Elgintime Vintage Horological

Job Number 260005

The movement was in over-banked state when it arrived, and sure enough the guard pin needed adjustment. Hopefully it's ok now, but that is one aspect of escapement adjustment that is notoriously touchy. You can never be completely sure.

Elgin number 13415400 is a grade 303, 12 size, 7 jewel movement, made about 1908.

Follow the album for this watch here:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/3Usmv18hRqJiYM639

Before...

Here's my redo of the dial repair.

Job Number 260005

This first red flag here is that the old dial repair, which I will definitely redo, spills over onto the edge of the movement. The patch/fill was done after the dial was in place.

The damaged area is exactly at one of the dial feet, and sure enough the dial did not want to lift up at that location.

When I finally got the dial off I found that it had been glued on at that spot.

So what sequence of events led to this condition? We can't know for sure, but I can say that it will be much better for the next person that follows me in servicing this watch.

Elgin number 13415400 is a grade 303, 12 size, 7 jewel movement, made about 1908.

Follow the album for this watch here:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/3Usmv18hRqJiYM639

Job Number 260006

This one is interesting in that it did tick, and it looks really good and clean. However, during disassembly it was clean that it's lubrication was very old and gummy. Wheels stuck in the pivots the grease on the winding/setting parts was completely dry.

The mainspring was an almost new alloy spring with loads of strength, more than enough to drive the train right through the extra friction.

A truly clean, freshly lubricated movement needs very little power to run fine. In fact, a theoretical movement with zero friction would only need enough power to overcome the stationary mass of the gears and move them. But a stronger spring can push the mechanism through all sorts of problems, and grind away at bearings as it does so.

Elgin serial number 13782367 is a grade 315, 12 size, 15 jewels. made about 1909.

Follow the album for this project here:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ELoSqWKhiAHaWvLQ9

There could be some adjustment needed to the clutch. It's a little sketchy in winding mode. But it may be as good as it will get. I'll test it for a bit first anyway. The rate is good, with a low beat error.

New Arrival, Job Number 260006

Follow the album for this project here:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ELoSqWKhiAHaWvLQ9

Do you have a vintage watch to be serviced?

Maybe I can help. Take a look here for information - specializing in Elgin, Hamilton, Waltham and other antique American makes.

http://www.elgintime.com

Elgin National
American Waltham
Rockford
Hamilton
New York Standard
Illinois Watch Company
Hampden
And Others

Jeff,
I received my grandfather's watch which you restored for me yesterday. It is gratifying to see this watch in action after many years. It has probably not been working since 1912.
R. Z.

Hi Jeff!
Thank you so much! My watch looks great! The CD is great too…again,
Thanks so much,
Anna

Hey jeff. I got the watch safe and sound and the cd today. The watch looks better than I had anticipated. Another good job again.
Steve

Thanks Jeff, I am so happy I found you for repairs on my watches.
A. T.

Hello Jeff
The watch came today works great, it`s neat to hear it run. I wonder how long its been since it ran, my great grandfather who owned the watch died in 1925. I want thank you for bringing it back to life
J. S.

Dear Jeff,
My Elgin pocket watch arrived today. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. My family will treasure it.
D. L.

Jeff,
Just a quick note to let you know the watch is back home. It is an absolute joy to see and hear it run again after all these years. It was extremely emotional for me. I remember playing with it as a small boy, and never known it to work. My father would be very proud and humbled to know it was working again. I'm sure he knows. Thank you.
S. Welsh

Jeff,
Watches look fantastic, run great. I can see why you're in high demand, you're a class act. You provide detail historical summary and preliminary review of watch prior to work, fair estimate, provide post work summary, along with high res images of watches to boot. Thanks again and will certainly share your name around.
Thanks!
D. H.

Jeff,
I received the watches today and must say I couldn't be more pleased. Thank you so much. It was wonderful to wind them up and here them tic again.
G. M.

I'm very pleased with the outcome and want to thank you for a job well done. The watch looks and runs great, and the hands you replaced are very much more in keeping with an Elgin watch of this time period.
As you might imagine, to send such a precious family heirloom all the way across the country to someone who I really didn't know, or know anything about, took a lot of faith and courage. You really measured up to my expectations.
Thanks and best wishes,
B. H.

Good Morning Jeff
I got the watch back and I'm thrilled! I really appreciate your professionalism and workmanship. It's really nice to have the watch back in working order! Especially since the local repair indicated that it couldn't be fixed! Thanks so much for everything. I'll certainly be back in touch when it needs maintenance.
M. H.

Hi Jeff –
I just received the watch you repaired for me. It’s absolutely fantastic! Thanks so much for your excellent service.
A. C.

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Elgintime Vintage Horological

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Job Number 260005

Job Number 260005

Job Number 260006

New Arrival, Job Number 260006

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