Getting Started Collecting Pocket Watches

[@ToddSikking]

Terrific video and my very first introduction to pocket watches. I think you've created a monster....I'm hooked! LOL Thanks so much!

[@kayakMike1000]

I really like those older watches, the decorated engraving on the inside is quite nice! I would collect these as just a historical piece.

[@richardpadilla7190]

I like the way you said the difference in " collecting or accumulating " ...very true . Beautiful collection and great video , informative too . Thank you

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

It's not a concept that is original to me, but it is important to think about and has helped me remember "There will always be another watch or clock." Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@kayakMike1000]

@@MinnesotaClocksandWatches yes, but not all of them will be a key wound watch from 1760

[@Oddzilla51]

Just pulled my great-grandfathers Hamilton 912 pocket watch from 1933 out of my safe. Had it for decades but recently took an interest in it. Still works! Looking to get some more!

[@looseunit1615]

I have my grandpa's 1923 Omega pocket watch. It still runs fine.

[@kayakMike1000]

@@looseunit1615 Omega and Hamilton pocket watches are super nice! I have an Elgin, but from what I can see, they are fairly common.

[@ernestochang1744]

You can never go wrong with a military grade Hamilton 4992B man they built it really well during those times, i have a hamilton 992B 21J and a Hamilton 996 19J and for some reason these bring me great joy, im new to pocket watches but from what i can see, i seem to really enjoy the Railroad grade watches more, theres something so special about having to take the bezel off the watch to find the lever lift it up and set the time (sort of like a james bond "hidden" lever type) which is kinda funny cuz the thing that got me into the pocket watch craze was actually a Dalvey full skeleton pocket watch, seeing the entire movement through glass was just incredible, i almost pulled the trigger on one (which if you know anything about the brand Dalvey it is actually a fake, they do not manufacture watches or compasses in Scotland it's mainly just Chinese made they cant even tell you the movement inside the watch) But then i went hunting around some people said philip patek others said E howard, and thats how i got here lol i just pulled the trigger on a Illinois Bunn Special 23J from 1921 on Ebay im waiting to receive it, march 1st is gonna be a great time!!! I still dont know what is actually making me happy when i look at these watches and honestly its not the highly intricate decorated ones its just the railroad watches that really do it for me, such beauty and refined precision...

[@pauliewalnuts5241]

​@@kayakMike1000 Vintage Elgin can be very collectable and valuable.

[@wald-d5k]

Very interesting, thanks

[@sailcat9]

Very nice video and my compliments to your impressive collection! My personal pocket watch collection consists solely of a Waltham Model 1908 21 jewel railroad watch. And I am very happy with it! Thanks again for your video!

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Every collection starts with one piece. I'm very glad you enjoy your watch!

[@hectorpinto5683]

Awesome collection

[@dwarfsbaneironfist2527]

Nice video. One thing to consider when starting out collecting is the cost of service and can you get it serviced. The last Horologist in reasonable travel distance has just retired, I now have to post my watches to get them serviced. The cost in the U.K. is quite often more than the value of the watch, Fusee watches are expensive to service, if you can find someone who will service the watch. Last quote for me was £650 for a watch worth about £300.

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Thank you for adding this point. I'm not hung up on having all my watches run - especially the oldest ones, but servicing watches is becoming increasingly challenging and expensive, and that won't get better. The good news is that with a little care, a watch that is in good condition - running or cosmetic - can stay that way for many years.

[@freeman7296]

I'm probably 50-50 collecting vs. accumulating...I only buy higher grade pockets but I buy a lot of them since I have a source for a lot of the railroad grade watches and the prices are down. I'm buying now for what I was buying back in the mid-90s...hopefully the interests comes back as these are impressive pieces of history.

[@airborneranger-ret]

Ditto :)

[@jembo1959]

Enjoyed your video and the many watch selections that you have acquired. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@thegrassyknoll7792]

I actually started out accumulating, because i would learn watch repair, and now 9years later im actually collecting pocketwatches made by watchmakers in my country, the watch needs to have the name of the maker on the dial, i then use my skills to get it up and running, and also i seek info about the watch, who made it, when and where, and who was it made for,aso. A nice little hobby, that takes alot of tools 😊 to say the least 😂

[@michaelfulcher6390]

Just bought a Waltham grade 845 for daily wear. I like wearing a wrist watch, a Timex cheapo, but it gets in the way a bit at work.

[@keys2la]

Great introduction to watch collecting.

[@JackJazzm]

Awesome collection Great chat👍🏾 Thanks for sharing

[@kayakMike1000]

I think I am accumulating a few watches, mostly I have an itch to take something a part and put back together again. Might even clean up the junk on these pieces and oil the jewels (properly).

