Hi all
How do you get the grade of a watch, is the grade in the serial number or do you have a book that tells you the grade etc.
Thanks guys
Francesco

Francesco,
You can find it using the serial number. There are books (I'm just getting some myself) and databases.

Here's one database for Waltham, Elgin, Illinois, Rockford, and Hamilton.

Pocket Watch Database

First, you have considerable research data here on our club site. I suggest yuou study that first. Most important to me has been the Gelson List and other data that correctly identifies Hamilton watches.

The database Evan Patton should help a lot too.

Over some years, I found internet links (Elgin, Waltham), a data disk (Illinois) and books by Roy Ehrhardt (Most all US watch makers). Also the Price Guide has some information for a few of the smaller watchmakers.

It should be pretty easy for you to get the Price guide, and if you e-mail me at; david@glopar.com I can send you the data links for Waltham and Elgin and a contact to get a data disc for Illinois.

Francesco, David gave good advice. I will add that the Hampden book is excellent for showing movements and grades and if you cannot find references you can post a picture and a club member can likely identify the grade.

Francesco,
On our site you will find a link to the Elgin and Waltham grade #'s under "Technical Library, Serial numbers and site links". This will give you a lot if information about Elgin & Waltham. Swigart Movement Parts is also good. I might be able to send it to you.
P.S. Hope you are enjoying your new membership. You can get a lot of help here.