Posted 11 years ago
Wingfan79
(1 item)
I recently found this pocket watch in yes my grandfathers dresser drawer. I am well aware it is not in any kind of reasonable shape, but I was wondering if it is worth getting fixed or not? I do have sentimental attachment to it and would be a nice feeling to have it running again??? Serial number on back is 1909775. It is a 17 jewel model but the real puzzle I have is on the back case the # reads 640170 with 07 under it stamped. It is also marked numerous times with numbers scratched into the back case very very finely. The back outer has what appears to be a elk or stag but I'm afraid it is barely discern able wear mark. The face, yes has no arms left as well as no company name; instead it has the name Geo Gabel under that it reads FLEMING, SASK.
This information I got off the web regarding you grandfathers watch.
Grade: 69
Movement Serial Number: 1909775
Estimated Production Year: 1907
Run Quantity: 1000
Size: 18s
Jewels: 17j
Movement Configuration: Openface
Movement Finish: Nickel
Model: 6
Movement Setting: Lever
Plate: Full Plate
Barrel: Going
Adjusted: Yes
Railroad Grade: Yes
Tiny numbers and marks, hand-scratched on the inside of the back of a case, are most likely watch repairer's or jeweler's marks. When watches were serviced, the watch repairer would place his mark and/or a date code inside the back. The marking might include a code to indicate the type of service that was done. Many times, the codes were intentionally obscure so that so that they'd be less likely to be faked. Other times, the marks may be the watch repairer's job numbers. Thus, when the watch came back, the watchmaker would check the marks and instantly know just when he last worked on it.
A private label watch is a watch made by one of the large watch manufacturers, like Illinois, Hamilton, Elgin, or Waltham, for an individual, or re-seller. Some would call the one-off watches, made for individuals, "vanity watches" but for the sake of this site, I will lump them all together as private labels.
Manufacturers have produced private label watches almost since the beginning of watch making. It was fairly easy to put the name of a customer on the dial and or movement of a watch, and if it would help sell watches, it was OK with the factory. Private labelers ranged from individuals, to jewelers/railroad watch inspectors, to wholesale distributors, to retail mail-order houses. One of the most famous private labelers of American pocket watches was Sears & Roebuck company, which started out in business selling Illinois Watches. Montgomery Ward was also a large private labeler.
If it has sentimental value then it would be worth getting fixed.
Thank you so much for the info. I will definitely be looking for a jeweller to fix and refurbish the watch to working order.
When you get it looking and running good, post it again with a little story.