HOW TO Differentiate Solid Gold🥇vs Gold-Filled Pocket Watch Cases - DON’T GET FOOLED - SAVE MONEY
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- čas přidán 23. 07. 2024
- This video details the difference between solid gold and gold filled pocket watch cases. I review several examples from my personal pocketwatch collection with goldfilled cases, highlighting some of the brands and trademarks for these gold-filled case manufacturers and furthermore I show examples of other case brands via auction sites.
I also have a small rant about a particularly annoying trend I’m finding on auction sites lately - you’ll have to watch to find out what my rant is about.
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Thanks! Bacon saved!!
Always love bacon 🥓. Thanks. 🙌🏼
This guy is really putting out a lot of the right information & looking after the community. Max respect to you and your knowledge. Thanks for sharing. 👍
Thanks Matt 🙌🏼
I am an estate liquidator and I I'm so thankful that I chose to watch your video at the same time I just found two ladies antique pocket watches. You tell me exactly what I needed to know. Thank you so much!
Awesome. 🙌🏼 Thank you.
This was awesome -- huge thanks for all of this info, and for calling these people out. I, too, am absolutely shocked at the prices people ask for extremely average movements with average cases without disclosing the real case quality. Just an awesome review, thank you for making this!!
Thanks Anthony. 🙌🏼 I see you’re on the NAWCC forums too. Great source of information there.
This is great content. First video of yours I've watched, and you have a smile on your face all the time, very informative and it's also fun and engaging. Nice job! Subbed!
Thanks so much. 🙌🏻 When I get a little more time I’m going to shoot my full gold cases edition.
You are performing a valuable service for collectors, thank you!
I have many gold filled watches and a few have worn through the gold outer layer, but in my many years of collecting, I have never seen the gold “flake off”.
I don’t remember if I actually used the term “flake off“. 😁 If I did… You’re completely right - that’s not accurate. I should have said rub off. I’m not exactly sure how the process works… But the gold layer is chemically attached and definitely won’t flake.
Love the info... Learn a number of things. I too collect pocket watches and have often been amazed at what some eBay sellers try to get for a item without really telling you what they're selling. Good Job!!!
Thank you 🙌🏼
Well you pretty much summed it up in a nutshell for me. Taught me tons with this video..
Thank you!!
That’s awesome. Thanks for the compliment and glad to help.
Phenomenal video with insane content, thank you for sharing some of your knowledge with us!
Thank you so much. 🙌🏼
Thank you! very informative, useful, and appreciated!!
Great. Thank you. 🙌🏻
Thank you for this video. New buyer that knows zero about watches so this is helpful
Thank you. 🙌🏼
Thank you so much for your valuable info !!
Glad it was helpful.
Came into your video by chance, and I love your content! I wish you all the luck in the world!
Thank you so much 🙌🏼
Hi Patrick. A well done video. If I may add, there are other ways to tell if a case is solid or not. If it has U.S, Assay on it, it would be solid gold. Also stating 585/1000 14K could mean solid gold. A huge trick I use is to look for "warranted" or "guaranteed" on the inner case. This is a giveaway for gold filled.. I also find the easiest was to tell a gold filled from gold without even looking at the inner case, is to look for brassing around the crown, lids and even the sides.. Brassing is the rubbing off of the gold filled content and can be found on over 50% of watches for sale online with gold filled cases.
As for the price of cases, due to dubious people melting the cases now days means that less and less cases are available and I agree, the prices are through the roof. I get ticked (no pun intended) when I see these prices, but I also know that due to smelters and jerks who think they can get rich off of melting history, this drives the prices up. I was talking to a few "experts" you may also know, and we think that if this trend keeps up, within 20 years, there will be few to no gold filled or gold cases to be had.. I suggest to everyone, keep the case and earn money a different way. Melting cases is melting history. In the end, you lose a wonderful case, and spend the money on bills or whatever. It's a loosing situation.
I snag every watch with a case I can just to save it from the demise of people who have zero respect for horology and the preservation of history.
