Put the watch on a flat surface and hold the face of the watch between your thumb and forefinger. Then, use a screwdriver to unbolt the face gently from the body of the timepiece. Find the small hinge at the top of the watch, slightly above the 12, and pull up the know at the top like you are setting the time.
Full Answer
Are Elgin pocket watches any good?
As mentioned in the introduction, Elgin pocket watches are among the perennial favorites for watch collectors. This brand of pocket watches was developed in 1864 in Elgin, Illinois, at the time when the American Civil War was ending. However, the first Elgin pocket watch was released in 1867.
How do you wind an Elgin pocket watch?
Early Elgin pocket watches required a small key to wind it's mainspring and set the watches time. Later such winding and time setting was accomplished from the watches winding crown.
Do you offer warranty service on your Elgin Watch?
We are sometimes contacted by individuals looking for warranty service on their modern quartz, battery-powered "Elgin" watch. Since the Elgin watch company went out of business in 1964, it isn't very likely that the "Elgin" watch you bought at Wal-Mart last Christmas was made by the original Elgin Watch Company!
How do I know if my Elgin Watch is gold?
If you notice any one of these markings, then your Elgin watch is gold. But if you see something like Guaranteed 10 Years or Guaranteed 20 Years, then the watch is not made of gold, but rather a gold plate. However, if none of these markings is visible on your watch, just take it to a professional jeweler for testing.
Can an Elgin watch be repaired?
Most models of Elgin watches and pocket watches are discontinued, but we can still repair your watch with our original stock or make parts for your timepiece if needed.
Are Elgin watches worth anything?
Yes, Elgin watches are valuable. Since they are in high demand in the vintage and antique watch market, they are a coveted item for watch collectors and enthusiasts.
How do you take apart a Elgin pocket watch?
5:3421:17Elgin Pocketwatch Disassembly - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSee if this hole on the other side no it doesn't work that way I think you just work your way inMoreSee if this hole on the other side no it doesn't work that way I think you just work your way in here and you just separate.
How do you open the back of a Elgin pocket watch?
4:429:14Pocket Watch Cases and How to Open - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSlide your case of her around the edge. Because of where it's hinged. Doesn't get tighter andMoreSlide your case of her around the edge. Because of where it's hinged. Doesn't get tighter and tighter and that may actually cause it to pop open without having to pry it.
How do I tell how old my Elgin pocket watch is?
You can identify your antique Elgin Pocket Watch with the Serial Number etched on the movement. Please note this digit isn't the same as your case's serial number, as those are almost irrelevant.
What is my Elgin pocket watch worth?
$200 to $5,000How Much is an Elgin Pocket Watch Worth? A Railroad Elgin pocket watch can range from $200 to $5,000. It depends on the year of production, the material used, and the model's significance. They were exquisitely designed according to railroad industry standards and kept the most precise and accurate time.
How do you unwind an Elgin pocket watch?
1:342:35How to unwind a pocket watch mainspring - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhile holding the crown tightly between your fingers. The winding wheel and mainspring are now freeMoreWhile holding the crown tightly between your fingers. The winding wheel and mainspring are now free to unwind. Only stopped by your fingers holding the crown.
How do you fix a vintage pocket watch?
1:443:36Antique Pocket Watch Repair Beginner Course - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure there's no dirt you need to get some magnification. And examine them closely. Then you'llMoreMake sure there's no dirt you need to get some magnification. And examine them closely. Then you'll need to get some pith with buttons. And here's a pith with button here.
How do I remove the crown from my Elgin pocket watch?
0:121:01How to Remove the Stem on an Antique Pocket Watch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay so with the proper jeweler's screwdriver. We're going to unscrew the detent that holds it inMoreOkay so with the proper jeweler's screwdriver. We're going to unscrew the detent that holds it in and that should pull the stem in the crown. Out from the watch.
How can you tell if a pocket watch is valuable?
Indicators of High Value Gold case: A gold case marked 14K, 18K or 750 with the stamp on the inside back cover of the watch are more valuable than unmarked watches. If there is no stamp, it is not gold. Heavy weight: The weight of a pocket watch may indicate that it has a sophisticated movement or a case of solid gold.
How does Elgin pocket watch work?
3:2851:43Elgin From the 1880s Vintage Pocket Watch Restoration - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd i'm just trying to get a feel for how this whole mechanism works and you can see there's aMoreAnd i'm just trying to get a feel for how this whole mechanism works and you can see there's a spring-loaded part in the middle that kind of can pop up when you pull out that lever.
