Sunday, April 20, 2014

DF: Pocket Watches are Fun Collectibles

An article on pocket watches by Dr. Lori.

Let's face it: articles (or posts) on pocket watches are rare these days that's why I am sharing it.


Also there is some useful information in the article.

On the history of pocket watches -- they are much older than wristwatches:

Pocket watches were introduced prior to the introduction of the wrist watch. The wrist watch was a World War I era invention (circa 1914) used to aid soldiers on the front lines. Pocket watches were widespread in the 1800s and continue to be of interest today. 

Tips

If your pocket watch does not open easily, don’t force it open. Use a piece of dental floss to pry your pocket watch open or ask a professional jeweler to open your pocket watch for you. Never use a pocket knife or other sharp instrument to open your pocket watch.

Pocket watches should be cleaned regularly. The internal mechanism which is made up of various gears of your pocket watch require regular maintenance by a professional. If the gears get gummy or dirty, then the watch will not tell time accurately.

Don’t overwind your pocket watch. Be gentle. 

Using dental floss to open watches seems like a good idea. I am definitely going to give it a try. I think it should work on snap-on backs.

The number of jewels debate:

The number of jewels refers to the accuracy of the mechanism and the more accurate the watch, the more valuable it is. The greater the number of jewels in your watch (the number of jewels is typically marked on the watch), the more accurate your watch. 

 I have quite a few pocket watches myself (though they are likely not ones Dr. Lori had in mind).

Mine are Molnijas


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