Good information - I plan on making a gold case video soon and will cover more of these topics.
Well said - I also like to save and preserve these old (and becoming rarer) gems.
@@PocketWatchTime I will have to keep my notifications on for that video.. Pleas keep up the great work on getting the information out about these watches. Here in Europe, it is impossible to get a nice 14k case with any American pocket watch. I assume, most were melted during the war, and the few that remain here are in a condition that leaves something to be desired.. I do have 2 solid gold cases, the rest are GF or Silver with some silveroid in there. And naturally, the 100s of homeless movements that are waiting for homes.. All the best, and we will write again soon, this I am sure of. AmericanPocketWatch
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I knew a guy that destroyed a 14k multi-colored box hinge 18 size original Howard watch and threw away the movement. I purchased the case as scrap because that was all it was worth after the guy forced the movement out instead of removing the screws. This was in the early 1980's. I chewed him out for ruining such a nice watch and for tossing the movement which at the time I'd have paid $100 for even broken.
That’s tragic. It’s sad how many complete watches I see one month on eBay… and see the movements only the next month. I saw an amazing 18 karat Fogel case which housed it’s original Waltham Victoria movement. Next month I saw the movement only for sale. Heartbreaking. My channel has to get a lot bigger for me to afford saving them all.
Thanks for the info and a good giggle
Info and giggles is the best combo. Thanks.
Interesting! Enjoyed it. Thank you
Thank you. 🙌🏼
Thank you! You helped me open and identify a family piece. ( a walthem 17 jewel "20 years" Philidelphia case)
I appreciate you.
That’s awesome. Thank you. 🙌🏼
Thanks. Very informative
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Here’s a quick tip, very very few cases were made in solid gold having screw on bezels and back lids. The only ones I have EVER seen had hinged movements that tipped out the front.
Very true. Screw on cases are generally not solid gold.
Thanks again for the great info.
Great. Glad to help. 🙌🏼
Wow! You really, really saved my bacon here! I have been looking at solid gold cases on eBay, and just marveling at the insanity of the prices. I thought to myself, maybe this is just how rare they've become, or how few solid gold cases survived. However, now I know that I am just getting into pocket watches at a time where values are being inflated by crazy sellers 😂. I have been wondering who these people are that buy $30k solid gold cases with 15J movements in them. Now I know they don't exist! Thanks again Patrick, it's really nice to know what these things actually should cost. 👏
Absolutely. It’s a patience game - finding a nice case at a “normal” price.
Thank you for the informative video. Just inherited my grandfather's Waltham pocket watch and was curious about the gold content. I do dabble in vintage jewelry and I am familiar with the color gold-filled items and had a feeling this watch case was gold-filled. Sure enough, it was labeled with the crescent moon and the words trade mark. Thanks for confirming my hunch.
No problem. Glad you found the video helpful.
Very informative, thank you.
Great. Thank you.
Thx for your vídeos, great for beginners. If I buy a gold case only must be in person and looking carefully what Im buying
It’s tricky until you get used to the process. Hands-on is always the best approach.
This was interesting. I have my dad's Elgin pocket watch. It is marked 14K gold filled. It's a lovely piece but not working.
I love heirloom watches - a local watchmaker can probably service that for $200-300 dollars and bring it back to life (as long as no real structural problem).
@patricia I would have to agree with Patrick here. There is nothing better than hearing a story about an heirloom watch that has been in the family for years. Todays generation may not see it as special, but as a matter of fact it really is.. It was the main source of keeping time back in the day. Almost a ritual in setting and winding.
To have it repaired you will have to find a real watch maker and NOT a jeweller. They will only send it out to have it repaired and charge you 2 to 3 times what it really cost.. Even to have it working and displayed somewhere at home is saving these disappearing historical pieces. All the best. AmericanPocketWatch.
@@PocketWatchTime Thanks. I've thought about it but hadn't looked into the cost. Thanks for a reference point on the cost.
