American Vintage Watches from the 50s. Hamilton and Elgin.

In this video I present you two American vintage watches from the 50s. Made in the USA Hamilton and Elgin produced many watches which are special and wanted nowadays. They can be a good alternative to very expensive Swiss made vintage watches.
I go over the history of Elgin and the Hamilton Watch Company and present you as a service addition two solutions for old and dirty bracelets and brushed metal finishing.
The company Ernst Westphal has a vaste number of watch parts in stock. If you are in need of something tiny and seldom from the past check out their website.
Time marks
01:21 History of Hamilton
03:21 History of Elgin
05:42 Two vintage watches in the lightbox. Review.
13:28 Product test bracelet cleaner
16:35 Product test polisher for brushed surfaces
watchparts24.d...
Products used in this video (not affiliate link)
watchparts24.d...
Caseback Watches on Instagram
/ caseback_tim

[@lastwordindicator]

Those brushes have fiberglass bristles that are adjustable and retractable. They are great for a whole lot of different jobs. On rougher surfaces adjust more of the bristles out of the pen, for finer surfaces use less bristle length. As they break off you extend the protrusion out further to accommodate for the breakage. You can also put them into a drill at a slow speed for a circular pattern.

[@timschubardt]

I think if you want special vintage bracelets the brand "Speidel" is your best option, they have all kind of cool vintage bracelets:)

[@kosmar]

that's what I thought

[@yardlizard1]

JBChampion is another excellent maker for vintage bracelets. I have found them on eBay from time to time.

[@res00xua]

a hundred years ago there were counterfeit watches made in switzerland to be sold as American pocket watches. I have one that I picked up being represented as a ball railroad watch. I am very glad that I sent you those watches and that you have enjoyed them.

[@H0kram]

Thanks for the share Stephen, we appreciate as viewers as well.

[@BitesizeGuitar]

Yes thank you Stephen! I now have my heart set on that Hamilton, I don't suppose you have any info on the bracelet should I find a vintage Dewitt in as good a condition as yours?

[@JH-ty3ic]

Vintage watches yes please, part two yes please.

[@davidc5191]

For a completely different vintage look, I recently bought a Richard Paige watch - a Waltham pocket watch from 1918 converted to a wristwatch. It's serviced and cleaned and the movement is put in a new modern case with open an caseback so you can see the beautiful movement. As pocket watches are large, the resultant wristwatch is now a modern 44 mm in diameter.

[@davidcrandall4958]

David I ran into a guy that is also doing that,I'm seriously considering buying one, when I can get the Money! Ramen noodles and no heat for a month!

[@MrBeard-et1yi]

I’ve got a Wittnauer from the 1960’s. Such a cool time for watches and their design

[@chrispenn715]

I have a 1930s Hamilton pocket watch. Beautifully decorated movement in a rolled gold case. It still keeps good time and is quite elegant. When I checked the records it was around the 3 million and something watch made by Hamilton.

[@michaeledwardlenzi]

I love the case styles of that era. Manly men wore comparitively delicate watches! My uncle was a steelworker. I have his retirement watch from Jones & Laughlin Steel in Pittsburgh. It is a Gruen. Beautiful design, and it has a very small tonneau case. It needs a restoration because the crown broke. This motivates to start looking for a skilled watchmaker. --Michael

[@j.burgess4459]

I sometimes wonder whether the trend will eventually turn back towards smaller sizes for men's watches? They have been gradually getting bigger and bigger over the last few decades. But there's only so far it can go in that direction before the sizes become completely impractical - and we may be getting quite close to that point now. (As a rule fashion trends usually reach a stage where they have to go backwards in order to keep going forwards...so to speak...)

[@79c15]

Elgin is still around. I've got a automatic elgin from 2015 and works great. No day date but does have a hacking 21 jewl movment

[@CasebackWatches]

Could you state some more details? Because according to many sources like Wikipedia Elgin is long gone en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elgin_National_Watch_Company

[@zelphx]

Part two would be MOST welcomed/appreciated! :) I'd love to see mid & early century Bulova casebacks. THANK YOU!

[@davidlloydjones752]

The Hamilton is just sublime. As for it being 'Pimpy' TIm, I think that gold can look wonderful, when used.judiciously. Less is definitely more, when it comes to gold.

[@velviaman3206]

Glass fibre pen , been around for about 100 years. Originally made to clean electrical parts I think.

[@theenavybluemonster]

I love my 1955 Hamilton Trent.

[@davidhammond9336]

More videos of vintage watches please. Enjoyed this one. You do get use to wearing smaller watches and now I prefer them.

