I have been procrastinating about replacing a mainspring on a nice 15j Elgin hunter and finally decided to order a spring. What a shock! I guess I have been out of touch with reality for a while. The last springs I bought were on the order of $8.00. I guess the value of low end watches just took a big hit if they need a spring.Parts watches are starting to look good to me. What do you think the future holds for keeping some of these old timers running?

Totally... I have been out of things for about 8 years and its a little bit of a shock seeing the same price jumps in parts.

I'm kind of surprised that price hasn't come down by now. China isn't buying up the scrap metal like they used to (the original reason given for the huge and immediate jump in price), and I've been watching the purchase prices on our local scrap yard sign drop every day, and that's for ANY metal.

The demand isn't there anymore, so why is this particular item still holding such a high price? They're only springs.

Regards! Mark

Keith,

Let me know what size you need. If I have that size, you can have it for the cost of the shipping.

John III

John,

Send me your Email address. Mine is: ckeithjohnson@eriecoast.com.

I plan on seeing my watch guy later this month and trading him an 18sz Elgin spring 20 x 1-1/2 x 21-1/2 that I haven't used for the 16sz Elgin 17-1/2 x 4-1/2 x 21-1/2. If he doesn't have it I would make you the same trade plus postage, if you could use it.

I don't plan on buying any more watches that need help. I am going into the selling mode if the market picks up.

Thanks for your generous offer. I will get back to you later.
Keith

I believe several months ago the spring manufacturer decided it was not worth their while to manufacture the old American watch springs, which resulted in the price jump.

Since then, I had heard that they will make some of the more popular ones again, but I don't know which yet.

There is a selection of Elgin Mainsprings in our IHC185 Auctions:

https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/f...426021842/m/90010333

Looks like that group of 8 includes 3 for 12size and 3 for 6size and 2 for wristwatches.

Don