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.

Watch Conversion

Here's a nice article about the increasingly popular conversion of antique pocketwatch movements to wristatches.

http://www.wbur.org/2016/02/22/startup-waltham-watchmaking

Two things...

First, wristwatches and vintage pocketwatches are different in several ways. It's important to know what you are getting into before buying something like this.

Second, it seems like most of the people doing this don't know much about the repair and service of vintage watches.

New Arrivals

Two more watches in for service...

This one is a 12 size Hamilton 912, converted to a wristwatch. Basically, lugs have been add to the case, and the bow removed from the top.

Q&A - Is it a Wristwatch Movement or a Pocketwatch Movement?

Q: An older Elgin wrist watch comes up as pocket watch movement, is this a possible conversion?

http://wheeler.elgintime.com/elgintime/GnumLookup/318.html

A:  This movement was made from 1904 to 1907. In that era there was no distinction between a wrist watch movement and a pocketwatch movement.  It was a matter of what sort of case the purchaser bought at the time - or moved the movement to later in some instances. Movements and cases were sold separately. Most of the American companies, including Elgin, did not even make cases.

Pocket to wristwatch Conversion

There's an interesting piece over at Worn and Wound about converting vintage pocketwatches to wristwatches, with loads of great photos.


This is an intriguing idea, but it should be kept in mind that pocketwatch movements were designed to be in vest pockets, not swinging around at the end of your arm.  Their relatively slow beat rate and fragile parts may cause them not do so well with a lot of motion.  You'd have to be careful wearing such a thing.


Cool for sure, but may not be for everyone...