Many pocket watches state that they are “adjusted” to temperature and to a number of positions. This basically means that they have been specially calibrated to maintain the same accuracy under a variety of conditions. A watch that has been adjusted to temperature...
A watch movement mostly consists of a number of gears [called “wheels”] held in place by an upper and a lower plate. Each wheel has a central shaft [called an “arbor”] running through it, the ends of which fit into holes in the plates. If you have a metal shaft in a...
When a collector refers to an American watch’s “size,” he or she is generally referring to the diameter of the watch movement only, not the case. The same size watch movement will usually fit in a variety of different size cases, so the size of the case is usually not...
Most people think that you set a pocket watch the same way you set a wristwatch -- by pulling out the winding stem. Well, that is true with many pocket watches, but by no means all of them! In fact, there are four main ways pocket watches can be set, and if you don't...
Most of the information crucial to identifying a particular pocket watch is inscribed on the watch movement. Different watches allow you to see the movement in different ways, however, and if you don't realize how your watch opens up you can damage it. Pry off – on...
The model of a watch is the overall design of the watch’s movement. In general, the model defines the size and shape of the plates and/or bridges. The model especially defines the layout of the (gear) train and the design of the vast majority of the parts. Waltham...
The question I am most often asked is some variation of “Who made my watch?” This question usually occurs because the watch has no visible maker's name or brand, and the answer is not quite as straightforward as you might think. There are various reasons why an old...
Silver hallmarks in the UK date back to the medieval period and the practice of applying them as a guarantee of the purity of the precious metal represents Britain’s oldest form of consumer protection. It was Edward I (1272-1307) who first passed a statute requiring...
In today’s world, checking the time usually means getting a smartphone out of your pocket however, an upsurge of interest in vintage fashion has led many people back to the pocket watch. A firm favourite at weddings or special events, it’s common to see men wearing...
A wedding is one of the most common events that has men reaching for a pocket watch. Pocket watches bring an instant touch of class to a formal ensemble, making them a great way to take your wedding look to the next level. Whether you’re the groom, a groomsman or...
It might be reasonable to assume that the “watch collector” is a relatively recent breed of timepiece consumer. These are the types of people who make it a point to own a variety of watches, often focusing on the emotional versus the mere practical utility of each....
A pocket watch told society so much about a gentleman, with regard to his social standing and his place in society. Pocket watches were passed down as a family heirloom and something a man could treasure, whether it were made of gold or platinum. Special pockets were...