[@oscargustavoarcosruiz8793]

"If you are desperate maybe this is the solution" It looked like the start of a good infomercial, but Tim messed it up XD Those watches are only a little smaller than my Omega Geneve, and I think that size is very good for a men's watch, I am really sick of today's oversized watches. And yes, I would like to see a second part of American watches from the 50's

[@dave0z96]

Elgin is pronounced (ELJIN) I live near Elgin in the Chicago land and northwest Indiana area . Nice video and nice watches by the way .

[@steven3379]

I SO LOVE that Hamilton.. Beautiful! Absolutely yes do a follow up video please!

[@toughguy2186]

Part TWO ? Yes PLEASE !!! ✌️

[@deedee8568]

Love them. Yes, they're small, but on wrist, they look right, not small. Curious. How do they make the movement so small, yet it works?! Yes please to part 2 🤘. Thanks 😊✨ Can you tell me the music, please. Sounds like ragtime, but that is more my ignorance than any knowledge.

[@deedee8568]

@@IDKline Wow brilliant, comprehensive stuff, thanks. Shall hunt down this genre for tomorrow's listening...

[@deedee8568]

@@IDKline Ah you're too good! Most generous, thank you thank you 😊

[@duanephillips2343]

Seeing this 8 months late but I have a Lord Elgin almost identical to the one you featured here. It does not have the scalloping. My father found it years ago for his collection and later gave it to me. Every once in a while it stops mysteriously but mostly it runs great and it keeps great time - much better than my Orient Mako II. I use a brown leather strap on my Lord Elgin - looks very similar to yours. Great video!

[@lucafwn]

Very interesting pieces. I hope smaller watches make a comeback. Vintage American Watches - part 2? Yes, please!

[@1bmaxw]

That brush is also great for cleaning battery contacts, I always carry on in my camera bag. Part two please.

[@niftyspock]

I have that exact elgin I believe it's called a thornedale. mine has the original gold plated expansion band. Expansion band is so old it has the scissor motion to expand

[@CasebackWatches]

Thank you for that information! Finally the piece has a name. I still were it here and there and I still love it.

[@TehRealRsNerd]

I hope you never stop making videos Tim! I also hope to visit Germany throughly someday. It’s a dream of mine that’s for sure!

[@davidcrandall4958]

That's a new Bracelet!

[@michaelcase8574]

I have a number of magnetic driven balance wheel watches. Seiko and a few other company's produced them. The first system to use the button battery, which might have been invented just for this purpose.

[@martintanz9098]

At one time, I had a collection of small, square or rectangular vintage watches. I had one Lord Elgin, one Longines, and one Hamilton. I still have the Hamilton, but don't wear it anymore because it just isn't reliable anymore. I worked out a trade with the other watches for a more usable early 70s Omega which is both more reliable and a much more wearable size. I am not a fan of the oversized watch, but by the same token, I don't really want to wear a watch that by modern standards, is smaller than most women's watches.

[@henrywest7217]

Fabulous finds by you.

[@bartglover22]

Interesting as always Tim

[@yardlizard1]

Thanks, Tim. I really enjoy your videos. I, too, collect vintage watches. I would be extremely happy to see a Part II of this series. I also enjoy immensely your music videos.

[@SinnMaster]

Tim, really enjoy your videos. One correction... the “gin” in Elgin is pronounced like gin and tonic, not with a “guh.” Thanks for these videos!!

[@CasebackWatches]

Ok, thank you.

[@oldiesgeek454]

Just like NBA star Elgin Baylor.

[@gregyohngy]

@@oldiesgeek454, he was named after the watch.

[@oferyosipovitch2609]

I love those american vintege watches ..... bought a few on the last couple of years .....Elgin,Hamilton , Bulova .....

[@jeep2221]

Part 2 please Tim!

[@davidcrandall4958]

I grew up buying selling and repairing these watches,then relatively recently started buying "Vintage Inspired" watches! But now Ive found these can be picked up relatively inexpensively! Since I have sold my cleaning and buffing and timing Machine ,my eyes are worse and I have got arthritis in my fingers, I'm just a dabbler now! No money either!

[@lewiscurry562]

Beautiful pieces.

[@valengreymoon5623]

The numerals on many vintage American watches were either solid 14k or 18k gold. They will always look good, even when the dial is heavily patinated.

[@herebarian]

This video was very helpful. Part 2 yes please!! I'm looking to purchase my first vintage watch, preferably in Art Deco style, and yours is one of very few videos I've come across talking about and showcasing these American gems! Also I live in India, and if you could give me the names of any reputable sellers with an online catalogue I could look at and make a hassle-free purchase, it would be highly appreciated! Cheers!

