Latest · Guide
Radium Dial Pocket Watches: How to Recognize and Handle Them Safely
How to recognize a possible radium luminous dial on a vintage pocket watch, why you shouldn
How to recognize a possible radium luminous dial on a vintage pocket watch, why you shouldn
What a full pocket watch service involves, why costs vary so much, how often to service, how to find a watchmaker, and how to compare quotes like for like.
Decode pocket watch case stamps: karat gold, gold filled, rolled gold plate, coin silver, sterling, and base metals like silveroid, without damaging the case.
Antique pocket watch gift ideas, from Hamilton 992B railroad watches to birth-year watches and display domes, plus the checks to make before you give one.
Simple, non-invasive checks of a pocket watch
Spot a married pocket watch: recased movements, hunter movements in open-face cases, sidewinders, replaced dials and hands, and why originality matters.
How antique pocket watches are wound and set: key wind, stem wind, pendant set, lever set and pin set explained, with how-tos and what each means to buyers.
Store antique pocket watches safely: boxes, pouches, humidity, magnets, winding while stored, keeping paperwork, and mistakes that damage cases and dials.
Decode what
Date an antique pocket watch by combining the movement serial, maker production records, case marks, hallmarks, patent dates and style clues into one estimate.
Find and interpret antique pocket watch movement serial numbers without confusing them with case, grade or model markings.
Inspect antique pocket watch photos, movement claims, case wear and restoration risks before judging a listing or valuation.
Chain materials, clips and lengths vary and frequently have repairs.
Crystal materials alter durability, fit and restoration authenticity.
Hunter cases protect the dial differently but add hinges and covers that wear.
Gold-filled cases have a bonded layer and are not equivalent to solid karat cases.
An Illinois Bunn Special is more than an attractive dial. Movement identification, originality, case condition and honest service history drive a good purchase.
Serial numbers can identify movement series but not automatically the whole watch's date.
Practical buying and sold-comps guide for antique pocket watch, with condition checks and current versus completed eBay research.
The 950B and 992B occupy different collecting contexts and price brackets.
A grade number must match the actual photographed movement.
A private-label dial may be historically interesting without proving original assembly.
Fusee systems require especially cautious condition assessment.
Practical buying and sold-comps guide for Waltham antique pocket watch, with condition checks and current versus completed eBay research.
Practical buying and sold-comps guide for Hamilton 992B pocket watch, with condition checks and current versus completed eBay research.
Practical buying and sold-comps guide for railroad grade pocket watch Hamilton Elgin Waltham, with condition checks and current versus completed eBay research.
Insurance value depends on evidence of item identity and actual packaging.
Loose bows and worn crowns can threaten carrying reliability.