Hey Stewey

[tamborine]

Been clearing junky cupboard & found a gold coloured Elgin pocket watch. The minute hand is missing & I cant see how it winds up. You like watches - interested ?

[stewey]

Hi, Tambo. If I was living closer I would be interested. Is it open faced (you can see the dial), or is there a cover over the dial? If you cannot wind it as normally with the stem crown, press down on the crown and see if the back pops open. If that happens you might find two holes in there indicating that it is a key-wound and set watch. Let me know what you find and we'll go from there.

[stewey]

Noodlearms posted a good site. In the second set of photos you can see what is called the cuvet with the winding hole in it. You should be able to hinge this open and see the mechanism and copy the serial number and either look it up yourself or post it on here and I''l do it.

[stewey]

Tamborine, any progress figuring out your watch?

[tamborine]

srry of quality blame iphone

http://i62.tinypic.com/2afy1oi.jpg

[stewey]

What you have is a "Hunter" style case, with the crown at the 3 position. There appears to be a gap in the dial just past 12 o'clock: is there a small lever in there? Press down on the crown and see if the back pops open. If not, try unscrewing the back of the case.

[stewey]

Also, try pulling the crown out and see if the hour hand moves when you turn the crown.

[tamborine]

damn busted my nail....is it only fit for bin

http://i62.tinypic.com/2afy1oi.jpg

[stewey]

No, don't throw it out! The second picture you posted is the same as the first. Have you tried what I suggested? One reason you can't wind it is that it could already be fully wound. Concentrate on getting the back off.

[tamborine]

http://i59.tinypic.com/i24qc0.jpg

[stewey]

Great. What you have is a 3/4 plate very nice movement, and it is a pendant wind and set watch. It's probably fully wound. Use a magnifying glass and copy down everything engraved on the back, and I mean everything. Post it on here and I'll do some research for you. Also, any markings on the case would be interesting.

[stewey]

When I say on the back, I mean the back of the movement.

[tamborine]

case 6246558. Guaranteed cyclone 10years ;)
movement 895829 Elgin Nat'l Watch Movement. Safety Finion. USA

http://i62.tinypic.com/2gvpr8h.jpg

[tamborine]

no gold mark or jewels ;(

http://i62.tinypic.com/2gvpr8h.jpg

[in a mo]

I used to have a watch,not now though ,I only had it for the TIME.
Bye
In A Mo

[tamborine]

if at 1st....

http://tinypic.com/r/2gvpr8h/8

[stewey]

Thanks, taborine. I'm sure that there is more on the back than that: # of jewels etc; however, it's enough to get me started. If you have the movement serial number correct (6 digits) I can tell you right now that it was PROBABLY produced in the late 1800's. I have an Elgin with a 7digit number, and it was made in 1911. I'll get back to you later today or early tomorrow.

[tamborine]

agree inamore....not worth the trouble. cell phones r more accurate timekeepers but peeps like Stewey love em ;)