With Regionals coming up in the not so far distance, I may consider purchasing an up and down wind indicator railroad watch. Do I need to get my money ready on this one?

Any suggestions as to what to look for, what not to look for in purchasing an up/down wind indicator watch? I don't want to invest too very much money either. Do I have a chance a getting a nice example for a fair price? I know, I know, fair price is all relative, right?

Stephanie,

Although they tend to run somewhat higher than their smaller counterparts, I personally like the 18's indicators much more than the 16's. Of these, the 92 model Vanguards are IMHO the nicest - Unless you want to spring big money for an 18's Rockford. The 18's Elgin's are a bit less expensive if price becomes an issue.

If you like 16's, I would go with the earlier Elgin's over the more common Vanguards. The Rockford's are popular, but hard to find with good dials and working indicator gears.

In the end, try to hold out for condition as there always seems to be plenty for sale.

Stephanie,

If you are looking to get an up-down wind indicator into your collection at a modest cost and are hoping for a mint or near-mint example too, a Waltham Vanguard 23-J is probably your best bet. They are reasonably plentiful in nice condition at reasonable prices, well reasonable for a wind indicator anyway.

Stephanie -

I agree with Rhett & Ed - good advice all. However, I'm somewhat biased... inasmuch that it was the restoration of my dad's Vanguard 23j with an inoperative wind indicator that sparked my interest in collecting railroad grade PWs.

Just FYI, I've been tracking the Vanguard 23j wind indicators on eBay for the past few months out of curiosity & to get a "feel" for market value. As far as your budget planning, I've found the prices as indicated in Shugart's to be pretty much on target for what I've experienced on eBay as well as marts, shows, & elsewhere on various internet websites.

BTW, a Waltham 21j Crescent Street wind indicator would also be a nice choice for you to consider for about the same $$.

Rhett, Edward P. & Jim McKinney,

Thanks for sharing your opinions and thoughts on the subject. I'll keep in mind your suggestions!

There's a Cr Street Indicator on ebay now.

Charlie

Lindell,
Thanks for the good advice! Will keep everything you stated in mind!
BTW - Your Rockford WI is awesome!
Very, very nice Lindell. Thanks for sharing your wonderful watch with us! I certainly enjoyed viewing it!

Hey, Lindell.....

What are our chances for a shot of the movement of the Rockford Indicator??....please ??

Thanks,

Ahhh, pretty good chance of it Jim!

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to share a personal favorite. Twenty-One-Jewel 655 Rockford Indicators are truly magnificent watches. Most of them led a rough life on the Railroad and therefore a perfect dial is difficult or even nearly impossible to find. There are some lame reproduction dials around so you must be really careful.

The one shown in these pictures came from Webb C. Ball & Company Jewelers and therefore is housed in a "Ball-Model" case. When I bought it a few years ago the price of $2,350.00 seemed outrageous, today it's a joke. Another example of why Rhett's advice above of "Always Buy Condition" is very important to follow.


This 655 Rockford Indicator 858329 is an unusually fine example...

Thanks, Lindell, for sharing a truly unique example of a wind indicator.

And...now, that we've seen it...well, it would have been almost cruel for us to have been denied that opportunity. As you say, A-B-C... Awesome - Beautiful - Classic !!!