[@joshrobertson8189]

Just got my first watch. It's an 1881 Illinois "Columbia" hunter. Coin silver case. Joseph Fayhs.

[@EvenStarMN]

Thanks really good collections. ❤

[@dominickcolasanto6582]

Interesting and informative cool collection 👍

[@brandonthebritish]

For all those who don't know - when you showed the european watch (with 23 jewels), you got your hands upon a very nice example of european watchmaking. average european watches have a different escapement, called the cylinder escapement. It is kinda weird and not as good as the usual one, especially because it is not that trustworthy and stops time to time. When i myself started collecting watches, i accidentally bought a few of these, so, guys, watch out! You can recognise it easily - it basically does not have a pallet fork and the escape wheel links to the balance wheel directly.

[@patrickmurphy8222]

Great video. Simply explained and to the point. I learned something new, especially about the verge fusee movement. Why all the downvotes?

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Thanks for the kind words - glad you enjoyed the video, and your support is appreciated! I have a few videos that people have had varying opinions on, but this one has been pretty positively received - I don't see any down votes on my end.

[@PocketChangeInspector]

I had a Lucien Piccard 8 day that looked practically identical to the one showing @10:42. Sold it back in 2000 or 2001 and still regret it to this day.

[@JMGeranimo]

Thanks for the video and information, i have a small watch collection and always wanted a pocketwatch. Im still on the lookout for a deal though lol. I hate to bring it up but Aliex has a wristwatch with a windupmovement that is a copy of an older movement that may be good to try or for parts. A few of their movements are well regarded. That 24 hr dial Hamilton got my attention lol.

[@8MCFATTY]

Was just given a watch that was my great grandfathers, and from what Ive learned it was made for the Army corps of engineers, or American Expiditionary Forces in France during WWI. It is marked: HAMILTON Engineer Corps USA And apparently made 1000 units, this is No. 415. I believe this is a railroad watch too. Do you know anything about this?

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Hamilton and the other US watch manufacturers definitely supplied the US military. Check out my video on identifying your American pocket watch to see how to get some more information. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHjYgGdorNWAbtU

[@milanchristi7939]

Nice overview. Thanks!!

[@Tuneitupful]

great video, thanks

[@325iaddict]

I only have one...a Junghans with alarm clock in it! It basically works, but it is wayyy off in time (runs up to 8 minutes per 24 hours slow). I'll have to dig into that. Probably clogged, old, hardened oil / grease.

[@Rosie-ed8ev]

Did you ever get around to cleaning it?

[@hollywoodnoire]

Great video on pocket watches! Do another one on English Lever and Chronograph pocket watches very soon.

[@PMELKUS]

I'm a hobbies watchmaker and I just love old pocket watches but the problems I run into in servicing them is finding parts for them, in many cases I have to roll the dice and buy another watch or movement sometimes this work out and sometimes not.

[@omnivector45]

what brand would be vintage but parts available? Looking for my first pocket watch. I would like one in the $400 range.

[@PMELKUS]

Well first of all unless your already doing watch repair I would not spend much on my first pocket watch. Next again if your new to watch making make sure it's running if not it may be hard to find what the problem is. As for what brand any of the old Waltham size 16 well do and also some of the Russia Molnija with the 3602 movements are good to work on and you can still get most parts for but like I said the main problem is finding parts for them and over the years I had to buy a donor movement to fix another. Good luck!

[@ukcarl1]

Hi I just got my first pocket watch it’s a silver j w benson key wind Thanks for the information I’m going to get a American one next maybe a Hamilton.

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Excellent. Best of luck!

[@peterhaynes8258]

Great video, very informative, thank you sir.

[@MrMWhitham]

Yep that was cool. Thanks

[@syedirtezahassan9555]

I have a pocket watch but don't know which model is that. "Galonne 39315" inside of first case, "Remontoir Metal" on second case, carved face of a lady on most outer case.

[@whitestararmada103]

bro the one with the cog moving on the face of the watch is fucking awsome! i want one of those

[@airborneranger-ret]

Liked and subbed Edgar Rice Burroughs (Tarzan, John Carter, etc.) powned his watch when he was 35. Leads are welcome :)

[@ixl4710]

Where can I buy pocket watches from?

[@michaelreed649]

I would also be interested in learning where to find pocket watches

[@ixl4710]

@michaelreed649 I figured out the best place to buy a pocket watch is ebay. That's where I got my first!

[@michaelreed649]

@Ixl4 thank you. I have seen several that interest me on ebay, but since i am brand new, i am unsure what i am looking at when i see these vintage watches. I will keep learning and watching ebay.

[@milk968]

Thank you for your video

[@masseyandcompanycpa4682]

Do you have any suggestions about where to buy pocket watches online?

