by
Professor Emeritus Mortxxx D. S
Knowing of my hobby of collecting pocket watches, my wife, Giovanna,
surprised me by showing me a pocket watch made by the Tavannes company. The
watch once belonged to her late husband, Martin, who was a professor of
labour economics at UCD. Martin received the watch from his father. Both
father and son were held by the Nazis in Bergen-Belsen, one of the most
notorious concentration camps of World War II. Anne Frank and her sister,
and the sister of actress Marlene Dietrich, died there. Martin’s father did
not survive either, but Martin was there, hardly alive at 15 years of age,
weighing 50 pounds and suffering from tuberculosis and other diseases, when
the British army liberated the camp on April 15, 1945. His task as an inmate
and young teenager was to cart bodies to burial pits. Somehow, the watch had
been successfully hidden from the Nazi camp guards.
On liberation day, when a British soldier noticed the watch, he took it
from Martin and gave in return a Mickey Mouse wrist watch. A sergeant nearby
grabbed the watch and gave it back to Martin. When I looked at the watch, I
saw a broken crystal, and I knew that the watch had not been used for at
least 25 years or more. Obviously, the attention of a watchmaker was needed
because the watch would require cleaning, oiling and adjusting along with a
new crystal.
I immediately got in touch with my pocket watch guru, as I called
Darryl Lesser of Darlor Watch up in Montreal, Canada. He has given me
reliable guidance. I have bought three wonderful railroad grade pocket
watches from him so far, and I know that he is a first rate watchmaker too.
When I told Darryl the history of this watch and asked him for a quote on
servicing it, his immediate reply was to instruct me to send the watch at
once, and, further, he could not charge for servicing a watch with this
history. In less than a week, the Tavannes pocket watch was serviced and
returned to me, with a new crystal and obvious watchmaker’s attention to the
case and movement. The watch is now in the hands of Martin’s son.
Sometimes and item such as this watch is less important than the story
behind it. I describe my experience as the joy of watch collecting.
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 WALTHAM
16 SIZE RIVERSIDE 21 JEWELS GOLD FILLED CASE AND SERVICED 1937
STOCK NUMBER # WALT93-------Here is a serviced pocket watch from the Waltham
factories near Boston mass and it is clean for sure. This is a 16 size Waltham
and it is a stem wind and lever set riverside model. This is a gold filled case
and across it is 50mm so indeed it is a 16 size. This case is signed "Empire
State" and the serial number for this gold filled engine turned back case is
2,440,850. The dial is marked 21 jewels above the sweep hand and it is enamel
and quite clean with 5 minute increments in red on the out side of this enamel
Waltham dial. The movement is once again well serviced and it is with 21 extra
fine and inspected jewels. The serial number for this adjustment movement is
29,415,871 and this serial number tells me it is from the year 1937. The crystal
is glass and perfect and the hands are thin railroad Waltham factory hands.
550.00 USD
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ELGIN "G M WHEELER" GOLD
FILLED CASE 3 FINGER BRIDGE MOVEMENT WELL SERVICED 1914
STOCK NUMBER # ELGIN540------Here is a freshly serviced 17 jewel G.M
Wheeler signed Elgin pocket watch and it is the highly sought after 3 finger
bridge. This is an open face gold filled case and it is signed "Wadsworth 20
years" and the case serial number is 2,645,101. The dial is Elgin factory and
enamel double sunk. The hands are thin railroad spade and Elgin factory and for
this model. The glass crystal is perfect not a flaw. The movement is indeed as
the scan shows you a 3 finger movement with 17 clean an inspected ruby jewels.
Notice the jewels are in gold jewel settings. This piece was adjusted to 3
positions at the Elgin factory. I have cleaned this piece so expect a great time
keeper. The serial number for this G.M Wheeler model Elgin pocket watch is
18,229,162 and this serial number indicates it was produced in the year 1914
almost 100 years later and it is in perfect order.
575.00 USD
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WALTHAM GOLD FILLED DEMI HUNTER 16 SIZE AND SERVICED AND SELLING BOX
1912
STOCK NUMBER # WAL901-------99.5 years ago this Waltham 16 size stem wind and
stem set model Waltham pocket watch was produced near Boston Mass and let me
tell you it is as clean as the scans shows you. This is a 16 size by American
standards. Across this case is 55mm and there are no personal engravings on this
gold filled blue enamel Roman numeral case. This gold filled case is signed
"Amrok Watch Case New York" which is not easy to find as most are signed
"Dennison" made in the U.K. The case serial number is 2,739,455. The dial is
enamel and very clean as well as the original thin railroad spade hands. There
are 15 jewels to this 16 size American Waltham pocket watch and they have been
cleaned and inspected for sure. This is an 1899 hunter model. The serial number
for this Waltham movement is 18,361,006 and again this tells me it was produced
in the year 1912. Please notice the center wheel is solid gold and the raised
jewel setting to make this a beauty. On a closing note the selling box is signed
Waltham and in terrific condition.
