Blog
Guides and insights from the world of antique pocket watches.
Our Pocket Watch Specifications Explained
A comprehensive guide to understanding the specifications listed in our pocket watch descriptions — from grades and jewels to movement configurations.
Read Article →Rare Ball Hamilton Official Railroad Standard 999B
The legendary Ball Hamilton Grade 999B Model 5 — one of just 27,600 produced — represents the pinnacle of Webb C. Ball's railroad timepiece legacy.
Read Article →Hamilton and Waltham Display Case Railroad Pocket Watches
Discover the rare "salesman display case" pocket watches — specially constructed with a crystal back to reveal the inner workings of the movement.
Read Article →Elgin Veritas Railroad Grade 239 with 21 Jewels
The Elgin Veritas — named for the Latin word for "truth" — was built for the greatest speed, longest runs, and the most trying tasks of burden.
Read Article →Rare Elgin Veritas Railroad Grade 453 with Up/Down Wind Indicator
One of the most fascinating yet misunderstood features of a pocket watch — the Up/Down wind indicator was limited to watches of the highest quality.
Read Article →Turn of the Century Hamilton Railroad Grade 940
The Hamilton Grade 940 cemented the company's legacy as the railroad timepiece company of America, capturing 59% of the market share.
Read Article →Rare Hamilton 950B Railroad Pocket Watch
The Hamilton Grade 950B — with its superior balance design and solid gold train wheels — was the most accurate railroad grade pocket watch of its time.
Read Article →Custom Elgin Scissor Hand Pocket Watch in Solid 18K Gold
An 1886 Elgin housed in an 18k solid gold hunter case with scissor hands — a hand engraved masterpiece that survived the Depression era.
Read Article →Waltham Gentleman's Dress Watch in Solid 14K Gold
A perfectly preserved 1886 Waltham — one of just 200 made that year — housed in an immaculate solid 14k gold case with stunning engine turning.
Read Article →Waltham Dress Pocket Watch in Solid 14K with Exceptional Dress Dial
This 1903 Waltham Model 1883 is the very essence of an upper class gentlemen's pocket watch — you might even call it the Rolex President of its day.
Read Article →Stunning 14K Rose Gold Elgin Commemorating the USS Maine
This 14k gold Elgin offers a direct link to the night of February 18, 1898, when the USS Maine blew up in Havana harbor — a crucial event in American history.
Read Article →Rare Illinois Railroad Bunn Special Type III c.1929
A 60-hour Bunn Special marking a crucial transition — the peak of Illinois' pocket watch production after 59 years as an independent watchmaker.
Read Article →Rare Turn of the Century Hamilton Railroad Grade 946
A first year production run Hamilton 946 — one of just 1,100 produced in 1906 — with a stunning Art Nouveau hand-engraved case.
Read Article →Rare 23 Jewel Ball Hamilton Grade 999N — The Official Railroad Standard
The Ball Watch Company didn't make pocket watches — they rebranded other watchmakers' timepieces with stringent quality control, resulting in America's finest.
Read Article →Hamilton Railroad Grade 992 with Original Box, Paper and Pouch
A perfectly preserved 1927 Hamilton 992 with its Montgomery Safety Dial, complete with original pillow-soft sleeve, matching serial number box and booklet.
Read Article →Hamilton Model 23 Chronograph — WWII Military Issue
The Hamilton Model 23 Military Chronograph helped the Allies win the war — a flyback chronograph relied upon by pilots, navigators and bombardiers.
Read Article →Rare Illinois Railroad Grade 163 in Stunning Two Tone Case
A museum quality 60-hour Bunn Special — 23 jewels, pristine dial with bright red lettering, and a magnificently detailed two tone case.
Read Article →Types of Pocket Watches
From pair cases to salesman displays, explore the seven distinct types of pocket watch cases developed over the past two centuries.
Read Article →How to Set a Lever Set Pocket Watch
Learn how to set a lever set pocket watch in four easy steps. Covers the most common case types along with helpful tips.
Read Article →Ball Trainmaster Secometer Pocket Watch
A detailed review of the Ball Trainmaster Secometer pocket watch. Does this modern take on the classic pocket watch compare to the originals?
Read Article →Addicted to Pocket Watch Collecting — Beware!
Take a delightful journey into the world of pocket watch collecting and see how curiosity can quickly become a passion.
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