The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi, all.

I was visiting with my parents during the weekend and I had myself a little scavenger hunt. I've found a couple of watches they forgot they had that way. This time I found an old Elgin pocket watch. My dad got it from his uncle way back when.

I checked the serial number online and found it to be from 1923, and it's in fairly good condition as well.

But the really fun part of the story is this: It wasn't running and would not run when we tried to wind it. So I figured I would open it up just to see if I could spot what was wrong. I didn't see any problems, so I removed one of the plates (or whatever they're called), took a couple of the gears out to get a better look. I still could not see anything that seemed out of place, so I put them back in again. The result: A running pocket watch!
I have noe idea what was wrong, but I still thought it was kind of cool

Here are som pics of the same model. These are not the acutal watch, but the same make:

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"Either this man is dead or my watch has stopped!"
- Groucho Marx

Cool story, and good work getting it running again!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

You're a natural Richard Mille.

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-RJ

If you would like it cleaned and oiled I would do it for you. No charge, I am always looking for watches to work on.

Best, Mark

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Rolex 42mm Explorer
IWC Ingenieur

A few others too.

Actually, I was thinking of trying to take it apart and do that myself. But first I'm going to get a hold of some books and tools for this and practice on an old broken Seiko I have.

If you have anysuggestions on schooling myself a little, they would be very welcome!

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"Either this man is dead or my watch has stopped!"
- Groucho Marx

You can pick up the Chicago School's correspondence course on CD from eBay for only $20 or so and that might be a good starting point.

Tools will quickly get more expensive because there are so many specialist ones, but start with that and it will recommend some basic tools.

It will be a fun project. Just be gentle and patient. Good luck!!

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Rolex 42mm Explorer
IWC Ingenieur

A few others too.

What a great find! Would really be fun to have a working pocket watch like that. Can't wait to see the pics when you get it cleaned up a bit! Although, I have to say it's got a great patina to it, and it looks wonderful just the way it is.
Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"