Description: EXCELLENT condition. it. Really a nice thin pocket watch from the 1920's with a three piece wgf case and applied light pink or rose Arabic numerals on the dial. Pink Breguet style hands also are nice looking in contrast with the white case. The gorgeous Swiss made Gruen Caliber 758 movement is high grade even though it has 15 jewels. Anything past 13 jewels is somewhat redundant. The center wheel (gold in this watch) in subsidiary seconds watches moves slowly with little friction compared to the energetic balance, escape wheel etc and is not jeweled in this version leaving cap jewels for the balance staff. If we didn't know this was Gruen we might mistake it for an IWC, the quality is that good. Gruen was an extremely successful American company with Swiss factories and the best Swiss and German watchmakers in his American factories. The Veri-Thin models were held in high regard and sold for a pile of money in those days, well over $1000 in today's money. This somewhat hard to find Semi-Thin is just an older movement which was not as thin as the Veri. Gruen also came out with the Ultra Veri-Thin and an expensive (up to 30k in today's money) Dietrich Gruen line the Ultra-Thin. There were very few high grade Swiss watches in America in the first half of the 20th century as the import duty was pretty stiff for the good stuff which helped a strong American watch industry dominate the market. So, these watches had a special foothold where few others existed and for that reason, among others, very collectable and affordable. Wayne has fully serviced, oiled and timed the attractive Caliber 758 which was first made in 1923 and ended around 1931. This movement along with all of Gruen's Veri and Ultra-Thin movements easily met American railroad standards which are similar to Swiss chronometer grade time keepers. It is running about 10 seconds fast in all positions per 24 hours and should settle in a little as watchmakers always regulate movements a little bit fast after service. It comes with a one year service warranty. Measures about 45 mm wide or approximately a 10 size American. {$275} Item #5968 TAKE OFF 10%

Description: VERYGOOD condition.  Originally this watch looked like this, click here. Used in World War II by flyers and other American forces this model originally had a center second and 24hr black dial. After the war, many watches kept or resold needed to be converted to normal 12 hr time and this is the result. A original period double sunk 12 porcelain dial ($150 at least to replace) was attached and some modifications were made to the movement. This watch is housed in an inexpensive three part, screw back screw bezel base metal case with a train on the back but pretty tired. Nothing wrong with it except chrome starting to come off and fade. Sweet dial with two short hairline cracks below the subsidiary seconds bit. No chips or cracks. Also, extra nice condition super high grade American made 22 jewel movement. Measures 16 size American. {$345} Item #5965 TAKE OFF 10%

Description: VERYGOOD/EXCELLENT condition. A pair of identical Burlington 21 jewel pocket watches. Sweet movements in both of these (the same model in each) with fancy bridge style plates where you can see the wheel train, escapement, balance assembly and the whole works for the most part. Notice the raised jewel settings which are screwed down and a double roller. Both have identical gold filled cases with fancy engine turning and decorations. Both have original silvered metal dials with painted black Arabic numerals. Both have original Breguet style blued steel hands. Both are pendant/stem set and both have been serviced by Mr. Brown, our pocket watch man. Bottom watch (sold) is less money for the aged dial and buffed/slightly smooth finish. It also has a some light brassing, not seen except if you know where to look like the bottom of the bow which is slightly bent. The movements of each are pretty sharp and would be about 3k if seen in a brand name modern wrist watch as they are unique and in-house, American made and of course, extinct. These were worn by men in a vest pocket with a T-bar style pocket watch chain and also might have had a fancy fob of some sort attached at the other end of the chain. Measures 44 mm in diameter x 11 mm thick. {$245SOLD/$365} Item #5918 or 5919 TAKE OFF 10%

Description: GOOD condition. Extremely rare watch with a locomotive on the movement. Original dial is rare with Arabic 13-24 on the inside and Roman numerals in the usual spot. It has numerous hairline cracks although many are not seen easily at arms length, it does lower the value. There are also two or three chips along the edge, hidden by the bezel. We've put it in a hard to find Hamilton salesman's case with two beveled glass crystals. Snap on bezel and back. Lever set and I believe those are the original hands also. Runs great as Harlan our pocket watch man has fully serviced, oiled and timed it. Marked Patent Pinion and Chalmers Patent (fancy regulator). When you can find an example of this for sale it will be in the $800 to $1200 price range. Ours is below market for the condition and service and nice display case. Yes, the original case would be better and more valuable/original but for me, a display case is best over any ol' open face you might use. You get to see and show off your movement without exposing it to air and dust. Pretty tight and sharp watch overall. Measures 52 mm wide 10 mm thick. {$775} Item #5922 TAKE OFF 10%

