Wristwatch Conversions

Now and then I get an inquiry about a wristwatch conversion; a vintage pocketwatch movement in a modern wristwatch case. I used to occasionally service items like this, but I stopped long ago when I realized I'd just be replacing the balance staff every year. It's a poor use of new old stock parts the suppley of which won't last forever.

I don't want to sound harsh, I truly don't, people can do as they like with things they own. But I have to say I wish people wouldn't do this. Vintage pocketwatches and wristwatches are different. Pocketwatches were built to rest securely in a vest pocket and will not perform well swinging around on the end of an arm, to say nothing of getting broken by the first knock on the edge of a table. Vintage movements do not include features, invented later, that make practical daily use wristwatches as we think of them today.

The aside, I just don't get the appeal. Why? If you want a wristwatch, please just buy a wristwatch.

Job Number 260016

Installed a replacement minute hand, now it's ready for a few days of testing...

Elgin serial number 5710475 is a grade 109, 0 size, 7 jewels, made about 1895. 

Job Number 260016

No problems.
So far, this is running better than these small one usually do.


Elgin serial number 5710475 is a grade 109, 0 size, 7 jewels, made about 1895. 

Job Number 260014


Ready for a few days of testing...

Elgin serial number 13757977 is a grade 290, 16 size, 7 jewels, made about 1909. 

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