Hi All

I just purchased this nice Keystone "Mainliner" style case that has a pattern back. The pattern when screwed down does align with the stem. Would there be a simple fix for this problem or does it require some major work to realign the pattern to the stem.

Regards
Keith

quote:

The pattern when screwed down does align with the stem.

So where's the beef

Now if you meant "does not" then that's different

New factory cases always fit left of dead center so that over time with wear it would line up with the stem. Check your case numbers and make sure the components match first.

If the back is still to the left of dead center, that's good news. A light "flat sanding" of the back lid on a sheet of sandpaper should fix the problem if one desired. HOWEVER, one must be cautious as once it goes past dead center [to the right], you won't be able to go back 90 degrees off should not be a problem to correct, more than that and I would be a bit worried as to whether I could correct it.

Of course if the back lid is to the right of dead center when screwed down tight, you must learn to like it as I know nothing short of a professional rebuild of the threads that will help you.

Keystone made the signed Hamilton cases for the Hamilton 950E's that advertising from that period called/coined the combo "Mainliner". All other unsigned generic Keystone cases in that style are simply called/known as "Railroader" style cases. It's important to only call them "Mainliner" IF they are signed HAMILTON inside the back lid.

regards,
bb

Buster

Thanks for the responce. Yes the pattern is just left of dead center. The serial number is the same on the frame and case back. The case is in like new condition, so all is good.

This is not a Hamilton Mainliner case, thanks for the clarification.

Regards
Keith

ps I will post some pictures when I get back from my weekend get away.

Left of dead center is good, I think the logic was to be left of the stem so that from wear and threads stretching that the back would be dead center and more wear would be past dead center.

From your description, the case does not have much wear to it so I would not do a thing. I guess if you really want to you could get physical with the back and work it hard to center.

Kieth on the topic of "Mainliner" or "Mainliner style", this is a situation where a branded name is used as a common name, in the same practice of asking for a "coke" when you want a soda or a "kleenix" when you want a tissue to blow your nose.

I use "Mainliner Style" all the time since most people do not know the proper branded names of the cases that Star and Keystone produced that were visual clones of the Hamilton Mainliner case.

Also the term Railroader was also used on Fahys cases and they look nothing like the Hamilton Mainliner cases.

Keith, Buster and Claude gave you good advice but I have to say that the term "mainliner" has gone the way of Kleenex. It is now a common term when used to describe a mainliner style case. I would not worry about it as the usage has become so common but you could also say mainliner style.

One place you will notice the difference is in the selling price, the true Hamilton marked case Buster mentioned or the non-Hamilton marked.

Tom as a general rule, a marked case (watch brand) of the same grade (ygf/wgf) and composition (10K,14K) will bring a higher price than an unmarked case of the same grade and composition.

With the the company branded case all things being equal a Hamilton marked case will generally sell more than an Elgin or Waltham marked cases.

To the casual observer or watch collector the Mainliner case and the clones look very much alike which is what caused most people to inter-mix the branded name "Mainliner" with the clones.

So true Tom !!

As collectors, speculators, and horologists, we should strive to call our watches and components what they really are, and to not pick up "slang" terms or to rename items and further muddy the waters for new collectors. There is enough confusion in the hobby without dedicated individuals, such as we are, adding to the mayhem. At the least, we should sound like we know what we are talking about

regards,
bb

All hobbies have their "technocrats" such as those will correct you for calling an engine in a car a motor even though the correct term is engine.

Common usage terms abound in our language and drive "technocrats" or linguistic perfectionists crazy.

I know the difference between a Mainliner case and a Mainliner clone but in the large scheme of life I don't feel the need to correct people if it is a common usage term and I know what they are talking about.

Ok Guys, this here is a forum. A forum is an online discussion. The "users" here do not have to log in to read existing messages.

Without being bombastic or osterized by those amongst us or by people outside of this club who may read this or any forum who may tend to perceive what they read as "gospel",

We all should realize that what is said will be scrutinized and put into context. So I will strive to get it right IF I choose to join in any discussion open to the public. I had rather be part of the solution and I choose to not become part of an ongoing problem. Just because some of us already know the difference, we should help those who don't know the difference OR who are just learning, to get it right, always. I'm still learning here, are you ??

Now,

"Tissue" ?? OR "Kleenex" ??

A nice discussion and in order to do the right thing I will call branded Kleenex Kleenex from now on but any other similar product I will call tissue for personal hygiene.

Yep but since he called "Mainliner" style and not "Mainliner there was already an understanding he was not calling it a "Mainliner" case.

Yes pity those poor people that use common terms like "Mag" style wheels without using the proper branded names such as Keystone, Crager etc. They should be corrected so they know better, it is for their own good.

Deacon, sorry to add stress to your life now that you have to decide if you are tissue branded correct.

Ooopsie on my part to be technically correct he noted the brand.

I just purchased this nice Keystone "Mainliner" style case that has a pattern back

quote:

Would there be a simple fix for this problem or does it require some major work to realign the pattern to the stem. This is not a Hamilton Mainliner case, thanks for the clarification.

Your very welcome Keith, I hope that helps answer your questions

regards,
bb