@@AmericanPocketWatch Thanks. I wish I remembered more of the history of it. My dad never carried it but had it in his dresser for decades. It appears to have his initials engraved on it but I don't recall when he received it or why. He wore a cheap Timex for most of his life so he wasn't a watch guy.
My dad too… just wore a Timex. Thankfully he had my grandfather’s pocket watch in a drawer.
Best informative video I watched on pocket watches.
Found an non working Elgin 1902 pocket watch and was trying to figure out if it was worth anything. Now that I know it’s 20 year gold filled and it doesn’t work… I know it’s not worth anything. I’m a small dealer and I don’t sell anything til I do my homework to insure my reputation. Sad it’s not worth anything but glad I watched your video to educate myself on gold or gold filled pocket watches
Thank you so much. Great compliment. 🙌🏼
Thanks! great info
Thank you. 🙌🏼 Glad I can help.
This video turned up in my search because I'll be receiving a "gold pocket watch" as a retirement gift from a railroad I worked for. I looked on line and the French company, Charles Hubert, sells it for about $300. So, I'm guessing gold-filled. Somehow, though, that still sounds better than "gold plated." And for me, the price was right... free!
Free is definitely the best price. Gold-filled is actually better than gold plated. Gold plated is thinner… Gold-filled is actually bonded to the base metal and thus more secure. Solid gold is #1… But gold-filled is second place for sure. Congratulations on your retirement.
Hahaha, so was it real gold? You know those kind of people that work there and also the kinds from the old days be having those antique items that turn expensive and with a little more time in the future may as well be worth more than it is now. I like to watch Antique Road Show ever since a kid , used to come on channel 8 or was it 13, I forgot, even though I’m not an avid watcher anymore. It was interesting to see “old stuff” be “expensive stuff” when it looks like it’s worth nothing.
I always enjoyed antique roadshow too. Sometimes I was truly shocked how expensive something that looked not expensive turned out to be.
@@PocketWatchTime Their appraisals are one thing. Getting that amount is the trick.
True. I’m sure a lot of the high prices are for show value. I’m guessing actually selling for that price is difficult.
Thank you so much for all this information. It may not be much to you giving us this advice but it would be greatly beneficial for everyone involved in pocket watch collecting who is kind of a novice would be able to get a better understanding of the basics and processes like superior, referee, regal, and elite for instance just tells me that the watch is not solid gold but gold filled. Just a fortnight ago I was a a pawnshop and I saw a watch that had “regal” after the 14k mark. I forgot what brand but the owner said that it was pure gold and had 17 gems in it. Now I know for sure that’s a load of bollux! It was priced, if you can believe it at $1,400 bucks . I saw it and there was something off about the price and the guy. Not including the fact that it had the features of being gold plated. I walked away. That owner had probably known that it was a fake and tried to sell it to me thinking that I am a nincompoop. Thanks
Thank you. I love knowing my videos can be helpful. 🙌🏼
I bought a pocket watch. Think I paid a decent price, but may have still overspent. I've been eyeballing it for awhile though and really just liked it, so I bought it. I have found some information on it and your video definitely answered another question of mine. I don't mind that it is gold-filled. I am really trying to narrow down the age honestly and have come up with three different possibilities. I am curious if gold-filled watch cases can be cleaned and shined back up in some way as mine has a LOT of wear on the back. Here is the info I have on it if curious:
Hamilton movement with stem-wind/lever set, 17j, 18s, in a Keystone JBoss 14k gold-filled case
Gold-filled cases have a relatively thick layer of gold. JBoss cases are particularly nice gold-filled cases. As long as it hasn’t worn all the way to the brass, you can polish up a gold-filled case and it’ll shine like gold… Because in that way it is. 😁
I found this video very informative. Thank you. I am selling pocket watches, watches parts, etc. on ebay but take WAY too much time researching GF or the real deal. Not knowing, I sometimes sell at auction and let the market set the price. I am selling my dad and grandfathers inventory. They were both watchmakers. This is the where the saying goes...I should have paid more attention. I appreciate your time clarifying the difference.
