The number of jewels is sometimes marked on the watch in this way “21J”, however some time pieces can only be determined by a watchmaker’s examination of the watch. Pieces with below 15 jewels is considered to be a lower-grade watch, 15-17 jewels a full-jewelled, mid-grade watch, with 19, 21, 23 or 24 jewel would be categorised as higher-grade. Standard movements can expect to have their highest jewel counts at 23 or 24 jewels. Most antique movements, of course with a few exceptions, have a minimum count of seven jewels. Instead, pry open the case on the back, check the mechanics (movement) for a sequential digit, and look it up in the Elgin Watch Database. Please note this digit isnt the same as your cases serial number, as those are almost irrelevant. As a rule the higher the jewel count, the higher the quality. You can identify your antique Elgin Pocket Watch with the Serial Number etched on the movement. Defining the overall quality of your watch is vital point to understanding its value.
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It’s no secret that antique pocket watches were made using a range of materials depending on their value, much today’s wrist watches. This requires a years of experience, knowledge and an understanding of how watches were made over the years. Swiss watches with no serial number have their age estimated by the style of the movement along with its construction.
#POCKET WATCH SERIAL NUMBER LOOKUP SERIAL NUMBERS#
When determining the age of an antique pocket watch, particularly Swiss or European watches, it is much harder to determine its age because there are no serial numbers like their American counterparts. In order to determine an accurate valuation, you must first establish who made the watch (manufacturer), and gather as much information as possible about the model, ages, grade, size, complications, quality and unique features of your watch.
#POCKET WATCH SERIAL NUMBER LOOKUP HOW TO#
In part 1 we will be looking at how to identify your watch, how to define the age and how to establish the quality.Įssentially, if you don’t know what the watch in your possession is then there’s simply no way of telling how much it is worth. Pull the knob on the small hinge above the 12 on the dial to release the holding pins. Use a star tip screwdriver to unscrew the bolts holding the face to the body. Place your watch on a face flat on a smooth surface, then guide it with your forefinger and thumb. We are giving you an insight into the different ways in which a valuation is considered when looking a movement, from a UK pocket watch to Swiss and other European antique watches they are almost always valuated using these methods. Opening An Elgin Pocket Watch’s Back Case.
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Pocket Watch Guide: What is your antique pocket watch worth?