Title: Gorgeous Long Vintage Pocket Watch Chain  

Description: EXCELLENT condition.  Real pretty chain from the turn of the century or a bit later, I think with a pretty pinkish yellow gold filled fancy design. Shows some brassing on the clasp that holds the watch and some light wear on the chain itself but that is not easily noticed. Long pocket watch chains with a nice design like this are pretty hard to find. Measures 8 mm wide x 30 inches long. {$129} Item #5891 SOLD

Description: EXCELLENT condition. First lets talk about what this is and then I'll go into detail concerning condition. Made in 1912 according to the serial number this fine hunter cased pocket watch which would have been one of the most expensive American made watches available at that time and was probably in the $300 price range. The old E. Howard watch company (in name only), click here to see one of our price guide examples of it, was sold in 1902 to the Keystone Watch Case Company and so we see signed original cases on E. Howard Keystone watches which is more usual for high grade Swiss watches like Jules Jurgensen, here is one of those to view. This is a fully marked and hallmarked, well made 18k yellow gold hunter with a fancy signed dust cover (see close-up photos, click on the thumbnails to the left) and perfectly fitting lids and bezel. Original to the dial and movement. The 23j American made Series 0, Model 1907 E. Howard movement has all the bells and whistles including large red sapphire jewels, large mainspring jewel in a raised gold setting held in place with chatons, balance staff cap and hole jewel held in gold with chatons, a large bi-metallic split gold screw balance, a fancy swan's neck regulator, a double roller, a polished escape wheel bridge, marked "special adjusted five positions, temperature" and I see a gold pallet fork bridge down there too. I am probably missing a few features but this is what I can see with my loupe. The original double sunk porcelain dial is perfect as are the blued steel hands. The case is almost mint but has minor light scuffs and nicks here and there. 95% or maybe a little better. It is not decorated or cartouched with initials so we are lucky there and the well made design is indicative of more expensive brands.  The movement may have been serviced once or twice but I can't find any watchmaker's marks nor are there many burr marks on screw heads so I am calling it nearmint, It runs good but we can service for you for an additional $75 if you like. This rare 16 size American made pocket watch has a pile of 18k gold in it and is nearly one of a kind as I've never seen this model in 18k and you won't find it listed in the Shugart price guide either. They only show the 14k hunter model which is valued at 2k (extra fine) to 2.5k (mint). And as you may be aware, that price guide is notoriously low on values for the better, most collectable watches. Both wrist and pockets. Finally, this is an 18k version, not the more common 14k. The only 18k E. Howard in the book is a 23j "RR Chronometer" with blue screws and a free sprung balance spring. It is valued at 10k to 13.5k and sold for $350 in 1912. I think this heirloom quality example of American high quality engineering and workmanship is a bargain at this price. Measures 50 mm in diameter and about 13mm thick. {$2275} Item #5841 SOLD

Title: Hard to Find 23j Waltham Vanguard Up/Down w/Canadian Dial

Description: VERYGOOD/NEARMINT condition. Sold in Canada for a Canadian RR conductor or engineer. We know because of the special "Canadian" dial with 13-24 on the inner level. This is a triple sunk porcelain dial in perfect condition and all by itself might claim $350 or more from a collector. But, it goes with this original Canadian made gold filled rail road case in excellent shape (some light nicks and a flat almost imperceptible large ding), original thin glass crystal and superb original 23j Lossier Inner Terminal Hairspring, diamond end stone Waltham Vanguard with solid gold raised jewel settings and a gold center wheel. See photo by clicking on the image to the left. Keeps superb time! Grades high on condition and scarcity. This is a 16 size RR grade timepiece. Measures 52 mm wide. {$1395} Item #5842 SOLD

