Hello gentlemen, and ladies;

I have just purchased an 18s Open Faced Pocket watch from eBay that has no crystal but is (as the seller says) "runs great". Here's the info from the eBay listing:

Elgin movement - serial number - 1386710 B.W. Raymond c. 1883

As you know I'm very new to the Pocket Watch world and was hoping someone here might be able to help me. The main reason I bought this was because of the dial being double sunk and so clean, and the movement if it works, is 17 Jewels.

Would any of you members have a crystal that would fit this watch, and would it be possible for me to do the work without any knowledge on how to do this job?

If I can't do it, would my local clock doctor be able to do this job?

The other option for this watch (if it really does "run great" is to have it put in a hunter case where it belongs. If anyone has a nice case for this watch I may be interested in that also.

Here'a a couple of photos, and thank you for any help you may be able to offer.

Bud

Bud, i very well may have a crystal if you email the exact size. If you get stuck William White manufactures them as well.

Has anyone heard from William lately? I wrote to him over a week ago to see if it was okay to place an order, but he hasn't gotten back to me.

Hi Bud, that looks like a pretty nice 15 jewel B.W. Raymond, which would be railroad grade.That would definately be a nice collectors item.Nice dial, looks original other than the case.Take care, Ted.

Bud, you will just be throwing your money away by putting a crystal on this case....you really need a Hunter case to begin with and as Ted says you will have a very nice watch....

Yours was the 1670th watch made in the 19th run of 5000 pieces in 1882 and it is a 15 jewel adjusted movement....

The price guide has it at 100 200 300 so find yourself as nice a Hunter case as you can and the value will go up....but I would not spend any money on a crystal for this case....

If this was an open face in a 14k box case you would certainly have a valuable collector's item....

Have some patience and you will find a case for it....

Good Luck

Regards,

Jerry

Bud,

That's a nice watch and if it is to live in that case until a better one is found, I would suggest protecting it with a new glass crystal. The cost is meager ,the quality and finish are great and your watch will look fantastic as a sidewinder for now.

William

Thank you Mike, Bruce, Theodore and Jerry. I would agree that I may be throwing a little money away but as William says, it is important to protect the watch for the time being, so I think I'll add the crystal if I can find one.

Now Mike Hodge says he may have a crystal but if not, would you have one William? Also, is this something that I could do? Could you give me instructions on how to install a crystal? How do I measure for the crystal size?

In the meantime I'll look for a nice hunter case for it.

Thanks for all the help guys, I really appreciate it.

Bud

Bud, I agree with William to the extent of protecting your movement....if you are not going to be putting the watch in a Hunter very soon, then you should protect the movement with a crystal and if you do get the crystal from William, and I do recommend William, then you should send him the bezel and let him make a crystal to fit....he will do a superb job for you and at a very reasonable cost....it will be well worth it....

In the meantime you can look for a Hunter and then change it when you find one....

Good Luck,

Regards

Jerry

Jerry, could you please tell me what to look for in a hunter case for this watch? Should it be silver, gold, or doesn't matter? Do I just look for an 18s hunter case or is there more to it than that?

I think when the watch arrives I will indeed send the bezel to William for a crystal. If that will be ok with you William. That way the watch has protection while I hunt for a proper case.

Bud

Bud, I too was bidding on that PW but backed off, so glad you got a great low bid and hope it does run when it arrives. At the same time there was a nickel BW Raymond movement that I went for. As the others have said, try and find a hunter case.

I agree with Jerry; William White makes a superb crystal and properly fits it to the bezel for a very reasonable price!

Hi Roland, well in that case I'm kind of sorry that I stole it from you. Had I known, I wouldn't have bid.

I agree too Charles, regardless of later efforts, I think I'll have William do a crystal for me.

Bud

Hello Bud,

If you want to send me a bezel for a new glass crystal, just email me using the link below and I'll give you a some particulars. In the meantime, you can refer to this page for instructions on how to measure your bezel for a new crystal. HERE

William

I don't mind putting a new crystal on a nice extra case. Some day, you'll either use the case or sell it. Either way, a new crystal will enhance its value.

Hey Bud, Just so you know, you cannot find a better crystal than Willima's.

I just received my first order from William today and was VERY suprised when I looked at them. I really have to say that I have never seen a crystal like these. If one thinks that all crystals are alike, "guess again" there NOT!

Thanks Wiliam!!!

Regards,
Larry

I've bought close to 20 crystals from William over the past year and have never been disappointed! Earlier today I ordered 6 more. William produces a really high grade product

Bud, I have sent you an email with some things to look at as far as a case for your BW Raymond....

Good Luck,

Regards,

Jerry