Elgintime Vintage Horological: August 2022

Job Number 220052

Well that's a broken mainspring...

The balance cock was severely bent upward, so much so that the upward tilt was noticeable from the side. Once that happens, it'll never be truly exact again but I got it ticking. The endshake seems OK but it may require more attention.

Perhaps related... One of the upper balance jewel screws was also missing, and the cap jewel very loose (fortunately not lost).

You never know what a watch has been through and what you'll find when you get into it.

The album for this project is here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/MagjEsmDtQA3BCee7

Job Number 220048

Rust is a bad sign of course, but on vintage watches it is usually not as bad as it looks. Except in extreme instances, rust does not harm the nickle plated brass or gold parts.

The movement cleaned up well. This is a grade 399, 5/0 size, 15 jewels, made about 1914. It's a Lady Raymond movement, which is a little unusual.

The stem was completely rusted into the sleeve. In fact in was tricky to get the sleeve out of the case. A drop of penetrating oil allowed me to separate the parts.

The stem I cleaned up in the lathe. The sleeve had to be replaced.

The movement had a loose cannon pinion, but ran quite well.

The watch works really well, especially for a wristwatch of this early time.

See the album for this project here:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/D5c6mvewdpueCzB69

Job Number 220046

This movement is Elgin's grade 102, 18 size, 11 jewels, made about 1891.

No real issues with the train, everything is in good shape.

The cannon pinion was broken. The broken was in on the left. I found a replacement but I think this may be the last one of these I have on hand. Parts get more challenging everyday.

Nice big hunter cases with low wear are always good to see.

See the album for this project here:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/2iBtbtjTvasMURjw6

New Arrival, Job Number 220052

Follow the photos of this project here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/MagjEsmDtQA3BCee7

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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