675.00 USD
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WALTHAM 6 SIZE RARE WALTHAM ENAMEL DIAL HUNTER CASE POCKET WATCH AND
SERVICED 1893
STOCK NUMBER # WA660-------I have for sale a very valuable Waltham
factory enamel dial and the condition is excellent!. This is a gold filled size
Waltham hunter case and it is with a perfect hinge that swings wide open when
the crown is pushed in. The case serial number is 139,711. Across this clean gold filled case is 43mm. The
crystal is flawless not a flaw as well there are no personal engravings on
this case. This is a stem wind and a stem set. This is a hunter case Waltham
pocket watch caliber size 6 with 15 clean and inspected jewels. The movement
serial number is 6,175,097 and this serial number tells me it is from
the year 1893 and yes over 114 years and it runs perfectly and very reliable for
sure. I can assure you this dial enamel and beautiful and should
be worn each and every day as it truly is signed A.W.C.co Waltham. A pouch
and chain are added no extra cost at all. From time to time I find such dials
but they are in shoddy condition and many flaws so when I find a good solid
clean piec ei get excited and so is the case right here! well serviced and oiled
to perfection.
ON HOLD ;-)
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ILLINOIS 17 JEWELS GOLD FILLED
18 SIZE AND WELL SERVICED 1904
STOCK NUMBER # ILLINOIS38------I have for sale a well engraved gold filled
Illinois pocket watch with a beautiful enamel signed dial. this case across is
56mm and notice the engraving around the bezel and back of this screw in case.
there are no personal engravings to be found anywhere on this gold filled case.
This case is signed "B&B" and the case serial number is 3,536,989. The enamel
dial is pretty much perfect and the hands are original to this American made
Illinois pocket watch. the crystal is glass and not a scratch new old stock in
condition. The movement is a stem wind lever set at the 2 O'clock position and
it is an 18 size for sure. there are 17 extra clean and inspected ruby jewels.
The movement serial number is 1,738,735 which indicates this piece was produced
in the year 1904 and runs like day one out of the factory as it has been fully
serviced.
450.00 USD
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ILLINOIS 17 JEWELS GOLD FILLED
18 SIZE AND WELL SERVICED 1916
STOCK NUMBER # ILLINOIS38------Freshly serviced, oiled and timed will this
Illinois 18 size come to you in. This is a gold filled case and signed
N.A.W.C.Co" and the case serial number is 7,021,924. Across this gold filled
case is 54mm. this Illinois enamel dial is more than excellent and the hands are
original tot his 18 size Illinois movement and it is a stem wind and a lever set
at the 2 position. The crystal is glass not a flaw mint. This movement is once
again fully serviced and there are 17 clean and inspected ruby jewels. The
movement serial number is 2,852,374 and this serial number tells me it was
produced in the Illinois watch factor yin the year 1916. A great name and a
great Darlor price!
450.00 USD
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WALTHAM
COIN SILVER HUNTER CASE BROADWAY KEY WIND AND SET WELL SERVICED 1890
STOCK NUMBER # WALTHAM200-------Produced at the Waltham USA plant in the year
1890 and runs like a champ as it has been well serviced, oiled and regulated to
perfection. This is large 18 size piece in a beautiful coin silver hunter case
that is 57mm wide. This case is signed "A.M. Watch CO, Waltham Mass" and the
case serial number is a silly very early 8728 under 10,000!. This is an enamel
dial in excellent condition and the hands are thin Waltham factory spade hands.
The crystal is glass not a flaw at all. Notice on the front cover a cute little
engraving of a sail boat!. This is a "Broadway" key wind and key set model and
as the scans show you it is well serviced and well taken care of all these
years. The serial number for this model 1857 piece is 5,189,935 and again from
the year 1890. 120 years of age and keeps excellent time. There are 7 jewels to
this early model Waltham pocket watch. A chain and pouch with the key are
added no cost to you.
