First time poster desiring info and opinion on my grandfather's pocket watch. He worked for the Nickelplate RR in southcentral Illinois beginning in the 20s. I know next to nothing about watches other than what I've read on your site. I can upload photos of the watch a little later, but for now the markings on the watch are: Serial # - 4406158, Bunn Special, 21 jewel, Adjusted Temp and Six Positions, Double Roller. The word Illinois on the face is arched. The case is silver in color. On the back of the watch there is an etched locomotive. Inside the back is the word Defiance and the # 6605892. Also scratched or etched inside the back case are a series of numbers. One set appears to be initials and a date. ALS and 5-1-50, and what appears to be an "M8" underneath that. My guess is that the watch was repaired in May of 1950 and that the initials were of whomever repaired it. The "M8" was not as clear and it may be something entirely different. Also in the back was etched 3 #'s underneath one another. They were 1033A, 1578A, and 3886A. (In front of the 1033A was what appeared to be 2 letters, RB; but that was not as clear to me.) Lastly in another quadrant of the back was the # 9861515. (Again the last 2 numbers in this final series of numbers was rather unclear.)

Sorry to ramble so much. Just hoping to have someone provide some details about this watch. I'm fairly sure that it was produced in the later part of 1924. It doesn't say 60 hour. Wondering how often it should be wound. And of course, any info or opinions about the watch that anyone may be able to provide.

Thanks,
Eric

Lindell.

Thank you for your response. No inspection card unfortunately. My Dad has had the watch under a dome for over 25 years. I'm sure they told me about it years ago, but I had forgotten about it. Never had it open before, so I'm very pleased you were able to explain the markings. I didn't measure the dial, but I'm assuming this is a size 16? Do you know what type of metal the case might be?

You mentioned my grandfather probably purchased the watch from a retailer. I didn't know if the watch was purchased from the Nickelplate RR itself, was given by them to their employees or just purchased at a retailer.

Thank you again for your response and the information.

Eric

Eric,

Not to try and push a membership on you or anything but this is a great website. You will learn so much from the experts here who will make you a much more informed buyer. If you buy watches to collect, you could very easily save the cost of your dues in your first purchase (or non purchase in many cases). I have not regretted it all. It has made me a much wiser shopper.

Steve