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Atl · 17 May 2010, 12:05 PM

Hello everyone,
My Grandmother passed two weeks ago, and I was given my Grandfather's pocket watch, along with his coin collection. The watch is an Waltham, made in the 20's-30's and looks almost brand new inside and out, the dial, hands, and movement are flawless, it's a BIG pocket watch. Considering it's age, I was surprised it still worked. I know the oils are long gone, but we wound it so it would run for about an hour, and it ran as brand new. I need a watchmaker that can disassemble, oil, and polish it inside and out. I am getting quotes here in Ga, of $400.00, which seems steep, but maybe not. Also, i have no experience with their work, and would obviously like a good job done, (I am pretty anal with my Rolexes). The detail and engraving are stunning on the movement! Any good watchmakers that work on old pocket watches? I have no problem shipping out of state, just want a really great job, that is most important.

Thanks,
David

Big_S · 17 May 2010, 07:58 PM

Perhaps this topic would get more replies in the Watches (Non-Rolex) Forum. But to answer your question no I don't know any watchmakers in GA. $400 does sound high; I would definitely shop around. You may even be able to check yelp, or just ask the watchmaker for references. I am not familiar with Waltham, but I can definitely empathize. My grandfather passed on in 2005, actually on May 20 (anniv. is only a few days away), and he left me his South Bend pocket watch. I had it worked on, and had the plastic crystal (?, not sure if this is the correct term, it seems like a bit of an oxymoron) replaced with an original glass one to fully restore it. If the watchmaker didn't consider me family, I think it would have been around $250. I live in cali, so I would expect his overhead to be higher than a watchmaker's in GA. Based on that, and since I know he doesn't cut corners on his work, I can't really see where another $1500 would be going to fix up yours. But who knows, maybe your parts are harder to source, rarer, yadda, yadda... Good luck on your restoration, and I wish you and your family my condolences during this difficult time; may your grandfather rest in peace.

tgoose1 · 18 May 2010, 12:15 AM

Hi David,
Give Rob a call, you will not be dissapointed--quality person as well as watchmaker.

Rob Carter
1104 Sourmash Dr.
Kingsport, TN. 37660
423-378-4607
rob@pocketwatchrepairs.net

Numismatist · 18 May 2010, 01:02 AM

Would love to see some pictures of it!

Rikki · 18 May 2010, 09:50 AM

I charge 250 for pocket watch service with new mainspring. Send it on down you won't be dissappointed. Rik

Atl · 19 May 2010, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tgoose1

Hi David,
Give Rob a call, you will not be dissapointed--quality person as well as watchmaker.

Rob Carter
1104 Sourmash Dr.
Kingsport, TN. 37660
423-378-4607
rob@pocketwatchrepairs.net

I called Rob, and he asked who you are. He seemed perfect. Has he done work for you?

tgoose1 · 19 May 2010, 12:19 PM

David,
Rob in fact has done work for me in the past with excellent results. I'm about to send him several railroad grade Waltham's/Hamilton's for minor repair, cleaning, and regulation. Genuinely a nice trustworthy guy to deal with. Sounds like you have a fine heirloom to bring back to life. What a great way to honor and remember your grandfather by getting the watch professionally overhauled, regulated, and running within specs. With the proper work done on her, you will be surprised just how accurate some of these magnificent old timepieces perform. I have several pocket watches that are occasionally carried, and easily stay within Rolex chronometer/cosc specifications.

Best of luck with your watch!

Atl · 20 May 2010, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tgoose1

David,
Rob in fact has done work for me in the past with excellent results. I'm about to send him several railroad grade Waltham's/Hamilton's for minor repair, cleaning, and regulation. Genuinely a nice trustworthy guy to deal with. Sounds like you have a fine heirloom to bring back to life. What a great way to honor and remember your grandfather by getting the watch professionally overhauled, regulated, and running within specs. With the proper work done on her, you will be surprised just how accurate some of these magnificent old timepieces perform. I have several pocket watches that are occasionally carried, and easily stay within Rolex chronometer/cosc specifications.

Best of luck with your watch!

Thanks for the referral, I am sending him my Grandfather's watch. It's a high jewel Waltham, and Rob sounds like the guy to send it to.

Thanks again,
David

tgoose1 · 26 June 2010, 05:35 AM

Have you received your watch back from Rob, if so how's it doing?

tgoose1 · 27 June 2010, 02:57 PM

Bump

tgoose1 · 27 June 2010, 03:40 PM

Bump 2X

tgoose1 · 28 June 2010, 12:13 PM

Bumpiddy Bumb Bump...

tgoose1 · 30 June 2010, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atl

Thanks for the referral, I am sending him my Grandfather's watch. It's a high jewel Waltham, and Rob sounds like the guy to send it to.