675.00 USD
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WALTHAM
12 SIZE GOLD FILLED HUNTER CASE AND WELL MAINTAINED AND JUST SERVICIED
1910
STOCK NUMBER # WALTHAM615-------I can tell you this is a nice size Waltham
pocket watch that you can slip into your pocket with ease as it is a 12 size or
48mm across and thin in height. The case is gold filled and quite nice in
condition. This case is signed "Illinois Watch Case Elgin U.S.A" and the case
serial number is 1,356,710. The dial is a beauty and it is new old stock never
altered or touched at all. The crystal is glass. This is a stem set and a stem
wind piece. There are 7 jewels to this piece and is has been fully serviced. The
serial number for this nickel damaskeened Waltham hunter case movement is
17,883,145 and this tells me it is from the year 1910 and made in the USA near
Boston Mass. A pouch will be added no charge. On a closing note there are no
personal engravings on this case to be found.
450.00 USD
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ELGIN GOLD FILLED "STOP SIGN"
GOLD FILLED CASE AND JUST SERVICED 1938
STOCK NUMBER # ELGIN822-------What a nice clean gold filled Elgin case this is
and it is a stop sign shape. The line pattern on the back of this snap in case
are nearly perfect and there are two initials on the outside of the back of this
case and a personal engraving on the inside as you can see. This case across is
43mm. This is a 12 size Elgin and the case is signed "Empress" and the case
serial number is 407,443. The movement is a 12 size Elgin and it is a stem wind
and stem set model with 15 clean and inspected jewels. The serial number for
this Elgin 12 size gold filled pocket watch is 37,008,735 and produced in the
USA in the year 1938. This is a fully serviced piece and a pouch is added n/c to
you. The dial is very clean and 100% original as well as the hands. The crystal
is glass and not a flaw at all.
400.00 USD
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BOY
SCOUT JAMBOREE MOVING ARM POCKET WATCH AND JUST SERVICED 1951
STOCK NUMBER SCOUT100-------When condition counts for everything then this
is the piece for you. All original only the crystal has been changed. This is an
original case , movement and papyrus dial. Even the Boy scout hands waves
up and down as it is the second hand for this Smith's pocket watch and made at
the Great Britain Factories in 1951. This chromed nickel case is 53mm across and
the hands are orignal to wind this manual wind Jamboree Boy's Scout pocket
watch you simply turn the crown. Now for something different, to changes the
time you push the crown in not out and turn the crown while keeping it down and
the hands will move. There are no jewels as this is a pin lever movement as all
early character watches were produced this way, Smith's also made instruments
for airplanes, car clocks and novelty item such as this. I can also tell you
they made Automobile clusters for Triumph and M.G.B as well as many other cars
and they STINK indeed, We had to re wire our 1976 TR-6 as Smith's should have
stayed with airplane clocks and such fine pieces like this pocket watch. As I
write down this description it is sitting right next to me ticking up a storm
and the Boy Scout hand indeed is going up and down. Remember pin lever pocket
and wrist watches are not great time keepers rather they are ok but this piece
is extra extra fine in all over condition and ultra cool for sure!
500.00 USD
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WALTHAM
DIRECT READ TWO TONE HANDS AND DIAL AMAZING CONDITION AND SERVICED
STOCK NUMBER # WALTHAM923-------I have for sale a wonderful super clean Waltham
two tone dial and hands as well notice this is a direct read pocket watch and
just fully cleaned, timed and oiled properly so expect perfection indeed. This
is a gold filled 12 size pocket watch and the crystal is glass. Across this gold
filled case is 44mm and slim enough to wear each and every day as it is
not bulky at all. This case is signed "Wadsworth" and the case serial number is
6,348,970. The movement is well damaskeened and with 17 clean and inspected ruby
jewels and if you notice they are all in gold jewel raised settings. The serial
number for this American made Waltham direct read pocket watch sis 27,321,353
and this number tells me it is from the year 1931. As clean as it gets and as
art-deco as possible, just a nice different looking piece and will turn heads
for sure.
650.00 USD
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ILLINOIS " SIGNED SALESMAN CASE"
MONTGOMERY DIAL AND SERVICED
STOCK NUMBER # ILLINOIS770------I have for sale a fully serviced and signed
Illinois pocket watch from the USA. This is a 16 size stem wind and stem set
model and the case across is only 53mm and slim not bulky like most pocket
watches. This is a true signed genuine salesman case Illinois pocket watch and
it is a see through back not slapped together. This is 100% authentic and very
clean in condition as the scan shows you clearly. The crystals are both glass
and no flaws at all. The dial is a double sunk Montgomery dial and repaired and
very clean as well. The hands are railroad spade and fro this model Illinois
pocket watch. The serial number for this 16 size damaskeened movement is
1,687,368 and this serial number tells me it is from the year 1903 and runs
perfect with a strong tick indeed. There are 15 jewels to this model
Illinois pocket watch and they are in gold jewel settings. Even the center wheel
is solid gold. A nice feature to mention is the demi lune (half moon in French)
click for the winding wheel on the barrel bridge.