Description: VERYGOOD condition. I've been wearing this watch since I got it at a NAWCC show about 18 months ago. We had one in its correct hunter case, seen here....some time ago and I was really enjoying the cool high relief 3/4 plate Seth Thomas movement but without a display or glass back case a wearer has to constantly open the watch to show the movement which exposes it to moisture and dust so these salesman's sample cases as they were otherwise known as, are awesome for cool and unique pretty movements like this. Made in the second year of Seth Thomas's life, Circa 1887. Gorgeous nickel "Molineux" movement is scarce and gets two and three stars rarity in the Shugart price guide. This is a 17 jewel version and I am sure the 21 jewel models have more value but a really cool watch to see how watches work as you can look down into the wheel/power train. You will also see a large, part gold gilt and part nickel overized mainspring barrel, blued screws including the chatons, a large two-spoke, split, bi-metallic, gold screw balance, a safety pinion, fancy demaskeening/decorations and a swan's neck regulator. It has been fully serviced, oiled and timed by our watchmaker and has a one year service warranty. This is a lever set watch so you have to take the bezel off to set the time. This guarded against accidental setting to the wrong time which could and did result in train accidents. The display case is unmarked and has two matching glass crystals. The service value/cost and case with expensive glass crystal value/cost is almost $200 just by itself and if you look at the other rare examples we've sold you might think this example is under priced. Perfect single sunk porcelain dial is signed and original too. Measures 52 mm in diameter x 17 mm thick. {$675} Item #5809 HOLD

Description: GOOD condition. Made in 1900 with a great looking nickel plated 15j lever set movement, awesome single sunk porcelain dial with Arabic numerals and my favorite, a nice thick glass crystal. These crystals are not made any more and very expensive when you want one installed on a watch. $35-$55 wholesale. Correctly cased in a hunters case originally, it was not uncommon for owners to opt for a less expensive open face case when the original one wore out. Keeps great time. Measures 53 mm wide. {$175} Item #5456 SOLD

Description: VERYGOOD condition. Rare early serial number (116 thousand) with a gorgeous porcelain dial and fully serviced, oiled and timed 11-13 jewel fancy gilt movement, large split bi-metallic screw balance, blue screws and a fancy regulator. Made in 1876, one hundred years after America's independence. Fantastic condition with one faint hairline crack just to the left of the Arabic VII or 7 o'clock position. From service marks in the back of the Fahey's No. 1 Ore Silver screw back, screw bezel 18s case I can tell you that it was serviced about 5 times in its 133 year old history. I see dates from 1923, 1935, 1981, 1995 and of course 2009 by our watchmaker Harlan who fully serviced, oiled and timed it last month. The case is nice but well worn with a very smooth bezel and some dark spots on the edge near the crystal. We didn't want to buff this area for fear of smoothing out the seat of the glass crystal. "Ore silver" does not corrode or rust so this is not a major concern. One other wear factor is the stem which holds the large bow. The bow holes are reamed out from over a century of use although the bow is holding itself in there well and won't come out. This is a key wind watch which was converted into a stem wind sometime in the past so it now winds by the stem and the key post. Sets with the stem/crown as long as the lever is pulled out. Measures 56 mm wide (not including the crown) x 21 mm thick. {$475} Item #5803 TAKE OFF 10%

Description: GOOD condition. I used to carry this watch for the reliable movement and legible dial. It does have pocket wear so I didn't worry about adding to it and the 10k gold filled Keystone case is fairly high grade with the well made crown, stem and bow. Learn about gold filled cases <HERE> The gold has worn down to a bit of brass on the back as you can see in our close-up photos. Screw back, screw bezel with a nice glass crystal. It is not original for this movement and that is why the 3 points at the crown. This movement was meant for a hunter case. It is a nice 17j Waltham with a fancy star regulator and jewel settings held in place with screws. It keeps good time and is set by the crown (not lever set). The porcelain dial has a couple of hairline cracks but they are not noticeable unless you look very close or have a loupe. Great beginner or just every day time piece which dates to 1912 according to the serial number. Measures 50 mm wide. {$155} Item #5769 SOLD

Description: GOOD condition. Sweet watch with a really pretty Waltham Model 1883 highly damaskeened and decorated movement which features solid gold jewel settings held in place with blue screws, a gold screw balance, safety pinion and a fancy regulator. The double sunk porcelain dial is really sharp also with attractive Roman numerals and pretty morning glory hands. It has one short hairline crack just right of the 12. The gold filled case is nice with light pocket wear (not through to brass) on the edges and fancy decorations, including a garden scene with a tiny farm in the center. Big thick glass crystal too which adds value. Runs fine my only complaint, a replacement bow showing some wear. Dates to 1886! Measures 55 mm wide 20 mm thick. {$375} Item #5700 SOLD

Description: EXCELLENT condition. Really can't over state the condition and intrinsic value a watch like this holds, in my opinion. The Keystone Howards rate up there with Hamilton's 992B for quality and beauty. Also, production numbers were lower than Hamilton so they are more scarce. This model is unique with its special cut-out bridge plated movement and RR Chronometer designation. Signed original white gold filled RR case is very nice with no wear through to brass or even close. Three piece screw on back and bezel with knurled edges for easy gripping. As a lever set time piece it is nice to be able to remove the bezel for setting and getting at the lever. Stunning mint original porcelain dial. Purchased from the original owner who passed away and left it to his wife. Original leather thong is made to attach to a belt loop or overall button. Measures 52 mm wide 15 mm thick. {$875} Item #5692 SOLD

