Pocketwatches

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 2nd January 09, 10:04 AM

Oh, that's very clever... I really like watches with black faces.

**puddlemuddle** · 2nd January 09, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

I think my Great Grandfather's watch (1887) was last serviced about 30 years ago, and probably the same for my Grandfather's watch (1910), which requires a new mainspring. Undoubtedly I could have bought several new watches for what this will cost, but like Ted said, "they are old friends now."

Guys,
Coming from someone who went to school to become a watch repairman, and who's father is a watch repairman and jeweler of some 30 years..Any antigues watch should have a complete overhaul at least every two to three years. That is taken apart, and have it thoroughly cleaned. What happens is the oil that is used has a tendency to dry up after a couple of years, then it flakes off and gets into the gear train.
Cheers,
Chad

**Carolina Kiltman** · 2nd January 09, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by puddlemuddle

Guys,
Coming from someone who went to school to become a watch repairman, and who's father is a watch repairman and jeweler of some 30 years..Any antigues watch should have a complete overhaul at least every two to three years. That is taken apart, and have it thoroughly cleaned. What happens is the oil that is used has a tendency to dry up after a couple of years, then it flakes off and gets into the gear train.
Cheers,
Chad

Thanks, as soon as I get my new deaf-aids paid for, that is next on the list.

**Bugbear** · 2nd January 09, 08:50 PM

It doesn't seem to take too much dirt etc to stop the watch from working properly. I have mine cleaned every year-and-a-half to two years, but like I said before, it has no chrystal so I can feel the hands.
I've had a couple of watch repairmen tell me that it has a very good Swiss action and is a well built watch , though.

When I bought it, I was told to always push the release button down to close the lid, so the lid doesn't snap over the latch. That's a habbit now, but don't know if it really makes a difference.

I can't stand those talking watches because everyone knows you are checking the time.

**Carolina Kiltman** · 3rd January 09, 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by Ted Crocker

When I bought it, I was told to always push the release button down to close the lid, so the lid doesn't snap over the latch. That's a habbit now, but don't know if it really makes a difference.

Quite possibly one of those over-kill things, but it would keep the wear down. Sorta like carefully removing all the mud from one's boots before entering one's automobile as a means of saving petrol - up to one gallon in 285,000 miles of driving. On the other hand it cannot do any damage.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 3rd January 09, 07:54 PM

Originally Posted by Ted Crocker

I was told to always push the release button down to close the lid, so the lid doesn't snap over the latch. That's a habbit now, but don't know if it really makes a difference.

Good advice. The catch on a hunter (a pocket watch with a cover over the dial) is usually made from mild steel. Usually the cover is either gold, silver, or brass, all of which are softer than the steel catch. After a time the softer metal will become "worn down" from snapping the case closed, and the catch will no longer hold the cover over the dial.

It will take FAR LESS than 285,000 "snaps" to wear out the case.