Complete Pocket Watch Buying / Selling Guide - How to Identify ? Worth ? Solid Gold vs Gold-Filled ?

[@HHPS419]

Probably the most useful guide for beginner and intermediate pocket watch collectors.

[@PocketWatchTime]

Thank you. Goals. 😁

[@tinaoutzen2618]

Your video was so very helpful to me, thank you! I’m investigating a pocket watch I inherited from a parent and was lucky enough to be directed to your video after completing an online search on Elgin pocket watches. Your video was clear, concise and thorough - I learned just what I needed to know. Thank you!

[@PocketWatchTime]

Amazing. Thank you for such a beautiful compliment.

[@jnreedy]

Very enjoyable video. Find your voice quite relaxing, compairable to say Morgan Freeman. Valuble information provided with a pleasent demeanor. Thank you.

[@PocketWatchTime]

Morgan Freeman. That’s an excellent compliment. Thank you.

[@paulmckinley7111]

Found your channel last nite. Excellent content! I am a new PW hobbyist and a subscriber to your great knowledge. Keep up the good work.

[@PocketWatchTime]

Thanks Paul. What kind of PW do you like? American? European? Railroad?

[@WatchRestorationCottage]

Patrick - 100%. When I embarked on my hobby, I though pocket watches would be worth $100s or $1000s, only to be shocked to find out that a 7 jewel or 11j watch was only a fraction of that! Even the higher end RR grade watch movements aren't as pricey as you might expect - considering how gorgeous they are (compared to modern wristwatch movement IMHO).

[@PocketWatchTime]

Nailed it. In general… Prices are so low for pocket watches. That’s one of the major aspects that drew me into collecting… I can buy 10 pocket watches for the price of an inexpensive luxury wristwatch. You can take gambles, discover what brands and models interest you, experiment with small and large models and you won’t break the bank. I’ve made very expensive mistakes while collecting wrist watches… I’ve made even more mistakes collecting pocket watches… But financially, I barely regret any of them. 😁

[@WatchWithMike]

Nice job 'laying it on the line'! It's human nature to wish that you found or own a treasure. This video balances reality with the possibility that you might have a gem, and gives you some great guides to sleuth the mystery yourself! 😁

[@PocketWatchTime]

Thank you. That’s my hope… The resources after a little practice are very easy to use. I hope this guide will push people in the right direction.

[@kevinthomas4861]

Not looking to collect… but where can I buy just a nice pocket watch? Any brand new pocket watch’s out there that’s quality or do I have to go down a rabbit hole of becoming a expert in old watches to get a nice one at a good price? Thanks 🙏

[@PocketWatchTime]

It really depends on your price range. For a couple hundred dollars you can get a modern quartz pocket watch. If you’re willing to spend upwards of $1000 you can get a really awesome brand new mechanical pocket watch (like Guinand Watches)

[@kevinthomas4861]

@@PocketWatchTime thanks 🙏, I’ll definitely look into them! Just want a nice pocket watch that will last and use day in and day out with a mechanical movement and who knows it might lead to a collection one day…. But for now just overwhelmed with all that it takes to get one that is used… weather just buy new and be done.

[@PocketWatchTime]

@@kevinthomas4861 another option… But you might have to be a little patient. I just picked up a Hamiltonrailway re-edition. This is a recreation by the Swiss Hamilton brand instead of the classic American railroad pocket watch. It’s got an ETA movement and was a limited edition release several years ago. It was stupidly expensive when released. But I just bought one in virtually brand new condition for less than $400 on an auction site.

[@user-gq6rv1gt6i]

❤❤❤

[@PocketWatchTime]

Thank you. 🎉

[@blueringoctopuss]

My most prized pocket watch is worth the least in my collection.

[@PocketWatchTime]

Exactly. Pocket watch pricing is so hard to justify/determine. I have two heirloom watches… not really a fan of either for their design. One is in a gold-filled case. but I treasure them both and neither will ever leave my collection.

[@tatenadeau538]

I have just 1 pw. Just beginning my research again after about 20 years. Btwn new KZbin content and some guidance here I'm getting closer to age but still stymied on value. I hope a viewer has that European database link as mine is about 1900-1905 18k solid PP with no extras. Just simple, beautiful and keeping great time. Mostly curious as I hope to pass it on.

[@PocketWatchTime]

Very nice. I hope someone is familiar with a European link too.

[@8zzzzzd79]

What about non traditional case shape like pentagon, square, or hexagon sir? Are they far rarer than the round one?

[@PocketWatchTime]

Good question - irregular case shapes are definitely less common. However, generally they don’t get a premium price.

[@8zzzzzd79]

@@PocketWatchTime thank you sir, now I'm looking for triangle case, them freemasons really love their branding

[@PocketWatchTime]

I’ve only seen a handful of triangle cases. 😁 That would be fun to have.

[@daverooni7763]

Great video, thank you. An all-encompassing video would be 48 hrs long and near impossible to make. I’d add that high jewel-count and railroad approved watches will often carry a premium price, even in gold filled cases. Railroad approved watches were working men’s watches, and by design wouldn’t generally be in solid gold cases. I really like the Hamilton 992b watch for example, as part of its “value” to me is that there were about half a million made, so spare parts are available. Keep up the great videos 🎉

[@PocketWatchTime]

@daverooni7763 You’re right… A comprehensive guide would take forever. I’ve got time… Maybe I’ll work on it. 🤣 Definitely a working man’s watch needs a resilient case. I bid and lost on a recent watch in a gold-filled case. I’m not usually a fan of gold-filled… But, it was a beautiful watch. I’m sad I lost.