I went to the flea market a couple of weeks ago and a fellow had a paper bag with pocket watches in it. He wanted $100 for the whole bagful,and I bought them. Well there were 11 watches in the bag,and some are real special,but this little 16s Elgin kinda caught my eye. I got it out wound it up and it started ticking. I set it with my atomic clock,and the next morning it was still on time,so I decided to carry it for a while. Here I am 8 days later and this watch has gained only 3 seconds in 8 days. 85 years old and still as good as new. Amazing

I like the case,has minor wear.

The seven jewel movement is nothing special,but looks like new,super clean inside,and I think it is probably the best time keeper that I have. Someone took very good care of this old watch,and so will I.

now that is pretty neat! are the other watches any good?

I went into an Antique store today in Burnt Prairie, Indiana and had the clerk pull out a 0s, HC Elgin from the case. The 10k, Illinois case was bumpy (but worked correctly), and the dial and hands looked good, but the ratchet wheel wasn't turning. Asking $65 minus 20%. The watch is still in Burnt Prairie if any are interested. This is my usual experience in Antique stores. My ship hasn't come in yet, I guess. Maybe I need to get out more.

Hey Joe,There are a lot of good watches in the pile. Here are the only two that I have cleaned up and repaired. 17 jewel Waltham 18s,with a train on the case and a real nice Canadian dial,needed a staff and some elbow grease,and this little beauty of a 16s Swiss hunting cased 15 jewel,says Alida on the dial. This watch was a mess,but it started ticking when I wound it,so I decided to see what was under all that black and green on the case. It turned out to be a real gold filled beauty. Don't have any idea as to it's value,but it sure is purdy. Others that I haven't gotten to yet are 3 18s Elgins,2 16s NYS,2 17 jewel 16s Walthams,and 1 smaller Elgin maybe an Os. All have decent cases,and the best part is theyt just need minor repairs (staffs,and mainsprings mostly)and lots of cleaning.

Case backs

Movements

I've got that same copper train case on one of my Seths, Cecil. Nice picks

Wow, great bargain Cecil. That 18s Waltham with the train on the case is worth more than what you paid for the whole bag.

Don't give up on antique stores! I have found an 19L. A. Lange for $300, an Illinois Guardsman wristwatch for $25, and an 18S. Waltham Vanguard w/chain for $75. Doesn't happen every day, but antiques dealers are rarely watch experts and don't really know how to research. They recognize famous names, but that's usually about it.

Great deal Cecil,
Every time I see watches in an antique store around here they're usually not in that good of condition and cost twice as much as I'm willing to pay. After reading this the antique store searches will continue despite no luck yet.
RR