posted on October 12, 2001 12:10:19 PM
Happy Friday,
I almost exclusively sell vintage jewelry but I had this pocketwatch in an estate lot. I'd like to list it on eBay but would first like to get any and all ideas about what I might have, since it doesn't seem to be marked in any way. It has a white stars on blue background motif, like the US flag, and the numerals are in blue. Age? Value? Listing tips? I wound it up last night -- it's ticking and seems to be in working order. (If any of you need any jewelry questions answered I'd be happy to reciprocate!) Thanks so much in advance,
posted on October 12, 2001 12:16:37 PM
The back of the watch unscrews and the inside should show the name of maker and, if repaired, the date it was repaired. You might need a jeweler to unscrew the back.
Hope this helps.
posted on October 12, 2001 12:33:11 PM
This is a swiss (probably) ladies watch from around the turn of the century (not this last one but the one before that). It is probably enamal, and are the stars painted or inset? (they are probably inset). It is a 'pin set', that is if you press the little pin by the stem with your nail, the stem should turn the hands. A closeup of the movement would tell me more, but it is probably a cylinder escapement. Popular in antique stores, but hard to get 30-40 bucks for from knowledgable watch folks. (this type of watch seldom unscrews. It will have a little depression or nitch under the back cover, probably around 2 oclock) Tommy
[ edited by rgrem on Oct 12, 2001 12:41 PM ]
posted on October 12, 2001 02:00:33 PM
Thanks -- I'm not sure how to unscrew it to look inside so I guess I'll take it to the jeweler. I'm not sure whether it's actually enameled -- the blue is so very light, more like a wash . . . and the stars are achieved from a "stencil effect" where the blue wasn't applied at all. I also just noticed that it has only one hand. Not a good sign I guess.
posted on October 12, 2001 03:40:49 PM
The back doesn't screw off. It is an old pin-set. There will be an indentation or notch toward the top of the back. It snaps open and will swing down. I can see the hinge in the pic. Does it set when you push the little pin by the crown with your finger nail?
posted on October 13, 2001 05:52:43 AM
Hi again, Lisa. Look with strong glasses or a magnifier around the top edge of the back cover. You WILL find either an indentation or a tiny flap. Either one will allow you to pry open the back. the reason for prying open the back is to see what the case is made of (might be sterling) and to see if the movement is marked, either with name or # of jewels. Actually the best part of these watches is the dial, if it is colored enamel and not cracked or chipped.
