you will have to send your entire watch in for the job. Even if you can measure the diameter required accurately, there are different styles of the profile of the edge. And the crystal has to provide clearance under the glass for the hands, both at the center and at the out side edge. It's not a simple matter of pulling off the shelf a crystal for watch XYZ and snapping it in place. If you want it done right, send your watch to a professional.One more point about hunting case crystals, that is crystals for cases with front covers, like the one pictured here... Be aware that glass hunter case crystals are extremely fragile. The glass is like eggshell. It shouldn't be touched at all. And keep in mind that glass crystals are literally extinct in some sizes and can not be replaced, except with plastic substitutes. When it's destroyed, it's gone.
Once every month or two I return a hunter cased watch to a customer, only to receive an email a few days later inquiring about replacing the newly broken crystal. This is heartbreaking. These watches are fragile antiques. Parts have not been made in decades, please handle them gently.
Your watch may be 100, or 150, years old, or more. It has survived a long time. Treat it with care and respect and it will be around for the future to enjoy as well.
And finally, here's a few words about daily use antiques, and also here.
Elgin Advertising, 1926
A purchase from your local jeweler is an investment in permanent value
Elgin Advertising, 1937
Lord Elgin
Lady Elgin
AMERICA'S MOST DISTINGUISHED WATCHES
What to give this year becomes so easy ... and so exciting! The new Lord Elgins offer advantages to be had in no other make of watch. Each is 21-jeweled and aske winding only once in 45 hours. Styling is thoroughly masculine.
The Lady Elgins are the only 19-jewel American wrist watch created for women. Their patrician charm is the work of foremost designers. Cases are solid gold or 14 karat gold filled. See them at your jeweler's.
Only ELGIN creates such watches. For only here exists the perfect partnership of expert craftsmen and scientists. Only here are watches timed directly to the standard of the stares. Lord Elgins are priced from $50; Lady Elgins, from $47.50. Other ELGIN models in a wide range of prices.
ELGIN
MARK OF AMERICAN LEADERSHIP SINCE 1865
Elgin Drive to Boost Gift Sales
From The American Horologist magazine, November 1936
November 17 Opening Date in Elgin Drive to Boost Xmas Gift Sales for Jewelers
November 17 Opening Date in Elgin Drive to Boost Xmas Gift Sales for Jewelers
YOUR Quality jeweler Invites You To A Special Pre-Christmas Showing Of Fine Gifts - Starting Tuesday, November 17th. With this urgent headline across two full pages in The Saturday Evening Post, The Elgin National Watch Company will present this month one of the most spectacular advertisements ever run in the interests of retail jewelers.
To assure maximum readership for the advertisement, no expense has been spared in its preparation. One of the country's foremost artist was engaged to create the dominant illustration. A gay Christmas spirit is imparted by the use of a brilliant red background for the new Elgin watches shown, and by holly sprigs in natural green. Other colors, combining to create velvety purples, rich yellows and soft flesh tones, endow the two facing pages with a warmth and beauty that is unusually appealing.
The selling message in the advertisement points out that gifts of jewelry for Christmas are truly smart-certain to please-and available at prices each customer desires to spend. An early visit to jewelers is strongly suggested so that selections may be made unhurriedly and from stocks that are complete. The text closes by recommending that buyers take advantage of jewelers' willingness to hold the chosen gifts until Christmas.
Advertisement Has 3-Fold Objective In explaining the thinking behind the advertisement, T. Albert Potter, Elgin President said: "Studies emphasize that the jeweler's real competitors for consumer dollars are not other jewelers, but the distributors of radios, automobiles, washing machines, refrigerators, furniture and household appliances. A great number of these items are purchased as gifts at Christmas time. If we can implant the idea of a 'jewelry Christmas' in the minds· of gift buyers early enough this season, we feel confident that we can re-route many of them to jewelry counters instead of into competitors' stores. This strategy will also bring to jewelers a long season of good selling and an increased flow of store traffic."
Backed by Coast-to-Coast Radio Show
While the "gift preview" advertisement is doing its important share in sending customers to retail jewelers, another tremendous force is at work toward the same end. "The Elgin Football Revue", on the air over 56 Columbia Broadcasting Stations at 8 :30 p.m. Eastern Time every Saturday night is going out to 81,000,000 potential listeners, with an urge to select gifts of jewelry and to select them early. The market reached in a single week by this brilliant half hour show together with the powerful "gift preview" advertisement can be calculated at more than 95,000,000 individuals.