500.00 USD
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ILLINOIS " SALESMAN CASE"
3 FINGER BRIDGE AND WELL SERVICIED!
STOCK NUMBER # ILLINOIS633------ I have for sale a fully serviced stem wind and
lever set 16 size Illinois pocket watch in a genuine salesman sample nickel
case. This is a 16 sixteen size Illinois pocket watch and made in the USA no
doubt. This case across is 53mm across. This is a beautiful 3 finger bridge with
15 clean and inspected ruby jewels. The serial number for this Illinois hunter
case model is 1,980,492 which dates this perfectly running Illinois pocket watch
to the year 1907 over 100 years ago and runs like day one I kid you not!. I love
the style of the large barrel wheel and the demi lune (half moon in French)
click , just a nice different feature indeed. The crystals are both glass and
not a flaw to be found. This is a simple piece in a genuine salesman case not
altered but a true case indeed.
500.00 USD
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WALTHAM
"HOME WATCH COMPANY" SILVEROID CASE WELL SERVICED KEY WIND
STOCK NUMBER #WALTHAM620-------As you can tell I am partial to Waltham and I
love to work on the key winds from Waltham as they are simple yet complex and
never quit. This is an 18 size key wind and key set from the front and just
freshly serviced. This case is 55mm across and the case serial number is 508,970
and there are no personal engravings on this case at all. The dial is original
and an early enamel Waltham produced piece with original key wind Waltham hands.
This 18 size American Waltham movement is extra clean as the scans show you from
two angles. The serial number for this Home watch Waltham is 757,567 and this
serial number tells me it was produced in the USA near Boston Mass in the year
1874 and runs like day one I kid you not! There are 15 jewels to this 1857 model
(not the year of production). The all over condition to this piece is better
than 85% and keeps not bad at all time. The glass crystal is perfect and with a
turn of the key this Home watch company Waltham takes off like a rocket!
850.00 USD
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ILLINOIS " STERLING CENTRAL"
MODEL SERVICIED 12 SIZE
STOCK NUMBER # ILLINOIS320------ Clean is the word that comes to mind for this
slim elegant Illinois "central" model pocket watch. The case is white gold
filled and extra clean. This case is only 45mm across and the crystal is glass.
Please notice the hollow spade hands at the tip as this is really a neat and
different feature. The serial number for this star Watch case is 7,275,113. The
movement is a beauty as the scan shows you and it is with 17 clean and
inspected ruby jewels. The movement is signed "Sterling" and one of their better
models. The serial number for this 12 size stem wind and stem set model is
4,714,573 which tells me it was produced at the USA factories in the year 1923.
I will end by saying the damaskeened patter with the gold capped screws and gold
flashed micro whip regulator really is a nice design and quite uncommon.
400.00 USD
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ILLINOIS GOLD FILED HUNTER CASE
KEY WIND AND SERVICED
STOCK NUMBER # ILLINOIS1610------ The scans show it all! This is a super clean
hunter case model Illinois American made pocket watch and it is from the year
1881 ...can you believe? The case is gold filled and it is quite clean with an
elk o the cover. The lid pops open perfectly indeed. The case across is58mm. The
serial number for this "Plymouth " signed case is 1,030,192. This movement is
aback wind r a stem wind so it is a transitional movement. This is a lever set
18 size piece and the enamel dial is in excellent condition and original tot his
time piece. There are 15 extra large clean ruby jewels and again this movement
has been properly clean and timed to perfection. the chain is gold filled and
adds much to this already vintage American made Illinois pocket watch.
700.00 USD
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HAMILTON 17 JEWELS AND SERVICED AND SIGNED HAMILTON GOLD FILLED
CASE
STOCK NUMBER # HAMILTON7052-5------Here we have a Hamilton 12 size pocket watch
in a signed Hamilton gold filled case and across this case is 47mm wide. The
dial is clean and a nice patina to it. This Hamilton case is with a serial
number and it is 843,567. This movement has been freshly serviced and it
is a Hamilton model 12 size 910 with 17 cleaned jewels and it is a stem wind and
a stem set model. The serial number for this damaskeened Hamilton is 1,968,235
which tells me this USA made pocket watch was produced in Lancaster PA in the
year 1922. The crystal is glass and the hands are correct for this model indeed.
425.00 USD
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