Description: GOOD condition. A wonderful and affordable vintage timepiece from almost 100 years ago. Near perfect single sunk porcelain dial is really a miniature work of art. Large black Arabic numerals on white glass with on small hairline crack between the 7 and 8. No chips along the edge which is nice. This is a lever set watch which means the screw on bezel must be removed to set the time. This safety measure insured that the watch was not accidentally set to the wrong time. Some light brassing on the gold filled case. The 17j movement is gorgeous and in great shape with screwed in jewel settings, a fancy regulator and Geneva stripes. Good balance with the large screw balance. Acrylic crystal. Measures 54 mm in diameter x 18 mm thick. {$185} Item #5454 SOLD

Description: GOOD/VERYGOOD condition. With a 25k serial number this is the oldest Seth Thomas I've owned or seen. Made the second year of the company or 1886 this old watch has at least 15 jewels (I've counted them) including a cap stone on the balance staff. It is also marked "adjusted" under the balance and safety pinion. The overall appearance is really nice with this extra large screw back, screw bezel case and thick glass crystal. Also, the single sunk porcelain dial is magnificent with Roman numerals and no hairline cracks. This is a lever set 18s pocket watch. Measures 59 mm wide x 22 mm thick. {$469} Item #5557

Description: VERYGOOD condition. Sweet turn of the century (made in 1904) solid yellow gold pocket watch. I've photographed the inside of the case where you can see a presentation, inscription and also that it is not marked 14k. It is probably 10k. Case manufacturers rarely marked 10k cases. How do I know it is gold you might ask? Gold filled cases say warranted for 20 years or guaranteed 20 years. This means that the thick layer of gold is guaranteed not to wear through to the brass middle layer for that period of time. Pocket watches were carried on a daily basis and we see the first signs of what I call pocket wear on the bottoms of the cases. If gold filled this will be darker in color as brass oxidizes more than the gold layer. This can be polished so one doesn't notice until oxidation occurs and you see this occasionally from unscrupulous dealers. If you look at the nice design on the photo of the back you'll see light smoothness at the bottom but no brass. This is the best indicator that the case is solid material, not filled which is three layers (gold,brass,gold). BTW, the "design" is actually fancy initials which are hard to decipher but looks like the letters AVM. Beautiful bridge plated movement has 17 jewels, safety pinion and is adjusted. It has also been fully serviced, oiled and timed by our watchmaker. A new glass crystal has also been added (hard to find and expensive!). The original porcelain dial is nice but does have some faint hairlines between the 1 and 2. I can't see these at all with my naked eye. This is a 16s American made pocket watch. Measures 49 mm wide x 14 mm thick. {$390} Item #5555 SOLD

Description: GOOD/VERYGOOD condition. This beautiful old pocket watch was made in the first year of Elgin's production, 1867. It is a BW Raymond model no. 1 and has been fully serviced, oiled and timed by our watchmaker. The serial number is 19 thousand and there could be a debate about whether or not it is a 67 or 68 year. The case is coin silver and original to the watch. This is a key wind and key set with the original key or correct style, not a modern key. The single sunk original porcelain dial has a chip, not seen between the 1 and 2 and two small hairline cracks right there also. To the naked eye this is a mint porcelain dial. The morning glory hands are original. The beveled glass crystal is scratched a bit but original. This has been in my personal collection for over 10 years. Comes with a one year service warranty and is a fantastic investment simply for the rarity of the early date. Also marked Jan. 1st, 1869 which is kind of cool. You really don't see that often on pocket watches. Measures 58 mm wide. {$875} Item #5530 SOLD

Description: GOOD condition. This watch has been in my collection for years and pretty rare from my experience. The swing out silver case is nice without dings or dents or tons of pocket wear. It is the original in my opinion and the dial also goes with the watch. We have had the crystal replaced with a new thin beveled glass crystal and the beautiful 15j? Hampden movement has been fully serviced, oiled and timed by our watchmaker. The double sunk Arabic numeral porcelain dial does have hairlines, mostly small and a little chip at the lever where you set it. It is in average shape although at arms length looks really nice. The fleur de lis hands look original also. Click on the image to the left for close ups of the gorgeous fancy rail road grade American made movement which keeps superb time. Measures 58 mm wide x 20 mm thick. {$499} Item #5505 TAKE OFF 10%

