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railroad watches
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Everyone probably already knows this but: Classic RR watches originally had to be in an open faced, stem (pendant) wound, 16 sized case with lever set to prevent accidental time set. Faces had to be in bold arabic numerals. Hunter-type cases were technically not allowed. Accuracy was frequently checked. Most of the major mfrs. made rr aproved pocket watches such as: Howard, Waltham, Illinois, Rockford, Elgin, Hamilton and others. The Hamilton 992 series was and is particularly prized along with Waltham and Howard. You will also hear of the term Ball Standard. Excellent reference source is "Pocket Watch Collector's Guide" (also has wrist watches). Good genuine rr pocket watches in excellent running condition are not cheap even today. Cases were often nickel alloy for wear but coin silver sometimes seen. "Gold" rr watches were often not "solid" gold (i.e. 10k to sometimes 18k) but instead were "gold-filled" or rolled gold plate and were rated in years of wear: thus a 10 year wear rating had less gold than a 30 year rating. You may find some less expensive watches but generally can expect to pay at least $400 and UP for a decent example of a classic genuine rr watch. Please note: having a picture of a rr scene or engine on the watch face does NOT make the watch qualify as a rr approved watch. Ditto having a rr scene etched on the back. The watch action and case are the qualifiers. Finding someone GENUINELY qualified to work on these old art pieces is becoming increasingly difficult as are parts. Final note: beware of any watch described as being "overwound" or "needs a mainspring." All too often these descriptions are not accurate for too often the real problem is a broken balance staff. Also beware the "dunk it in an ultrasonic cleaner" boys who claim this properly cleans the watch. It takes more than that by a knowledgable craftsman. As with anything else: "Good work ain't cheap!"
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