Here's an 1889 Elgin G.M. Wheeler, 18s, 15j, OF, PS in a nice looking (but completely unmarked, except for a serial number) case. Dial & hands look excellent (are they both appropriate?). The movement looks a bit plain, to me. Does not run (broken balance staff).

What do you think of it? Would you fix it and use it? It has the usual family history, sentimental value, etc.

Three images - first the front:

Elgin 1889 movement:

Elgin 1889 back:

I would fix it,its .
my motto every watch that goes through my hand
will goes out in better shape once Im done with it.

If that is s/n 3339765, it is a 15 jewel RR certifiable Grade44. I would replace the staff, install new pivot and cap jewels on the Balance Cock, clean and service it and keep it as a nice VERY COLLECTIBLE carry-show piece.

The case is likely a second "home" for the movement as the (1888) age would suggest the first case wore out.

Thanks very much. David - your reading of the serial number is close - 3339167 - and I get the same information when I look up *that* number (although I see simply "Railroad grade: no" - I don't think that's inconsistent with your version. Sorry about the rotten photo - I was in a hurry.

This isn't mine - someone who has seen my parade of "a different pocketwatch every week" decided that I knew something and asked for my opinion.

On the case - I guess I'm interested in the fact that I can't find any markings on it at all, other than a serial number. With a watch this old, I just assume that it's a "re-case" unless someone makes a big point of claiming that it's not. But, I wonder about the complete lack of brand/model/anything - other than a case serial number (of course, they all match). In case it's not obvious from the few photos I posted, this is 3-hinge, with a nice gold-looking cuvet. My experience is severely limited, but I've never seen a case like this with no indication whatsoever of who made it. In all the other cases I can dredge up, I think I have assumed in the past that the case was made (supplied...) by the manufacturer of the movement.

I'll ask about the family history - in particular who wore it and for how long. Given the condition of the dial and case, these are either replacements or a sign that it's been sitting in someone's jewelry box for a very long time (perhaps after the first time it was damaged...and never repaired?) To my (unpracticed!) eye - the condition of the case is consistent with the condition of the dial and hands. Meaning...what? That they are either all original, or all replacements?

Bottom line - I'll pass along the opinion (which I share) that this watch is worth repairing and using. And, if they are not interested in that, I'll probably make them what I consider to be a fair offer - and then have it repaired myself.

Ken,

The dial and hands look original to me, or are at a minimum correct. Pre-1900... I would expect to see a screw in the neck of the case to retain the stem.. but, this was in that transition period where either could be correct.

I've had a couple of unmarked cases. About this time, there were some brass cases on the market. These cases are interesting because the ones I have are very ornate and the brass holds up extremely well to wear and tear. They are not gold, but look ten times nicer than a similar 20yr gold case that is all smoothed out and brassed.
If the covet appears to be "gold filled" but the case appears to be brass... it is likely the case is one of the early "gold plated" cases... or a 5yr case. I have a couple of these where the outside of the case appears to be all brass... the gold is completely worn off... but on the inside it looks like a gold filled case.

As to RR or not RR... 1889 was still in the undefined era. RR watches were quite subjective and up to the individual rail road.

The watch appears to be in well above average material and cosmetic condition. Well worth restoring. If there are no blown out press in jewels in the top plate... I would be able to go through this watch for right at $100-$125

Paul - my thoughts exactly. These are the watches that I, personally, get the most satisfaction out of. They don't cost much - which is actually a problem, because that means it usually costs more to service than to purchase, and after servicing you have far more $$ in the watch than you could ever get out by selling it. As a result, they disappear.

This is a watch I would gladly carry (as part of my yearly rotation), at a final cost that's really quite low (compared to, say, a modern wristwatch). In that respect, buying and repairing it is a lot like buying a new watch - you can't get all of your money back by flipping it; you have to get value out of actually using it.

So...we'll see what the family wants to do. They can keep it as is as a treasured paperweight, they can sell it for $XX, or they can repair it for $YY.
The last option makes sense for them only if there is someone who wants to carry it.

once they hear it ticking believe you me they will want to carry,