ELGIN NATL Watches Ltd USA – 15 Jewels

[WilliamBradley]

Hi

I am a new to the hobby and my initial interest was clocks rather than pocket watches, however a pocket watch has come into my possession.  The face has a missing second hand, so someone has been trying to work at this before.  I reckon the watch dates from the 1930s, but I don’t really know.  I have viewed the video about pocket watches, but I still feel nervous and don’t want to make things worse.

The mechanism seems to run for just a couple of minutes, if that, and then stops, so perhaps it just needs a clean and suitable lubrication and of course the replacement of a missing seconds hand.  The hands turn freely without any resistance.  Any advice on how to take this to the next state would be appreciated.  Maybe someone has worked on Elgin watches before.

Regards

 

William

 

[RandyBeamer]

Welcome William !

I have worked on quite a few of these. They are pretty “straight forward” as pocket watches go.

The fact that it runs for a few minutes is a very good sign. I believe that if you have the right sized tools, etc., you should simply get out a parts tray and start to disassemble the movement. If you are nervous about this,.I understand !

After you take out the screws holding the movement in the case, be sure to pull the crown out fully, so that there is enough “wiggle room” ( yes, that’s an official watch repair term LOL ), to remove the movement.

Take photos as you tear it down, so that you have some reference for reassembly.

If you need any other info-advice, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

 

Randy

[WilliamBradley]

Thanks Randy

I am plucking up the courage to disemsemble the movement.  I take it that all I need is screwdrivers of the right size, a magnifier loup and tweezers.  Also I am keen to replace the missing seconds hand, I have seen these available on eBay, but how do I figure out what size to get?

 

Your help is much appreciated.

William

 

[RandyBeamer]

Hey William…sorry, I was off line for a few days.

Your Elgin is a 16 size PW…so try to pick up an assortment of Elgin PW hands off of Ebay ?

You should find one that fits directly,..or that will fit by opening the shaft a bit with a broach.

Randy

[WilliamBradley]

Thanks Randy

[WilliamBradley]

Still plucking up the courage to dive in!  I have another pocket watch that does not run and it certainly looks like it needs a clean.  It’s a Waltham grade Am.W.Co.  My question is which watch is best to b gin with and a newbie – the Elgin discussed earlier in this thread or the Waltham, see photo of the Waltham below.

Thanks William

[RandyBeamer]

The Elgin.

It’s easier to get all of the wheels lined up on a 3/4 movement.

The full plate versions like you have on the Waltham take more “finesse”,..as you have to be real careful when putting the top plate back on. You will be carefully moving the wheels into place using really fine tweezers and some light pressure in order to not break a pivot. And you will need a technique for holding the pallet fork in place ( upside down ) as well.

I can help guide you through this if/ when you decide to tackle the Waltham.

 

Randy

[WilliamBradley]

Thanks Randy, I am glad I asked the question.  One more question, would it be a good idea to start on a large mantel clock, with its larger parts, before tackling a pocket watch, or does it not matter.

William

[RandyBeamer]

You’re welcome William !

Well, starting with a clock would let you see how the gear train, etc., fit within movement plates.

There will be some similarity to a pocket watch,..so if tackling a small clock is more comfortable for you, I would start there.

A real “key” to any of this is to work slowly, with some way to organize the parts in a fashion that assists you in reassembly. There are videos in Bob’s courses, as well as on Youtube, that can assist you in understanding assembly of pocket watches.

Randy

[WilliamBradley]

Thanks Randy, I’ll start with a clock, I did see one which I have bought, it wasn’t expensive and it just has one mainspring winding.  I’ll keep you posted.

William

[WilliamBradley]

Hi Randy, the clock has arrived, I have started a new thread in this forum, with photos.

regards

William

[RandyBeamer]

Thanks William…good luck !

Clocks are not my specialty,..but there are many on here that can assist you !

 

Best regards,

Randy

[WilliamBradley]

OK Randy, thanks, William

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