[@michaelreed649]

I would like to know this information as well

[@ninagrigoriev2772]

Do you know the name or reference number (do pocket watches have those?) of the giant purple guy at 9:58 ? It's pretty cute.

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

This is a miscellaneous Swiss watch. Records are not great, and many companies turned out unmarked watches, which make them hard to trace. At the time, believe it or not, Swiss watches were probably the least desirable relative to English and American. They made some truly odd stuff.

[@ArtOfSaying]

I have a watch of my great grandfather it’s swiss made 150 years back i guess,i need some assistance regarding that

[@1114gabby]

Many Ive seen are not running. Are there many watchmakers who will work on these?

[@thesingingorganistelorgani5154]

great video

[@robbymann5839]

totally cool

[@amandamathews8723]

Hey there. Found your video, liked it very much. Found one at a thrift store. Can you tell me if it's trash or has any Value? Would really appreciate it!

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

I may do a video on pocket watch valuation at some point, but until then, your best bet is to head over to pocketwatchdatabase.com and look up your serial number (if it's an American watch). There is a valuation section there that may help you get some basic idea of value.

[@michaelreed649]

@Minnesota Clocks and Watches That is great information

[@esantosla]

Great video, could you please tell me what watch and model is ticking on the background?, sound like a pendulum clock.

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

It is a Seth Thomas Self-Winding No 1. It's a plain-looking clock, but great for a shop where the self-winding clunk every 4 minutes doesn't bother me (maybe it does some of my viewers), and I don't need to worry about winding it every week.

[@esantosla]

@@MinnesotaClocksandWatches Thank you, I love the sound of that watch

[@dwarfsbaneironfist2527]

I like the Elgin.

[@neuro7594]

I want the stop watch to give it history for me to pass down

[@hufflepuff128]

Hi, I happen to live in Greece and have always had an interest in pocket watches started by my grandpa's family pocket watch and more recently the intent to start a collection. I have always felt limited by the options here as the times I did look in to it I was quite dissapointed in my finds as there are few specialized vintage watch shops and no pocket watch shops. Local junk markets also tend to have very cheap newer watches which they sell as older and much more expensive. If anyone can recommend a way I can get started and find one (is online an option?) that would be greatly appreciated.

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Online can be an option, however antique pocket watches are susceptible to magnetic interference such as what comes from X-ray machines scanning packages. If you want to purchase online, you may want to invest in a watch demagnetizer.

[@hufflepuff128]

@@MinnesotaClocksandWatches Thats good to know! thanks very much for the reply!!!

[@Raskolnikov3333]

I love u watches❤❤❤❤

[@freeman7296]

If I can give any advice - start slow buying these...start with American Railroad watches from a reputable dealer....Buy one or two and get to know the different manufacturers and models. From my experience - the older swiss pockets aren't all that great compared to American railroad watches of the late 19th and early 20th century - but find your niche and go with it. I know I'm buying nice quality RR pockets for under $200 these days - running...and many keeping decent time...

[@Rosie-ed8ev]

Where are you finding these for such low price

[@freeman7296]

@@Rosie-ed8ev I've developed relationships over the past 30 years since I started buying - those relationships come to me to sell and, since the demaind isn't strong like it was back when i started, they are happy to sell at a lower price..... it's all about developing relationships and maintaining them. go to jewelers who buy estate jewelry - ask if they have any pocket or wrist watches...you'll get a lot of no, but there will be some

[@freeman7296]

@@Rosie-ed8ev I get these deals from relationships I've built up with watch buyers and dealers - I started buying buying 30 years ago when I was in my early 20s....I stopped while I raised a family and got back into it when I had more money and especially because I like them and the prices came down a lot.... note - there is a huge supply of these watches out there - mostly held by older guys...so they'll be coming out of hiding and you'll get opportunities...but you should know what you're looking at or they'll eat you alive.

[@hollydawsonjames1999]

I just bought a Hamilton pocket watch with matching chain fob and pocket knife in its org beautiful case. Now it’s taking it to the jeweler to have it cleaned and oiled. We ordered a pocket watch from England a few years ago for my husband. Ended up putting $400.00 in repairs yucks

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Repair can be challenging, but I hope you enjoy your watch for many years.

[@hollydawsonjames1999]

@@MinnesotaClocksandWatches I’m giving it to my husband for Father’s Day

[@snowfox94]

I wish I could find an illinois pocket watch.

[@ARTUROFEDERICOGARZA-zw5ok]

Hola hermosos relojes yo tengo 2 elgin uno de los años 20s de 17 jewels y otro de 23 jewels que se le ajusta la hora con como uno que enseñaste con una palanquita quitándole la tapa del dial, y tengo que la marca dice ERMA creo es de los años 50s, saludos desde Tampico Tamaulipas México

[@markw-2025]

What I am concerned with is the cost of servicing these wonderful vintage pocket watches. Its one thing to pay close to $1,000 service for a $200 watch, but a lack of parts could leave you with disproportionate out-of- pocket costs, without the proper fitting parts, correct?