Sorry to hear about your loss. I commend you for trying to figure out the difference before selling on eBay. Most sellers just call it “gold” to take advantage of higher premiums and hope the bidders don’t know any better. I have a couple other videos on the topic too. And if you need any more clarification… You can always email me.
Thank you for the education. :)
Thanks for watching. 🙌🏼 Glad I could help.
thks so much for yr info.
Thanks for watching. Glad to help. 🙌🏼
People bet lives over $$$ with these pocket watches. I got my grandfather's Hamilton 992, 21 jewel pocket watch from 1920. It works and I bet it would survive an EMP.
That’s a great railroad grade pocket watch. Will definitely survive both of our lifetimes.
Did you ever get an estimate? Or is it just priceless to you?
I was searching CZcams for a video showing how to open a pocket watch case. Yours came up and VERY INFORMATIVE especially for someone who just acquired their first pocket watch from a thrift store. I wish I could send you a picture of what I found I’m ecstatic.
REGAL SOLID 14KT. GOLD
I am too afraid to open the next cover to the actual watch, don’t want to damage it accidentally.
I’m going to take it to my jeweller for hopefully more information.
Again thank you 😊
Best regards
Jenny from Alberta Canada 🇨🇦
Hi Jenny. Glad to help. I hope the jeweler can confirm your findings.
I enjoyed the video that you just did.
Thanks Kevin 🙌🏼
thanks- good info
Thank you 🙌🏻
$31k….+ SHIPPING 😂😂😂
So right… if he threw in free shipping I might jump on that “deal” 🤣
Then they probably want you to cover handling too like damn if I spend over 10k , it should be free atleast.
First, thanks! Question #1: When you look for a replacement case for a watch, how do you go about it? #2 I have a beautiful Leijona watch from the early 1900s. It is gold-filled, 0.800 Silver beneath, some showing after polishing. I want to use it. It works well, losing a minute or two in 24 hours. Do you recommend changing the case to gold (it goes well with the face), replating, removing the plating, or keeping it as is?
The advantage of American watches is the standardization of case sizes. When it comes to European/Swiss movements, sourcing a new case becomes a heck of a lot more difficult. With an American watch, you can just look up the case size by the serial number… With other watches, you usually have to measure the movement and make sure it will fit into a case. That’s obviously hard to do over eBay or an auction site.
If it’s just some mild scuffing of the case showing the base layer, I’d probably just leave it alone. The advantage of leaving it alone is you don’t have to worry about mild scuffs by actually wearing the watch. If you decide to get the watch replated in the future then you’ve got to take a little bit better care of it.
Hi Patrick. I love your videos, thank you!! I reached out several weeks ago, and my pocket watch journey is about making sense of my father's collection - almost 400 pocket watches. The gold/gold filled was super helpful. Currently, I am having trouble with pocket watch cases. I have many open-face watches, but some open directly to the movement (don't worry, my father has drilled into me about handling watches & opening RARELY), and others have an extra "lid" as you called it. What are these? Are they both considered open-face, and how might I differentiate them when I describe them?
Yes, these are still open face cases. Open face just means the front is a glass crystal allowing you to see the time without additional steps. As for the rear “lids” 😁… Some cases have an inner lid and some don’t. So it’s common to see both varieties with a single back door or sometimes two back doors. Cases with two doors are a bit preferred because they’re better at keeping dust and debris out of the movement.
Thank you again for this clarification!!@@PocketWatchTime
I found 3 pocket watches at a estate for 15 dollars each. They are Elgin hunters watches. I bought them ten years ago. Only one works and keep great time. I don't remember the year but I believe the numbers told me these are all from the 1800s I believe mid 1800s. One is Elgin 15 year warranty gold plate s.s. silver. The two that don't work have a golden rope around the cases. With lots of detail on both sides. While you didn't talk about Elgin I think I did well. I also bought a 3 k topaz ring 10 k gold for five dollars
I need to go estate sale shopping with you… Great finds. Congratulations.
