February 23, 2008, 23:04
Michael VardaWhat do I do to begin collecting?
Hello everyone,
I just joined IHC 185 and i have already spent many hours reading through the thousands of posts and i have begun to absorb many bits of knowledge. I can only hope that someday i have 10% of the knowledge that the regular posters.
I have always loved pocket watches but I haven't had the resources to even begin to think about collecting. However I am older and more established so i want to learn as much as possible so I can make informed purchases.
I am focusing on South Bend watches because both my parents grew up within a couple blocks from the factory although it closed when they were very young.
But what I am really looking for is a methodology for looking at watches. Other than ebay and here are there other auction sites? I have seen some beautiful watches on several sites so there must be other ways to find watches. What should I know about watch cleaning. It would get expensive to try to guess when a watch needs to be cleaned. Should I learn how to do this and if i should what do i need where do i get it and how to i begin to learn.
I could go on and if I am asking to many questions please let me know.
Thanks for you help
Michael
February 24, 2008, 12:20
James H. Millerhi michael welcome to the club.more folks will reply to your post if you use the private conversations area (more folks read that).your right ebay is a tricky place to buy watches on you better know what you are looking at.you may be able to find a watch here at the club this is a good place because i dont think anyone will rip you off.if your going to start working on them i would start by buying the best set of screw drivers you can find.try looking under jewelery supply on your browser.one thing you may want to get on ebay is one or two junk watches listed under parts you can get them cheep.i think they would be better to learn with as you you can mess them up and not cry. i hope this helps some james
March 06, 2008, 22:15
Frank KusumotoMichael - One of the major considerations is money. How much are you planning on spending on your hobby? If you have a certain budget in mind then it narrows down what you're going to be successful at collecting.