Elgintime Vintage Horological: October 2022

New Arrival, Job Number 220082

https://photos.app.goo.gl/WzLnPKKbQLTfRhQD6

Job Number 220071

Here we have a classic Hamilton railroad watch, 16 size, 21 jewels, 992b made about 1964.

Some Hamiltons have this little clip over the winding arbor, and some do not even though they have the cutouts. Many believe these parts were in all Hamiltons that called for them, and that they have been lost by watchmakers over the years. Maybe, but I have seen very close to mint movements that were missing this clip. At any rate, the part isn't essential as far as I can tell.

This 992b has an extra gear fixed to the main wheel that positions under the barrel plate. This gear engages the bevel pinion rather than the main wheel directly.

Also note the post that locks the main wheel. With this arrangement no main wheel washer and no left handed screw is needed.

See the album for this watch here:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/x5RwnvLG4e4Gbk4v7

Job Number 220065

This project is a grade 315, 12 size, 15 jewels, made about 1921.

There were no issues with the train, but it did have a broken balance staff and damaged balance jewels. It's not uncommon for an impact that breaks the staff to take a jewel or both with it.

Elgin staffs are riveted. The broken staff is cut off the balance wheel on the lathe.

The remains of the cut hub are popped off in the stacking tool leaving a tiny washer. I always save these. You never know...

Riveting the new staff...

This tool can tighten a hairspring collet. It's one of those tools that is not often needed, but does the job perfectly when it is.

See the whole album for this project here:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/e7R2SJGwHmzrATzi9

Job Number 220063

Here is a grade 313 Elgin movement, 16 size, 15 jewels, made about 1906. These 16 size Elgins aren't the flashiest of watches but they are real workhorses. Elgin sold a lot of them due to their high quality at a value price point.

An interesting case on this one... These are usually called "swing-out" cases and are not common on watches in this size range.

See the album for this project here:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/vbr5ZsbWiq5WYUS39

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.

Welcome!

Classic watches, watchmaking, antique tools, history, vintage ephemera and more!

Learn about mechanical timepieces and how they work, the history of the American watch industry and especially all about the Elgin National Watch Company! Check back for new content daily.

Although this is technically a blog, the content is not generally in a time-based sequence. You can find interesting items throughout. Down the page some is an alphabetical word cloud of keywords used here. A great way to dig in is to look through those topics and click anything you find interesting. You'll see all the relevant content.

Here are a few of my favorites!

There are some large images on some posts, so that might impact your load times, bit I think you will find it worth the wait. Thanks for visiting!

Blog Archive