Internet Horology Club 185
Moon Hands

This topic can be found at:
https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1086047761/m/148108333

September 01, 2010, 20:54
Bill Manders
Moon Hands
Could anyone tell me what Elgin watches came from the factory with moon style hands.
Would they have been acceptable for RR grade watches, or would have they come with them ?????
Thanks,
Bill
September 01, 2010, 22:02
Tom Brown
I can't tell you if they came from the factory but the 1908 Elgin parts book I have lists Moon hands for the following;
#2065 for the 18s 1st model
#1320 for the 18s 2 to 9 model
#21 for the 16s 1 & 2 model
#396 for the 16s 3, 5 to 7 & 9 model
#2146 for the 16s 3, 5 to 7 & 9 model

The it continues to list the moon hands for the 14s on down to size 0

Tom
September 01, 2010, 22:05
Bill Manders
Thanks Tom,
I am looking at a watch with the moon hands and didn,t know if they might have come with it.
Bill
September 01, 2010, 22:26
Edward L. Parsons, Jr.
Plain spade/spade or spade/whip hands are what you always see on railroad watches if you peruse the factory catalogs.

Moon hands are a more ornamental, fancy design, which you will see on gentlemen's dress watches and such in the catalogs. You won't find them shown on railroad watches.

Of course an owner could have the hands changed to suit his fancy, but most collectors seek to have their watches as close as possible to the way they were when they left the factory.

One notable exception was a period of wartime shortage (1942-1944) at Hamilton, when they ran out of the normal spade/whip/dart hands and shipped 992B's with "fancy" diamond-crossbar hands, and perhaps moon hands as well.


Best Regards,

Ed
September 02, 2010, 17:08
Jerry King
As near as I can figure, Bill, the only Elgin watch that may have had 'moon' hands from the factory and be railroad approved was the mdl. 1 & 2 BWR.... and that is prior to 1930....

My guess, and I agree with Ed, that none of the Elgin Railroad watches after 1930 would have had the 'Moon' hands coming from the factory....

I could be wrong, but this is my best shot....

I also agree with the info that Tom posted above...

Regards,

Jerry
September 02, 2010, 21:28
Bill Manders
Thanks Ed, and Jerry.
The watch I was looking at was a FT 1908, I believe, but ended up goinf for a little more than I was willing to pay, so its all moot.
But good to know for future reference. Thanks for all the info, and you also Tom, I have ear marked the data you posted.
Thanks again all.
Bill
September 02, 2010, 22:12
Claude Griffith
I know that moon hands were standard on the 155/161, seems I have seen them on the 156/162 21 jewel versions. My Father Time 266 has them, so as mentioned there were some 16 and 18 size movement that came original with them. Maybe others will toss in an Elgins that look to be original with moon hands.
September 03, 2010, 19:05
Jerry King
Actually Claude, there were a lot of the Convertible's that did come with moon hands....
I have grade 50, 49, 85 & 86 that have moon hands....

I also have a BWR Gr. 77 that has also....

Regards,

Jerry
September 03, 2010, 21:39
Claude Griffith
I guess that is the nice thing about posting pictures people can look over and see examples. I know some don't like taking and posting pictures of their watches but it never bothers me if it helps others. I'll have to do a group "moonie" pictures of my Elgins.