I have a small Waltham pocket watch maybe for ladies due to its small size. I can’t open the back I keep trying but too hard, I’m told it’s 14k gold, the back has a monogram and has dents as well as it soft to push inwards. Is it soft or firm back that could possibly detect it to be plated or solid gold. Tnx
If you can find the seam it’s pretty easy to stick a dull butter knife in the space. They sell a special product called a “case knife“… But it’s pretty much just a butter knife. 😁
But, if you can’t get it open… You’re absolutely right that a bendy caseback is a sign of a solid gold case versus a gold-filled. Gold-filled cases are usually firm.
I just inherited 3 pocket watches. 2 Elgin gold and 1 crown also gold. One of the Elgin has 1920 engraved in it. They were my great grandfather's.
Congratulations 🎉 I love hearing about heirloom watches.
thanks for the interesting video
Thank you. 🙌🏼
I have a 9996 ball company watch , main spring problems. I wish you could fix for me
Check out my latest video… I just sent a watch off for service and this watchmaker is excellent. His information is in the description of that video.
Thanks for the video. I did learn from this that this case is gold filled. One brand you did not cover is ELGIN. Could the watch be worth more than the case?
Glad to help. Elgin is a confusing brand do to the name - There’s an Elgin watch company… There’s an Elgin case company. Not the same Elgin. I believe the Elgin case company made both gold and gold filled cases.
If it’s a solid gold case… It’s very rare that the actual watch movement is worth more than the case. There are several brands that had prestige models that were both rare and highly jeweled… These models may be worth more than the case. But, 99.9% of the watches you see the case is probably worth more than the watch itself. It’s a different story with gold-filled watches. With gold-filled… The movement probably is worth more than the case.
where can i send you pictures of my Bulova pocket watch ? it does say 14k along with the Bulova name and ser #. and its kind of heavy
pocket.watch.time@gmail.com
I'm having trouble identifying a full hunter case Swiss pocket watch, I believe it is silver or silver plate, but there are no maker marks other than a serial number and "Swiss" inscription and also a number "5" and a hand engraved "2400SP" , I have searched all the pocket watch data bases and cannot find this one I have. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Can you take some pictures and send it to my email address? I’ll see what I can do.
@@PocketWatchTime yes, that would be great. I will take some pictures and email them to you. Thank you very much!
I really Appreciate all this information you are imparting to all of us. I would have over payed for sure. Now I feel like I’m a little armed for battle the next time I consider buying a pocket watch. Thanks again.
No problem. I’ve been planning to make another video dealing with solid gold cases… But time has gotten away from me. I’ll work on that soon.
I just found your channel by chance. I have three antique pocket watches. I'm trying to find out what they are worth. I know nothing about pocket watches and came here to learn. I'm an eBay seller but sell sporting goods. I'm terrified to be like these people claiming things that are not true. I think some people simply do not know....not always trying to cheat someone. I have to invest a lot of time learning about these pocket watches before listing them. One watch is a Baily Banks and Bidwell Antique pocket watch which is just beautiful.
Check out my description and find my email address… Send me some pictures and I can tell you what you have.
thank you for the info! I am looking at a family heirloom Illinois Watch Co. Sterling label pocket watch with a Keystone Case. I’m not looking to sell but merely trying to appraise it’s value, and one thing I am confused about is that the case backing says “10k Rolled Gold Plate”, which I understand means not solid gold, but it does not have the J.Boss scales symbol nor does it indicate a wear duration value. Is this just a different variation of the watch case? Is Rolled Gold Plate the same as Gold-Filled?
I’ll have to differentiate the difference in an upcoming video. Rolled gold plate is a “newer” technology than gold-filled. Usually you’ll only find it in cases made in the late 1920s or later. And like most newer technologies… It’s not better. 😂 They discovered a way to make a layer of gold adhere to the base layer with a thinner layer of gold. So, rolled gold plate is actually a thinner layer of gold then a gold-filled case. Thus, not as rugged and definitely does not have the same value as even a gold-filled case. It doesn’t mean the case isn’t functional… And sometimes the cases are still beautiful; however, the gold plating is relatively thin so you do have to be a little bit more careful while using - prone to scratching through the gold layer.