Thanks again,
David

How did it go?

17 May 2010, 12:05 PM	#1
Atl Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Real Name: David Location: Sandy Springs, Ga Watch: GMT II, new Subbie Posts: 937	My Granfather's pocket watch Hello everyone, My Grandmother passed two weeks ago, and I was given my Grandfather's pocket watch, along with his coin collection. The watch is an Waltham, made in the 20's-30's and looks almost brand new inside and out, the dial, hands, and movement are flawless, it's a BIG pocket watch. Considering it's age, I was surprised it still worked. I know the oils are long gone, but we wound it so it would run for about an hour, and it ran as brand new. I need a watchmaker that can disassemble, oil, and polish it inside and out. I am getting quotes here in Ga, of $400.00, which seems steep, but maybe not. Also, i have no experience with their work, and would obviously like a good job done, (I am pretty anal with my Rolexes). The detail and engraving are stunning on the movement! Any good watchmakers that work on old pocket watches? I have no problem shipping out of state, just want a really great job, that is most important. Thanks, David

18 May 2010, 01:02 AM	#4
Numismatist "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Chris Location: Camden ME & STT Watch: 116600 Posts: 6,350	Would love to see some pictures of it! __________________ Rolex 116600 Sea-dweller Montblanc Solitaire Doué Black & White Legrand FP Montblanc Solitaire Doué Black & White RB Montblanc Meisterstück Diamond Mozart BP Montblanc Meisterstück Mozart BP

17 May 2010, 07:58 PM	#2
Big_S "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Steve Location: San Diego, CA Watch: 16710 LN Posts: 61	Perhaps this topic would get more replies in the Watches (Non-Rolex) Forum. But to answer your question no I don't know any watchmakers in GA. $400 does sound high; I would definitely shop around. You may even be able to check yelp, or just ask the watchmaker for references. I am not familiar with Waltham, but I can definitely empathize. My grandfather passed on in 2005, actually on May 20 (anniv. is only a few days away), and he left me his South Bend pocket watch. I had it worked on, and had the plastic crystal (?, not sure if this is the correct term, it seems like a bit of an oxymoron) replaced with an original glass one to fully restore it. If the watchmaker didn't consider me family, I think it would have been around $250. I live in cali, so I would expect his overhead to be higher than a watchmaker's in GA. Based on that, and since I know he doesn't cut corners on his work, I can't really see where another $1500 would be going to fix up yours. But who knows, maybe your parts are harder to source, rarer, yadda, yadda... Good luck on your restoration, and I wish you and your family my condolences during this difficult time; may your grandfather rest in peace.

18 May 2010, 12:15 AM	#3
tgoose1 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Louisiana Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 666	Hi David, Give Rob a call, you will not be dissapointed--quality person as well as watchmaker. Rob Carter 1104 Sourmash Dr. Kingsport, TN. 37660 423-378-4607 rob@pocketwatchrepairs.net

18 May 2010, 09:50 AM	#5
Rikki TechXpert Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Rik Dietel Location: Seminole Fla Watch: 5512 s/s Sub Posts: 1,818	I charge 250 for pocket watch service with new mainspring. Send it on down you won't be dissappointed. Rik

19 May 2010, 12:19 PM	#7
tgoose1 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Louisiana Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 666	David, Rob in fact has done work for me in the past with excellent results. I'm about to send him several railroad grade Waltham's/Hamilton's for minor repair, cleaning, and regulation. Genuinely a nice trustworthy guy to deal with. Sounds like you have a fine heirloom to bring back to life. What a great way to honor and remember your grandfather by getting the watch professionally overhauled, regulated, and running within specs. With the proper work done on her, you will be surprised just how accurate some of these magnificent old timepieces perform. I have several pocket watches that are occasionally carried, and easily stay within Rolex chronometer/cosc specifications. Best of luck with your watch!

26 June 2010, 05:35 AM	#9
tgoose1 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Louisiana Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 666	Have you received your watch back from Rob, if so how's it doing?

27 June 2010, 02:57 PM	#10
tgoose1 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Louisiana Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 666	Bump

27 June 2010, 03:40 PM	#11
tgoose1 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Louisiana Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 666	Bump 2X

28 June 2010, 12:13 PM	#12
tgoose1 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Louisiana Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 666	Bumpiddy Bumb Bump...

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