How do I wind my Elgin watch?
3:467:31How to Open,Set and Wind an Antique 1881 Elgin Key Wind Pocket WatchYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere's a hole in the back. And you turn clockwise you keep turning and winding until the watch isMoreThere's a hole in the back. And you turn clockwise you keep turning and winding until the watch is wound tight.
How do you know if a watch is valuable?
Using Online Resources To Determine ValueWatch brand websites.Model-launch press releases.Collector forums & boards.Auction sites (such as eBay)The chrono24 marketplace.
How can I tell if my Elgin watch is real?
How to Identify Your Elgin Pocket WatchFirst, you need to be sure that the watch is actually an Elgin.Try to identify the model by matching the case to known examples (or to identification resources)Identify and date the movement to narrow down your search and try again to identify the case.
Is Elgin a luxury watch?
Are Elgin Watches Valuable? Even today, most of Elgin watches are in good working condition and can still be practical to use. You can purchase them from $50 to $300, while the rarer and more luxurious pieces may cost you more than $1,000.
How can I tell if my Elgin watch is real gold?
“What's It Worth” Antiques Minute Open the case's rear cover and look for the markings “10k,” “14k,” or “18k.” This should be easy to see, as it will be impressed into the inside back cover. If one of those markings is visible, then your pocket watch is gold.
What is an Elgin watch?
Elgin watches are one of the brands we see and service most often. Whether your watch is an antique Elgin pocket watch from the late 1800's, or a Lord Elgin wristwatch from the 1940's, we can probably repair it.
When did Elgin watch go out of business?
Since the Elgin watch company went out of business in 1964 , it isn't very likely that the "Elgin" watch you bought at Wal-Mart last Christmas was made by the original Elgin Watch Company! Any modern watch that bears the Elgin name is an Elgin-branded watch only, and has nothing to do with the original Elgin watch company other than the fact that it says "Elgin" on the dial.
Is Elgin a repairable watch?
That makes Elgin watches one of the most "repairable" American vintage watch brands.
rodabod
Diificult to see the hairspring and whether it is damaged or not, but first things first: does the balance swing if you shake the watch?
rodabod
I presume the watch doesn't run when wound... how about if you help it along by giving it a shake to excite the balance?
WileyDave
I bought this off eBay listed as "Needs repaired", thinking I would attempt to fix it up. Can anyone point me in the right direction, or maybe let me know if the seller meant to say "for spare parts"?
sperki77
Couldn't you just count the jewels... then you would know for sure how many jewels it has. I do have some vintage Elgin parts, if you end up needing some.
sperki77
I also have an Elgin service manual with a section on parts interchangeability, if that might come in handy. (I'm not ready to give up the manual, but I would be happy to look up something for you and send you a picture of the page with the information.)
WileyDave
What would that contradiction indicate? It's already containing components from different watches?
Introduction to an Elgin Pocket Watch
As mentioned in the introduction, Elgin pocket watches are among the perennial favorites for watch collectors. This brand of pocket watches was developed in 1864 in Elgin, Illinois, at the time when the American Civil War was ending. However, the first Elgin pocket watch was released in 1867.
Actual Value of an Elgin Pocket Watch
Most people who want to own an Elgin pocket watch are afraid of its price. But are these watches expensive really? How Much is an Elgin Pocket Watch Worth?
Why Are Elgin Pocket Watches So Popular?
Perhaps by now, you are asking yourself: Why are Elgin pocket watches so popular? The truth is that the value of an Elgin pocket watch is mainly based on the exceptional craftsmanship applied in its production.
How to Identify Your Elgin Pocket Watch
Because of their popularity and high demand, Elgin pocket watches have been widely imitated, making it difficult for collectors to find genuine antique Elgin pocket watches. Therefore, if you want to own one of these historic timepieces, you need to know how to identify the genuine ones.
How to Open an Elgin Pocket Watch
When you open an Elgin pocket watch, you will understand why it is considered a work of art. But the important question to ask yourself is: How do you open an Elgin pocket watch? Follow these important steps:
How to Tell If Elgin Pocket Watch Is Gold
Elgin pocket watches were made of different materials, including gold and silver. That’s why they are highly treasured up to this day. But how do you know if your Elgin pocket watch is gold? There are several ways to do this.
