Antique Watch Repair
You have purchased an old watch on eBay, inherited a watch from a family member, or found a great deal at an antique store. It needs service or repair. For the most part, service for old watches is handled remotely from a repairer’s website storefront (unless you are one of the few that have a watch repair shop near you).
When you contact the repair person, usually the first order of business is identifying the watch.
What information do you need to help you identify your antique pocket watch or wrist watch? Here is some key information that you can obtain (for American Watches):
The name on the dial: Most watches are identified on the dial (or face) of the watch with the company name, (i.e. Elgin, Waltham…). Although, some watches may be marked with the name of the Jeweler, or not marked at all on the dial.
The size of the watch: American pocket watch size is indicated by a single number (18s), or a number followed by a -0 (3-0). European watches were commonly sized in Millimeters, or lignes (pronounced lines). A ligne is 2.26 mm.
The following is a list of common American watch sizes and the equivalent in millimeters:
- 20s- 46.56mm
- 18s-44.86 mm
- 16s-43.18 mm
- 14s-41.48 mm
- 12s-39.78 mm
- 10s-38.10 mm
- 8s-36.40 mm
- 6s-34.70 mm
- 0s-29.62 mm
- 3/0s-27.94 mm
When you take this measurement, measure the watch at the width of the face, not the case.
Movement Identification: If you are comfortable with opening the watch in order to view the works (movement), this will help in identification. With a "full plate" movement no gears will be visible, and the only working part you can see is the balance wheel. In a "partial plate" movement, you will be able to see some or all of the gears (wheels). A three fingered movement has three prominent flat bars in a row.
Serial Number- The serial number is stamped directly on the movement, not the case. This number will be helpful in identifying the movement type. Also, many watches had the model or grade number stamped on the movement, as is the case with Hamilton watches.
Case Type: A case material is usually either silver or gold colored. The silver color is usually a base metal, or a material called silveroid, or coin silver (an alloy of nickel, copper and manganese). If it is real silver, the metal is usually tarnished to a dark gray color (unless polished recently). A gold colored case is usually gold fill (gold with a brass fill), or solid gold. If it is solid gold, it is usually stamped with a karat value.
A case can be open on the front ("open face"), or it may have a cover that opens when you push on the stem, called a "hunter case."
Before you contact the repair shop, gather as much of this information as possible. This will aid in getting an idea of the value of your watch, and a rough estimate of repair cost.
Author: Joel Trenalone
Joel Trenalone is an architect working at California State University, who also operates a small business in repair and sales of antique and vintage mechanical watches. Find more about mechanical watches and services offered at http://www.TimePieceShoppe.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joel_Trenalone
A little information on how to repair a pocket watch…
Try these pages for more information on pocket watch repair….
Jewelry and Watch repair | The Chic Shopaholic
Jewelry and Watch Repair is a Good Profession Keepsake, heirloom and valuable are words you can expect to hear
Watch Tools Deluxe Leather Watch Repair Tool Kit …
Please note, this toolkit will not open or repair every type of watch, however it will work on most watches. This toolset will last a lifetime of uses and save money on watch adjustments or repairs.
Mail this post
Tags: antique watch repair, home watch services, pocket watch identification, pocket watch repair, watches servicing