A special display card showing the "gift preview" advertisement in full natural colors has been mailed to Elgin jewelers. Officials of the watch company point out the necessity of keeping this card prominently displayed in order to reap full benefits from the national advertising.
New Elgin Portfolio Sees "Value" as Key to Christmas Sales
From The American Horologist magazine, October 1938
A colorful and interesting portfolio, setting forth Elgin plans for the Christmas season, will soon be in the mail, according to advices received from the Elgin National Watch Company. This booklet, entitled "View Your Fortune in the Magic Sphere," analyzes selling trends, shows how the Elgin 1939 line keys in with the major trend, illustrates Elgin national advertising, and offers a wealth of display and promotional assistance.
According to "View Your Fortune," more and more consumers this year are seeking top values and finding them in products with top names. In keeping with this trend, Elgin points to the fact that its 1938-9 line includes the "finest values in 74 years." Particular mention is made of the new 15/0 Lord Elgins, the new Lady Elgins, the new, popular priced I5-jewel semi-baguettes, the new 17-jewel, 15/0 models, and the new low prices on 7-jewel semi-baguettes.
Millions of magazine messages, concentrated in the pre-Christmas season, will carry the Elgin value story throughout the nation. Full color pages will be employed exclusively. And in two of the advertisements the merchandise appeal will be enhanced by the use of fascinating personalities in whose families Elgin has been traditional for generations.
Elgin promotional assistance to jewelers this Fall includes an interesting new window display idea, free newspaper mats, individual advertising by the Advertising Department of the Elgin National Watch Company, a unique "quick-action" Santa Claus mailing piece, folders, post cards, movie slides, and radio commercials.
New Elgin Portfolio Sees "Value" as Key to Christmas Sales
Points Out Excellence of Elgin Holiday Values and Advantages of Tying-in With Pre-Christmas Drive. Offers Many New Tie-up Materials
A colorful and interesting portfolio, setting forth Elgin plans for the Christmas season, will soon be in the mail, according to advices received from the Elgin National Watch Company. This booklet, entitled "View Your Fortune in the Magic Sphere," analyzes selling trends, shows how the Elgin 1939 line keys in with the major trend, illustrates Elgin national advertising, and offers a wealth of display and promotional assistance.
According to "View Your Fortune," more and more consumers this year are seeking top values and finding them in products with top names. In keeping with this trend, Elgin points to the fact that its 1938-9 line includes the "finest values in 74 years." Particular mention is made of the new 15/0 Lord Elgins, the new Lady Elgins, the new, popular priced I5-jewel semi-baguettes, the new 17-jewel, 15/0 models, and the new low prices on 7-jewel semi-baguettes.
Millions of magazine messages, concentrated in the pre-Christmas season, will carry the Elgin value story throughout the nation. Full color pages will be employed exclusively. And in two of the advertisements the merchandise appeal will be enhanced by the use of fascinating personalities in whose families Elgin has been traditional for generations.
Elgin promotional assistance to jewelers this Fall includes an interesting new window display idea, free newspaper mats, individual advertising by the Advertising Department of the Elgin National Watch Company, a unique "quick-action" Santa Claus mailing piece, folders, post cards, movie slides, and radio commercials.
Elgin Advertising, 1925
Santa Claus' Daughter Gets The Best Of All
When Santa Claus has finished his job of remembering the rest of the world, he drops quietly around to the jewelry store.
And There, unhurried and unjostled, he requisitions the Christmas joy for Mrs. Claus and the younger Clauses.
Some folks think of the jewelry store as the place to go, chiefly, for those gifts where expense is the second consideration.
But not Santa Claus! That canny old gift expert knows better than that!
He judges the worth of a gift not alone by what it costs, but by what it yields - in service and satisfaction... And long ago, he discovered that a dollar goes farther at the jewelry store than it does anywhere else, in procuring enduring usefulness and pleasure.
For the jeweler deals in imperishables - in Gifts That Last, like the fidelity of a fine friendship, for as long as life itself!
Specializing in jewels, the jeweler sees to it that every article in his stock is truly a jewel. And whether it be for adornment or for utility, it must measure up to jewel-standards, in craftsmanship and integrity.
He who must coddle a lean purse or she who may indulge a fat one, both will find there the gifts they would most like to give - comfortably priced within their respective Christmas budgets.
But whatever the price, the quality is always jeweler's quality - uncompromising in its fine standards.
Ask Santa Claus. He knows!
ELGIN
THE WATCH WORD FOR ELEGANCE AND EFFICIENCY
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