First off, I would like to say hello to all the wonderful people at 185. I was introduced to this forum from a member here that I met on Ebay. Since then I've been reading here and looking at online auctions in search of my first pocket watch purchase. Being a newbie things seems a little overwhelming with all of the information available. I do like the looks of the railroad pocket watches and was hoping a few of you would offer suggestions as to which ones would be a great first purchase. I know I'm opening myself up to all kinds of suggestions as each one has their own opinion but I was thinking that their must be a few watches that collectors would agree are a must have or would like to have in their collection. Also, if you would state why you choose that particular watch I would greatly appreciate it. My budget would be between 800 and 1500. Thanks -Rick

Welcome, Rick.

Most collectors tend to drift into a specialty - which may change several times. Some collect a single brand, some collect only certain sizes, some only Railroad Grade, and so on. I personally collect Seth Thomas.

Collect what captures your interest, but only after educating yourself on what to look for, patiently watching the prices other watches command, and knowing what to avoid.

Welcome Richard!
First, as you've found already, this is a great place to learn about, and what to look for, when buying a collectible pocket watch.
Second, 800 - 1500 dollars can buy you a very nice collectible pocket watch or a watch worth a lot less than you paid for it.
There are several high grade pocket watches that I would like to own but have not purchased yet, and will not attempt to purchase until I know exactly what to look for.
An incorrect dial may cost you an extra 200 - 300 dollars if you have to replace it to make the watch "correct". The same goes for the case. You need to be able to look at the markings on the balance cock and tell if its correct for that model etc., otherwise you end up with a parts watch.
You can start collecting lower price RR watches, as I have, learn a lot, and have just as much fun.
However, if you really want a top RR grade pocket watch then BUY IT ON THIS SITE. You won't have to be worried about what is or isn't correct as anyone selling here will be up front about any issues, or non issues, of the watch.

Regards

Mike

Hi Rick and welcome, I agree with Eric, do your homework, decide what interests you and buy what you like.
Gary

Hi Rick -- Homework doesn't just mean reading about the watches or clocks you are interested in. As Michael suggested, you'll need to find out what kind of case and dial they started with at the factory long ago.

Homework also means following the sales of timepieces you are interested in at some venue(s) to see how auction prices compare to the prices in The Complete Price Guide to Watches, because you'll find discrepancies. You'll wonder why something sold low or sold very high or did not sell at all. And before you commit dollars, I suggest trying to answer that 'why.' This will take some time depending on how much and how often you check into it, but 'patience is a virtue' isn't just a old-timey saying here. The fun is blunted if you realize you paid way too much for what you have in hand.
I have to add that a lot of the fun here at ihc185 is just communicating with other members over time - pun intended. You'll find a lot of very nice chaps here to share stuff with etc.
Welcome!

kh

Richard, you need not spend over $100.00 on your "first watch" to start a collection. In fact as some of the above replies imply, you may (later) find that $800.00-$1500.00 was better spent on a range of good working watches that reaches across the spectrum of what were made in the History of Watch Making (in America).

Each of us in IHC (may) have our own "why"(??) we choose certain watches with certain provable levels of authenticity, I for one look at all of them in a way similar to a used car.

I can accept as "original" watches with a number matching movement that may have replacement Cases, Crystals, Dials, Hands, Mainsprings, Jewels and even balance wheels just as an "original Car" could have replaced Tires, Batteries, Spark Plugs, Windshields, Engines and Transmissions for those cars that lasted long enough to wear out (or break) the original parts.

With that, a nice looking 16s and 18s Pocket watch would be a good start and you need only look right here at our club auctions and "used" etc., for sale to find them. eBay can come later as you learn more about what you are looking at.

Welcome Richard,
I would like to second David's suggestion of finding your first watch right here on IHC185.
All of our members are honest and reliable. I have not heard of any problems anyone has ever had selling or buying on IHC185!
As far as to what to purchase for your first watch, I would suggest one that has had been cleaned and adjusted the proper way and is running as it should be. You do not want to have problems after you run it for a while, especially on your first watch.

Making a suggestion is difficult since there are some watches made that are better finished than the typical railroad watch. In this group would be the Elgin Hubbard, the Waltham Riverside Maximus, and the Hamilton Masterpiece (922). These are not railroad watches but in my opinion are of better quality overall and certainly extremely nice to have and look at. There are a few that collect these style of watches and could be of great help. I collect mostly 16-18 size watches that are typically railroad grade but there is such diversity in sizes and such that I would say to keep an open mind and do some image searches on the internet to see what catches your fancy.

Thanks to all that replied. I've been looking at images and one of the watches that stands out to me is the Hamilton 950B. I like the Montgomery railroad special dial. How difficult will it be to find this watch in a 14K BOC case with a gold train?

Richard.
I have to agree with all the above information. Each is correct in their own way. The Hamilton is reputed to be one of the best units as is the Montgomery. For $800.to $1500.00 I would almost demand Museum quality and authenticy. Remember 1 thing always. If you buy from a member you will have no problem getting your money back if you don't like it, whereas with other sites you stand a good chance of losing it. Myself, if it's over $500.00 I want to see it first. Pay attention to David Abbe. It is a good idea to buy a few $100.00 units and play with them and then later you can decide what you want. Don't jump the gun.
Patrick

I use this every day Debbie,
It's one of my main sources of information. Thanks to all the knowledgeable members who provide that information.

Thanks for all the great advise. I had read in a few different places that you should buy the best that you could afford. Maybe they were looking at it from an investment standpoint and not a collectors viewpoint. I wasn't overly excited about spending 1500 on a pocket watch (that being a stretch for me) but I did want to get something nice for my first watch. Anyway, I did get my first watch and it came in a much different manner that I expected. When I saw my brother over Christmas I told him I was looking to get into collecting pocket watches. Today he came over and gave me our great grandfathers pocket watch. I will start another thread on that and post pictures. It's not working and I hoping someone can help me get it running again. I really like this site. So many people with a wealth of knowledge willing to share in a very friendly manner. I wish everyone great things for the up and coming new year. -Rick

That's a cool thing, Richard. Something to treasure. I've got my own grandfather's 7J Elgin from around 1905 or so, which he bought shortly after coming out to San Francisco from back east. It's not a high-grade timepiece, of course, but inside it is his note celebrating the fact that he had attained citizenship of these United States. That pocket watch was my first, and I am very happy to have it now.

kh

Hi Richard, I'm up way to early, please put me out of my misery! lol Well Richard you could not be in a better place for good honest advice from a group of seasoned collectors. I wish there was a site like this when I started collecting, it would have saved me on a few bad choices. In fact I would bet if we started a string for "collecting mistakes" I would bet it would be the longest running topic we ever had along with being pretty amusing...hmmmm Since you mentioned a 950B being on your hit list I figured I would let you know they never came with a Montgomery dial and IF you are looking for one in a solid 14k BOC case, the case itself alone already well exceeded your $1500.00 limit (no watch included). As for buying anything on ebay, beware of the seller with only (1) feedback and the seller claiming the watch is all original or mint. A seller with a more down to earth or realistic description combined with you being an educated buyer will go a long way in assuring you will enjoy the purchase you just made. There is also a second half to collecting watches which is much like having car and that is who will you trust to work on them when the time comes. In most cases any antique watch you buy will need a cleaning and shouldn't be used until you know it has been cleaned to avoid any damage. Personally if I was not so afraid of mailing my watch out for repair I would send them all to Chris Abell, but I reserve that for any watch my local repair man can't fix.........unfortunately I do not trust the mail with a 100 yr old watch I can not readily replace. Good luck with collecting... HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!