I like private label watches. I have a fun time trying to dig up their history. I usually don't pay a lot for them, as I usually see them in "less than perfect" condition. I used to be a paleontologist, and fossils are rarely found in perfect condition, so even a damaged watch looks good to me. My question here is to the folks who also play with these critters. What condition will you accept in a watch which you would like to own. Would you take a more beat up watch from your home town?

I don't have any from my rural Pennsylvania boyhood area, but do have from some nearby (15-20 mi) towns. I will show a Seth Thomas watch, which I like, from Tennessee. It isn't the greatest watch, but the balance is good, it's in the original (probably) worn silveroid case and has the matching (broken) dial. I think it's a really neat watch as a piece of local history. Would you pass up a watch in this shape, knowing the perfect condition watch probably doesn't exist?

The dial

NO, I would definitely NOT pass up such a watch! Preserving these relics of the Past is a compelling part of collecting, (and Preserving)watches in General. Specifically, Private Label Watches are, for the most part, extremely Rare and Scarce compared to the Factory Models of the same watch. Certainly, Private Labels are very, very Collectible. To Pass on one such as you have provided pictures of would be defeating your own purpose. My two cents!

Nice to see someone with a very "Unique" and purposeful collection! This one looks like a Great Candidate for Restoration! Should be reasonably easy if it has a good balance already.

No.
All my watches are Private Labels. There are a few that I'm really excited to find. Would I ever pass one by ? NO !
But of course, condition plays a big roll in what I'm willing to spend.
If you watch the " American Pickers " T.V. show. Frank & Mike always say " The time to buy something unusual
is when you see it "

An early double-signed P/L Hamilton like this certainly is worth restoring (including soaking the dial) and collecting. Hamilton did many of these as samples and special order work to build their dealer client base which gives this a special place in their history!

quote:

An early double-signed P/L Hamilton like this certainly is worth restoring (including soaking the dial) and collecting. Hamilton did many of these as samples and special order work to build their dealer client base which gives this a special place in their history!

Looks more like a 18sz Seth Thomas to these old eyes

I believe it's a Seth Thomas.

I like to pick up PL's from Ohio

I try to pick them up as best condition that I can find but will give some leeway at times.

Hamilton 941 from Lorain Ohio

Here's a somewhat similar Illinois from Ohio.

Dial

Another one from Elyria Ohio

No I would not pass up the opportunity. For me this is preserving a small piece of our history and the engineering marvels that these vintage watches are. When I have had the opportunity to purchase watches or dials that fit my Elgin's I have focused on the names of Michigan or Illinois towns where I’ve spent a great part of my adult life. Like Kevin, I love researching the names and the history behind the private labels. It adds a different dimension to the hobby and for me keeps me on the hunt for that uncommon dial or watch.

I look for private label watches, especially from my area of Western Pa., Pittsburgh area.

Claude, I grew up in the Alliance,OH area and worked in several shops there as a welder. If you would ever decide to sell your P/L label Alliance watch let me know.
Regards
Bruce

Here's a Hamilton 935 PL. The sad thing about it is that the dial is not PL. I have another 940 where the dial is marked but the movement isn't.

With me, Private Labels Watches depend mostly on the condition of the Dial. I can always fix or have the movement fixed. It may take forever to get parts but that is half the fun of having the unit. The Dial is the important part and if it can be fixed, GREAT. I don't even mind soaking it once every 6 months or so.