[@herebarian]

@@IDKline thank you! This was wonderful! I'll look on Chrono24 further. Regards

[@mikehatfield3561]

I have several vintage pocket watches that are American made but no vintage wristwatches An oversight obviously and yes a part 2 would be great

[@darkwingduckish]

Dear Tim, excellent & entertaining, as always! And you discovered the "Satinierstift" and brought it to your world - have fun with this magic tool and a whole lotta nu impressions, smile... :-) And one thought, you should find a Stellux or an NSA (styled) type of bracelet for your watches, maybe even as a flexband. E.g. Bear Bands have it, and the Bay has it, too... would be a little more authentic, rather than this kind-of-Casio-style bracelet, please pardon my comparison... ;-) Best wishes, cheers!!

[@williamdevlin5439]

'Waves' on the case are referred to as 'scallops' here in America

[@CasebackWatches]

Thanks, that makes sense and now I remember the term scalloped fret board.

[@evan3076]

Please do a part 2

[@dominickcolasanto6582]

Possibly called scalloped edge

[@kosmar]

would love to learn about the Hamilton electric, pacer, savitar, ventura. all those asymmetric cases.

[@timschubardt]

Great video. I am also more into vintage inspired watches like you, I own a 3 year old Hamilton intra-matic which is inspired by their sixties intra matic line, I am very pleased with it, becuase it is a good dialy wearer.:)

[@MrPleers]

I just got an Pan Europ. A 70's inspired Hamilton.

[@richardb22]

I am up for part 2.

[@daverooni7763]

Thanks for not showing us how you rinsed the bracelet : ) I'd love to see more of these watches. I have a 1950 Gruen in a toneau case, and I completely understand how you feel like you have been transported back in time when you wear it. If you viewer has other watches to give away, I'd be happy to get some too ; )

[@scottparis6355]

Another vintage brand that you could maybe look into is Tissot. I have several, including two "Seastars" that look very much like the Omega Genève you featured in your first video, but were about one-third the price of those.

[@dmitryaksenov9166]

You know, I live in Russian Federation and here we have a special polishing paste designed for The State Optical Institution during the Soviet era. It can be purchased in any army surplus store, soldiers widely use it for polishing metal parts of their uniforms. But it also can be used for polishing acrylic glass and any kind of metal jewelry including the ones of precious metals. Also the paste can be dissolved in diesel fuel and the resulting liquid looks kind of the same You used in the video. Can be easily used for cleaning watch bracelets and produces totally the same effect for a fraction of a price (small plastic container with the paste costs less then a dollar and lasts forever 😉) The only downside of course is the smell of diesel fuel 😀

[@richardb22]

Look forward to you putting a few pots on eBay ( we can add the diesel our end !!!!) Good information. Thanks

[@dmitryaksenov9166]

Richard Bartram guess it’s already there, try searching “polishing paste GOI” if You’re interested. However I bet prices on eBay may be higher than its normal value here in Russia.

[@dant.6364]

🇺🇦

[@alanwright3172]

Yes please!

[@Alan1234x]

Small watches look so much better on the average sized men's wrist. 32-36mm is plenty. Vintage Hamilton watches are a bargain on the used market, and even with servicing of $200. Go with 10k or 14k case. It's worth the difference.

[@brunonjezic6208]

Cool video. Pleas do part 2. Especially i would love to know more about watches from Gruen and why is it called green on german

[@michaelbedford8017]

This guy with the cleaner and magic pencil. He doesn't sell 'Universal Tonic' guaranteed to cure everything from Malaria to Flat feet and go around in horse-drawn covered wagon, does he? Maybe do a spot of preachin' on the side, when required.

[@Snake2303]

Very nice watches. Elegant. Why they stop to make watch so small? I have a small hand and I really don't like 50mm watches.

[@benfoust7424]

Thanks for the video. I have a very vintage Hamilton that was my great uncle's who passed away in 1943. Need to find the model. I'm also looking for any information on Garsons watches. Another one of my great uncle's, he owned a jewelry store.

[@johnchampion6926]

Have a look at the Hamilton Chronicles website. A complete encyclopedia of Hamilton watches, especially from the past

[@benfoust7424]

@@johnchampion6926 Thank you, it's a 1926 Square! Great site!

[@scottparis6355]

I just watched "Das Boot" again, after years, and happened to notice that the actors are wearing period-correct small watches, several of them square, like these. No one accused those guys of not being manly enough.

[@chrisb5986]

Thank you for continuing to remind me why I don't want a vintage watch. Now, let me go out and work on my 50 year-old Land Cruiser. Ugh.

[@russellharris5072]

As you had ten minutes to wait for the bracelet cleaner Tim,you could have inserted one of your marvelous guitar solos.I would refer to the Elgin watch case wave pattern as scalloping.I have a 1928 Dennison cased Zenith watch that a watchmaker failed to service because it has a split stem which is badly rusted and he could not risk a service without this very rare part.DOH!!

[@jakekaywell5972]

Lovely stuff! I'd say I'm fairly new to the world of vintage watches and I'm proud to discover that my country has it's own horological tradition, notably Hamilton, Bulova, Elgin, Benrus, and Gruen. One question for you, though. What's your viewpoint on Soviet watches?

