Hello everybody;

I was hoping you could tell me if Im in the right place in the 2010 Complete Guide to Watches.

I've just acquired another Columbus but this time it's a Railway King, serial no. 204008 and here's a picture of the actual movement. Sorry about the poor quality dark photo but it was all the gent had that I bought it from. He tells me that the movement is actually very bright and looks nothing like this photo. I hope he's right.



Anyway, I'm on page 171 of the 2010 "Guide" and looking at the 8th one down which is a.....

Railway King 17J raised GJS (whatever that is), nickel, Adj. D.S. dial HC

What I'd like to know is, have I selected the correct one on the page or even the right page for that matter?

Looking forward to hearing from you, and thanks for any help you can provide.

Oh yes, and one last thing. How does one determine the jewel count in a watch if it isn't indicated on the movement?

Bud
.

While I am no expert. I think the minimum number of jewels in most watches is 7

2 on the balance shaft
2 cap jewels over them
2 on the pallet fork
1 roller jewel

But your watch has an additional 5 jewels showing.
The problem is that some of these old watches dont have jewels on the other ends of those shafts. So you at least have a 13 jewel watch, could be as high as 18.

Watch appears to be on pg 171 and 2nd watch from the top;

Railway King
16J,GJS,2tone nickel
Adj. H/C mvmt.

Your watch has no raised GJS surrounding the pivots/jewels as yours are flush set with the top of the plate. As to jewel count looking thru the book, all the Railway King's with raised GJS are 17 jewel and above watches. The only one without raised GJS are the O/F & H/C configured with 16 jewels.

To determine closer value one needs to know which dial is on your watch. These watches called for a DSD, or a choo`choo DSD, or a angled choo choo dial, to be a correct dial and the value has a lot to do with which dial you have and it's condition.

The case appears to be a recase and not the original case that came with the watch.

Hope you find this somewhat helpful.

regards,
bb

Hi Buster;

After looking again I'd agree with your assessment. However, I'm left wondering about the "raised GJS" If this is the case, and my watch doesn't have raised GJS's, does this mean the watch is a poor one?

From what I can gather from the book, this watch does indeed appear to be a 16 Jewel movement. With a value on the whole watch of $350. to $725. for MINT Condition.

Do I have this correct Buster?

quote:

Watch appears to be on pg 171 and 2nd watch from the top;

Railway King
16J,GJS,2tone nickel
Adj. H/C mvmt.

Your watch has no raised GJS surrounding the pivots/jewels as yours are flush set with the top of the plate. As to jewel count looking thru the book, all the Railway King's with raised GJS are 17 jewel and above watches. The only one without raised GJS are the O/F & H/C configured with 16 jewels.

Raised jewel settings, yours are flush with the plates but if you look at this 17j BWR the jewel settings are not flush with the plates.

Thanks Claude I appreciate you going to the trouble to sort this "raised" GJS for me.

If they're flush, like mine, is that a bad thing, or a poor movement? Why the difference?

Bud

quote:

Raised jewel settings

Very nice! Love the dial.

A kindred spirit! Bud, it's nice to know others appreciate Comlumbi.

Having RGJS or GJS amounts overall to looks and to denote a more desirable grade as it does in the 16J vs. 17+ Jewel Columbus versions. Here is a link to help you understand the difference and the pros and cons of each;

https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/f...366037184#2366037184

Since you reposted a picture of the dial, it is a correct DSD and it appears to be in near perfect condition to boot. Overall a very desirable and nice watch.
regards,
bb

Thanks Chris;

Bud

quote:

Very nice! Love the dial.

Hello Eric;

Yes indeed. Even though it's only been a short time, I've come to enjoy the Columbus. For a company in business only 29 years they made some beautiful watches, and some extremely nice looking dials

Bud

quote:

A kindred spirit! Bud, it's nice to know others appreciate Comlumbi.

Bud I have some nice 21 and 23 jewel watches that have gold jewel settings that are not raised and some 17j like the 370 that are raised. The grade 370 in it's day was pretty high rent compared to most 17j watches. Here is the dial on my private label 15J Columbus, not quite as nice are the ones posted but still not a bad watch.

Thanks very much for the information about the dial. It's nice to know it's correct Buster. Thanks also for that link, and I'm off to read it now.

Bud

quote:

Since you reposted a picture of the dial, it is a correct DSD and it appears to be in near perfect condition to boot. Overall a very desirable and nice watch.
regards,
bb

Hi Claude;

Oh, I wouldn't say it's not as nice. It looks just grand to me. Ever since I bought my first pocket watch from David here on IHC185 I've come to appreciate almost any make with a double sunk dial. I think it adds a real big extra touch of class to any dial.

That really is a nice watch you have there Claude.

Bud

quote:

Here is the dial on my private label 15J Columbus, not quite as nice are the ones posted but still not a bad watch.

Very nice watches and the link supplied by Buster was very informative. Regards Roger

Hi Bud, I think you've gotten another nice watch, I've been after a Columbus Railway King for a while now, but just can't quite close the deal. Anyway here's a link to serial numbers posted here, hope you find some helpful information.


https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/f...26044861/m/485109343

Hi Roger and Gary,

Thanks a bunch for the nice comments. Gary, and thanks, you're right, the link from Buster was especially interesting. Also, your link Gary to all the numbers.

Bud

Buster is a knowledgeable and nice guy and always helpful. I had a Railway King with the flush gold jewel settings and it was 16 jewels. Your dial is a gem.

Don't know about the knowledgeable part Deacon as I am just a neophyte and still learning !! Thank you for your kind words.

regards,
bb