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Repair of anything no longer made becomes challenging, and the older the piece, the more challenging it often is. I guess I don't let this stop me from enjoying old pieces even if they don't all run, but of course, YMMV. I don't carry around verge-fusees, but I do occasionally throw a modern lever escapement watch in a pocket for a few days to enjoy.

[@markw-2025]

@@MinnesotaClocksandWatches Keep the videos coming!!

[@chucklachance]

I have a American Waltham circa 1897 (125 yrs). I want a railroad watch……

[@stevehuffman7453]

Not all "Railroad" watches are 21 jewles, lever set, have the Ball face (all minutes numbered, 5 minutes in red), or keep + or - 5 seconds a month (I think that was the standard when Mr. Bell made the regulatons) or size 16 (effective with Mr. Bell's regulations). Size 18 was required for the earlier pre-Bell reguations Railroad watches. The earlier key wind "Railroad" watches for example the Illinois Watch Co./Elgin watch Co. H.H. Taylor 79 Grade 15 jewel key wind and key set from c.1885 was a "Railroad Grade" watch in it's day. (as were the two models above it) It lost "Railroad Grade" of course when yje minimum jewel count was raised to 17 (as those watches lost their standing wen the jewel count was raised to 21 by Mr. Bell) and when the regs specified "Stem Wind and Lever Set". The "Lever Set" was intened to prevent accidentally resetting the time on a stem wind watch. Obviously, the key set watches were not subject to accidental time changes. BTW: "Affordable"/"Low Cost", etc. are totally income dependent. What is "affordable"" for someone who makes say $4,000 a month, is not so "affordable" to someone making or receiving $1,000 or less a month for their retirement and/or disability payment, and has no other income or savings. By the same token, what is "affordable" for someone making $100,000 a month or more, is not so "affordable" for someone making $4,000 ~ $20,000 a month. 😊 I am mainly interested in the early/mid 1800's to 1950's/1960's pocket watches. Historical interest: Grandpa/however many "Greats" grandfather may have had one of this brand and model. (same for wrist watches from the 1950's and 1960's. In my favor: So far as I know, (at least post 1800 or so) there was no "family fortune" (there was one in the 1700's). Just farmers, factory laborers, and a few general store and hardware store owners. Hence no "luxury" watches or cases. 😁👍)

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Thanks for sharing your story and your interest.

[@Milamila-fn7vg]

I have 2 pocket watches, both of them 18k, I got them about 30 years ago when my relative passed away. One is an old Elgin, but I cannot find any date on it, another one is Hoffmann 1914. I understand nothing about watches, and I do not know value of them. Please, give me some recommendations where I can get a real prize. I live in Los Angeles.

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Watch value depends heavily on whether the case is solid gold or gold-filled (gold on the outside with steel in the middle. Any words that say "GF", "Gold Filled", "20 yr", "25 yr" or the like indicate that your watch case is not solid gold. If it says 14K or 18K with no other markings, it's probably solid gold. I don't have any knowledge of Los Angeles, but you could head over to the NAWCC message board and ask in the watch section - mb.nawcc.org. A jeweler that specializes in estate jewelry may also be a good resource.

[@أعداءالبشرية]

اجمل مقطع للساعات الجيب عندي مجمو عام اريد ابيع ابو وائل

[@misteratoz]

You can get a pocket watch minute repeater for 5k or less. A watch minute repeater STARTS at 10x that much!

[@martinoamello3017]

I love things that go tick and tock, but my wallet does not. lately I've been bidding on pocket watches on ebay..Yeah, I know..ebay.. But they're getting snapped up quickly and it's difficult to bid without getting in bidding wars so unless it's an item i feel really good about I may place a bid, but no bidding wars..

[@freeman7296]

here is 2024 - he's still right about the market..it's not dead, but it's not strong

[@jettajellis8588]

Big ben pocket watch

[@Carlentinesexclusives]

👌👌👌

[@Phota-ni1kd]

I❤

[@TheHolyFurryEmpire]

I bought a 1879 pocket watch for $75

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Welcome to the hobby!

[@РусланСмолоусов-ь2я]

Здравствуйте. Я собираю часы как карманные , так и наручные , но только СССР . Победа, Ракета , Восток , Кировские , Молния , Луч , Слава , Зим и так далее. Ваши часы бесспорно хороши .

[@midnightthinker5479]

Yeah fusee not cheap no more maybe not running lol

[@midnightthinker5479]

American

[@normanbalian]

The Swiss copied the Americans now they complain that Chinese copy them 😅, funny how history works