[@guitstikkustoms4448]

Tim, if you are interested In American watches then check out Gruen and prepare to be surprised at what you find.

[@timothythomas1626]

I use scotch brite pads and steel wool

[@rbf100]

Please do American watches Part 2. Maybe Lord Elgin as well.

[@ihabkahnung]

Zu jung der Herr. Die Glasfaserstifte waren die Radiergummis, zu der Zeit als Architektur- etc. pläne noch mit Tusche (Rapidograph, Rotring) auf Transparentpapier gezeichnet hatte. Unverzichtbar. Hab noch ein paar alte mit etwas geringerem Durchmesser.

[@johnstyron6543]

Wonderful Tim. Very nice to highlight the affordability and also availability of classic American watch brands. Part 2 please! Just my opinion but to me it’s easy to argue, despite obvious mechanical superiority of Rolex, that these watches are not more lovely than a 10K Rolex Sub. Thank you Tim!

[@johnstyron6543]

Sorry. I meant easy to argue they are more lovely. 😊

[@CasebackWatches]

Got it😉 Thanks for watching!

[@mattdevenish83]

How do you discern between subtle water damage and patina without opening the watch to check for rust? 🤔 Be careful with the scratch pen, those are small fibreglass shards which can cause irritation. I use antibacterial hand soap mixed with white vinegar to clean bracelets 🙃

[@CasebackWatches]

I've spoken only about the dials which clearly don't show rust. But you're right, the movement can look pretty different. Luckily my watchmaker was back in town to open the watches after the video shooting. You see the images of the movements at the end of the video, in the outro. Edit: And thanks for the tip. I wasn't aware of that.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Cool !!!

[@MrPleers]

Smaller elegant watches like these always reminds me of Humphrey Bogart. When he wears them with a suit and a fedora, it's just perfect.

[@WhoCares69]

Finally!!! Someone pronounces ELGIN properly 🤣. I grew up in Elgin , it’s a small town in Scotland.Americans call the watch company Eljin for some reason???? Town was founded about 1170 so is the origin of the name 😃

[@CasebackWatches]

I love the English language! Every time you screw the pronunciation of a word, somebody shows up and says: Well done! :-D

[@gregyohngy]

@@CasebackWatches, I grew up in Elgin, Illinois and could see the watch factory a few blocks away. El Gin is how the watch company is pronounced.

[@jonathanrobinson9208]

I use this type of cleaner, put the bracelet under hot running water for about 2 minutes before you put it in the cleaner and follow the same steps. Im interested in that brush ! Do you have any information on the company ? 👌❤

[@CasebackWatches]

Sure, there is a link in the video description.

[@BanksProject]

Generally, most of these tank style watches are not water resistant.

[@TheTarrMan]

When you say "Elgin" we pronounce it with a soft G. (Almost like your saying "gin" or "giant").

[@CasebackWatches]

Ok, thank you!

[@Yoshikaable]

Those brushes are used by electrical engineers and electricians to clean up corroded contacts!

[@imranchowdhury4972]

Please visit Watchfinder last video to know the bracelet type. I think you will get an idea.

[@CasebackWatches]

Thanks for the hint!

[@kurtnunn6116]

That “Watch Clean” looks like the same liquid in the jars they store the hair combs that no one ever uses in the men’s rooms of health and country clubs

[@Daggarth64]

Are the modern Elgin watches any good?

[@travisolson9190]

Nooo! 😆

[@the_9ent]

How many times can you use that cleanser?

[@CasebackWatches]

I've used it three times now and it still works fine. But I could imagine that it gets messy after 10 times or so.

[@stevefox8605]

Interesting video, thanks Tim. Not a fan of the watches, not my cup of tea - vintage watches just aren't for me, and being older I need a larger dial that's easy to read- but interesting nonetheless. 👍🏻

[@davidcrandall4958]

People need to get over watch sizes already! There are some guys out there that would be better of going to a psychologist about this subject instead of buying a watch

[@limeybean3967]

When you speak German..... I feel it deep down in my pants

[@MyLifeInTheDesert]

My new favorite word: pimpy

[@shaharyarsheikh5291]

Can you provide the link to the website for that cleaner company in the description or on your instagram? I want to check it out. Hopefully they ship internationally.

[@CasebackWatches]

It is already in the description.

[@shaharyarsheikh5291]

Oh thanks. Silly me

[@shaharyarsheikh5291]

why are they all called 24?

[@CasebackWatches]

@@shaharyarsheikh5291 I don't know. Maybe just a name to signal that they work 24 hours?

[@davidcrandall4958]

These are priceless gems! Curb your testosterone poisoning!

[@jamesdollar4512]

Those watch a r worth 500 dollars each lol

[@petergplus6667]

Bacterias in the metal...