Hi all I need some help, just got me a size 18
Elgin form 1888 KW KS OF but got no key for it
to wind.I measure the hex and looks like it is .055
to .060 of an inch what size key do I need
for this monster ?

Thank you all for help.

Realy 27 people view this and no reply?

Peter-

your .06 inches converts over to 1.52 mm. a #4 key would be 1.6 mm and a #5 key would be 1.5mm. Hope this helps.

Jared

You can buy a complete set of 14 pocket watch keys
for $19.99 :

set of keys

Those should work on about any American/foreign key wind watch out there. I'm sure there are other sellers offering the same keys, I just found one and saved the link.

regards,
bb

Go with Buster's suggestion. That's what I did, and you'll have a key for just about any keywind you ever stumble across in your travels.

They're usually made in India and not very 'high end' in manufacture, but if/when you find a watch you really like, order a Swiss made key in the correct size for the watch from a dealer for your watch chain.

Regards! Michaelson

I agree with everything that has been said to a certain extent....I differ on these points....

Shop around on eBay you can beat $19.99, and ask questions of the seller, especially regarding the square end of the keys...find out if the square is flush to the end of the key or if it is recessed slightly. If it is recessed and you buy the keys then you may need to file the end off till it is flush with the square. This is necessary on those watches that are key set from the front....
I have found that the old keys are never recessed and all the new keys are....

Just my point of view....

Regards,

Jerry

Hear Hear, Jerry. Those "Cheap" Keys are fine once they are finished with a good file.

This set is $11.00 and change plus shipping;

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Se...&hash=item53e90c908f

thanks all Dave explain what do I need to file
on those keys just rough edges? or more to it.

I did a "how to" on the pic, I hope you ujhnderstand. There is a round recessed countresink at the key hole end that needs to be removed so the short "nose" coming out of the minute hand from penetrating into the square

got it thanks Dave .

I guess a picture IS worth a thousand words....

Here is a picture of before and after....Both keys are #6 keys....

Key on left is "Before" / Key on right is "After"....

I don't use a file, I use a whet stone....

Thanks Dave....

Regards,

Jerry

I got wet stone and know what to do now .
I just order from the link you gave me Dave
Thanks all.