Getting Started Collecting Pocket Watches

The world of pocket watches is wide. What's out there? We take a high-level look at different styles of watches you may want to add to your collection: early 1700's verge fusee watches, Swiss watches, Railroad watches, and more.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@JackJazzm]

Awesome collection Great chat👍🏾 Thanks for sharing

[@jembo1959]

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

[@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!

[@milanchristi7939]

Nice overview. Thanks!!

[@EvenStarMN]

Thanks really good collections. ❤

[@keys2la]

Great introduction to watch collecting.

[@dominickcolasanto6582]

Interesting and informative cool collection 👍

[@peterhaynes8258]

Great video, very informative, thank you sir.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@milk968]

Thank you for your video

[@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 😂

[@thesingingorganistelorgani5154]

great video

[@hollywoodnoire]

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

[@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).

[@HERETOHELPPEOPLE729]

Hi friend I am so happy I found ur channel,I've learned so much already. I have ordered my first hobbist pocket watch VINTAGE USSR POCKET WATCH MOLNJIA (Sorry about all caps)it copied that way I've also order the exact same watch as a parts watch to learn on and hopefully soon be able to take apart my working Moljina watch and put it all back together correctly. I would very much appreciate if you could recommend me a second watch to purchase and learn from. This would mean so much to me. 😀. Thank you for all the wonderful videos you upload i have learned so much from you.. kindest regards, Tony Dublin Ireland.

[@MrMWhitham]

Yep that was cool. Thanks

[@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.

[@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.

[@dwarfsbaneironfist2527]

I like the Elgin.

[@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.

[@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.

[@whitestararmada103]

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

[@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!

[@1114gabby]

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

[@mzeeshan7117]

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

[@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

[@joshrobertson8189]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@masseyandcompanycpa4682]

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

[@michaelreed649]

I would like to know this information as well

[@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...

[@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

[@neurowolf7594]

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

[@chucklachance]

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

[@snowfox94]

I wish I could find an illinois pocket watch.

[@Carlentinesexclusives]

👌👌👌

[@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

[@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

[@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!!!

[@jettajellis8588]

Big ben pocket watch

[@user-yb8bt1jq7j]

اجمل مقطع للساعات الجيب عندي مجمو عام اريد ابيع ابو وائل

[@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.

[@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..

[@Phota-ni1kd]

I❤

[@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.

[@misteratoz]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@markwolfson2023]

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.

[@markwolfson2023]

@@MinnesotaClocksandWatches Keep the videos coming!!

[@TheHolyFurryEmpire]

I bought a 1879 pocket watch for $75

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Welcome to the hobby!

[@user-rz8jy2er5x]

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

[@HERETOHELPPEOPLE729]

Hi friend I am so happy I found ur channel,I've learned so much already. I have ordered my first hobbist pocket watch VINTAGE USSR POCKET WATCH MOLNJIA (Sorry about all caps)it copied that way I've also order the exact same watch as a parts watch to learn on and hopefully soon be able to take apart my working Moljina watch and put it all back together correctly. I would very much appreciate if you could recommend me a second watch to purchase and learn from. This would mean so much to me. 😀. Thank you for all the wonderful videos you upload i have learned so much from you.. kindest regards, Tony Dublin Ireland.