1888 Elgin Pocket Watch

[jackadven]

For my college graduation, my grandfather gave me the family heirloom watch that belonged to my first ancestor to bear my name. (I am the fourth consecutively, and he was the uncle after whom the first was named.) He made is fortune in the oil industry, and the watch is a beautiful gold 1888 Elgin timepiece that still works just about perfectly and keeps time really accurately. I wear it with a gold watch fob my grandfather got me for my high school graduation. The case I bought on Etsy to display it and keep it safe. It's absolutely beautiful, I love it, and I thought I'd share it here. I've thought about having a watch smith look it over and give it any maintenance, but I don't know of any in my area, and I've been told not to leave it with anyone because things happen.

 

[CatsCan]

I've thought about having a watch smith look it over and give it any maintenance, but I don't know of any in my area, and I've been told not to leave it with anyone because things happen.

If you just wear it unwound you should be safe without maintenance. If you plan to wind it and use it like it was intended, a proper maintenance (service, cleaning...) is highly recommended. You should find a trusted watchmaker who can do this even in your area. These movements are not so rare and most professional watchmakers have plenty of experience to do this job. Yes, things happen. But things happen mostly on watches that are used without frequent service.

 

[Corvette]

Beautiful movement. Love the exposed view. I agree that a servicing is essential if you plan to regularly wind and use. You don’t want an errant metal or dirt particle to get ground up in the gears. Or even just metal on metal without fresh lubricant.

 

[jackadven]

Thanks for the advice. I do wind and use it about once a week, so I will look for a reputable watchmaker in my area to give it service.

 

[Chevalier]

I think it is great that you are caring for this treasured family heirloom. Display it proudly!

If you find a local antique store that sells pocket watches, they may be able to tell you who they use for service.

I also highly recommend a Harris Tweed waistcoat (vest) for using the watch. The button holes secure the flat bar on the watch chain when you wear it, and you can carry the watch in one of the pockets.

 

[ColeH_10]

For my college graduation, my grandfather gave me the family heirloom watch that belonged to my first ancestor to bear my name. (I am the fourth consecutively, and he was the uncle after whom the first was named.) He made is fortune in the oil industry, and the watch is a beautiful gold 1888 Elgin timepiece that still works just about perfectly and keeps time really accurately. I wear it with a gold watch fob my grandfather got me for my high school graduation. The case I bought on Etsy to display it and keep it safe. It's absolutely beautiful, I love it, and I thought I'd share it here. I've thought about having a watch smith look it over and give it any maintenance, but I don't know of any in my area, and I've been told not to leave it with anyone because things happen.

Beautiful watch! Very nice heavy chain- these old timepieces are to be cherished. I wear mine only on special occasions.