Description: GOOD condition. Haven't seen many of these in 20 years of collecting and dealing pocket watches. When I did, the prices were very high. This circa 1923/24 16 size rail road grade watch has a fantastic almost perfect double sunk porcelain dial with large bold Arabic numerals. It does have some real tiny hairline cracks just under the three and a real tiny chip over the 60 on the sub second dial which I didn't even notice until I took these close-up photos. I can't quite see them without magnification. The Illinois Watch Case Co. screw back, screw bezel case is in decent shape but does show wear with a little bit of brass showing and faint dings in the back. The acrylic crystal is in good condition. The high grade American made movement has a double roller, 21 jewels, gold flashed screws, large bi-metallic screw balance, raised jewel settings held in place with gold flashed screws and is adjusted to position and temperature. It has good poise and motion, keeping good time. Measures 49 mm in diameter. {$359} Item #5445 SOLD

Description: VERYGOOD condition. 16 size, RR grade pocket watch with a beautiful 19j American made movement. Couple of spots of old corrosion, especially on the click. GJS (gold jewel settings), adjusted to five positions and a gold wheel train. Runs fine. From a local collector. Original porcelain dial has large Arabic numerals in black and no hairline cracks, scratches or chips of any kind. Three piece green gold filled case is marked 10k Dueber gold filled an is in average condition. This is a lever set watch. Measures 50 mm. {$299} Item #5449 SOLD

Description: VERYGOOD condition. This is a gorgeous time piece circa 1907 with a solid gold center wheel, gold raised jewel settings held in place with screws, gold star regulator and attractive demaskeening. It runs great, keeping good time and comes in a Keystone American made RR style Nickeloid screw back, screw bezel white case which has scuffs and scrapes (we can lightly buff if you like). Acrylic crystal, double sunk porcelain dial has two cracks, one above the 7 and one by the 4. This is a stem set as most were lever set and the case is a lever set case. Measures 52 mm wide {$285} Item #5450 SOLD

Description: GOOD condition. Extremely affordable and I would be willing to bet that you won't find another anywhere on the planet for this price. Extremely clean movement with no corrosion, rust or washout. 23 jewel pocket watches are pretty hard to find and always expensive. This is the most common model available and that is one reason it is not double in price. Another is that the case is just OK. It is marked Waltham Premier, Keystone and is gold filled with dings and pocket wear. It is probably the original as there is only one set of case screw marks. The Melamine dial also shows signs of age with some crazing and fading of the text. This is a lever set watch which means that you must unscrew the bezel and pull the lever out to set, using the crown. This is a 16 size RR grade pocket watch in great shape, running well and keeping good time, circa 1952.  It is about 51mm in diameter. {$295} Item #5453 SOLD

Description: GOOD condition. Big and heavy with lots of gold and quite a few jewels too. It weighs, not including the chain, 19 grams or 6/10ths of an ounce. The chain is vintage but only gold filled, not solid gold. The fob is solid 14k gold with enamel and diamonds and sapphires and I think my jeweler said garnets also. There are 8 fairly large white diamonds (not top quality but decent) on the crown and sword and there are 5 black diamonds which are smaller on the crown. There is quite a bit of wear  and some damage in the enamel and various places which must include a note that one of the crown's points is missing completely. The double eagle opposite the crown side is hinged and flips up. In better condition or at a fancy shop I bet this would be in the thousand dollar range. We expect our price to be quite fair. Measures 26 mm wide x 33 mm long x 12 mm thick. {$475} Item #5291

Description: NEARMINT condition. Very cool and unusual watch fob in plain metal or gold filled possibly. It is in great shape with a small enameled blue clock and neat elks head. The tooth is undamaged and good size too. Two small rings on the top to attach to your pocket watch chain. I never find these anymore for some reason. 100 years old or older. Measures 20 mm wide x 44 mm long x 10 mm thick. {$199} Item #5288 SOLD

Description: GOOD/VERYGOOD condition. Perfect porcelain dial with no damage or hairline cracks. Large nickel case is in good condition. Swiss movements of this type usually have 11-15 jewels. They are not marked. Also, this has an original hand carved holder/stand. Very cool and one of a kind for sure. Keeps good time although the beat is a bit sluggish with the oversized screw balance. Also has its heavy thick beveled glass crystal on the front and the original thin dust cover/cuvette protecting the movement on the back. Probably from the 1920's or earlier. Measures 68 mm wide (not including the crown) x 23 mm thick. {$370} Item #5144 TAKE OFF 20%