@@PocketWatchTimethanks so much for the response! that makes total sense, and yeah the back of the case does have some visible scratching/wear, not enough to see through until the base metal, but enough to see that it’s worn. This is so fascinating, I just recently became fascinated with watches and watchmaking last fall, so it’s been really cool finding this watch and just learning about all the subtleties. The more you know!
Glad to help.
Thank you for this information I have a pocket watch from 1880’s from my grandfather’s dad. I have no idea what it is worth but it is a Elgin so if you can give me any way to find out if it is real gold or not I would appreciate it i of how to be sure
@@pattyswift6521 if you email me several pictures of the case and the case markings, I can give you more information.
Wow! Thank you.
Glad to help. 😎
do you ever or have done any reviews on B.W.C. CO. wrist watch cases ? I found a wrist watch with an Elgin movement and the B.W.C. CO. case so is it a pocket watch put in a wrist watch case? I've tried looking up both the best i can figure is the case was made in 1894 and the movement 1896 so kind of lost. beautiful watch going to send in to get repaired, also any advice for that. Thanks for any help. I'm definitely a novice can send pics if you like. PS awesome video.
Thanks so much. Please send me some photos and I’ll try to help you out with it.
I didn’t know Gene wilder knew so much about watches
Gene Wilder had WAY too much hair for that comparison. But he was a pretty snazzy dresser as Wonka.
Hello & thank you so much for your videos,my mom has a watch that she never worn,it's has a sticker of LB625G???can please send some info, thank you
Thanks for watching. I need more info. Can you send some pictures to my email or to IG?
Why google for information when we got PWT haha. This is really helpful information presented in a fun way, thank you very much! I was looking (still 😅) for a case for my 12S riverside maximus, focusing on silver since I was very uncomfortable with the gold listings. Glad to see my suspicions were warranted and now I know what to look for is going for gold. On another note, now I want a bridge model. This hobby is a never ending quest...
Haha 😂 I’m no substitute for Google. But, thanks for the compliment. I love silver cases - they’re actually really hard to find in the 12 size. Plus, what is silver? Sterling? Silveroid? Coin silver? You’re not getting out of the pitfalls of pocket watch collecting that easily. 😁
Definitely recommend the bridge model. 😍
@@PocketWatchTime That seems to be the case (pun kinda intended haha), not finding anything I like that is clearly silver so far. Also discovered 'green' gold... that is a new term for me. I also see no bridge models! I think part of the fun, at least for me, is in the hunt. Lets see how long the excitement lasts 😅.
The hunt is definitely part of the fun. Hunt for movements, dials, and cases… you’ll never run out of things to find. 😁
I inherited a Waltham hunter case pocket watch. I believe it is solid gold because inside the case it says Waltham MFG Co 14 K US Assay. Also, based on the serial # on the movement inside, it appears to be a 16 s, 7j, grade # 610 from 1900. How do I found out what the true value of this watch is ?
The best bet to find the true value is to find a very similar watch on eBay or another auction site. However, I can tell you that your movement itself isn’t worth very much - a seven jewel, grade 610 is a pretty standard movement. But, That case is definitely solid gold given your description. So, the value of your total watch is pretty much worth the value of the case. I’d say your watch is between $1000-$1500.
Hi will plz let me know if this watch good and it is worth to sell it and can u tell how much the cost plz with many thanks kind watch admiral non magnetic it’s old one
Send me some pictures to my email and I can tell you more about it.
I have a Longines 14K gold with the sign KL (Wittnauer) inside the box. What does it means ? Not real gold ?
Can you send me a picture? I’ll let you know what I think.
Yes I need help finding out more about my 1894 bottom pocket watch I'm hoping I can send you a image please if you can help me I would appreciate it
Send to my email… it’s in my bio.
I have Hamilton 924 grade. It's Keystone/J Boss. But the scales do not have a crown. Any idea when the crown was added ?
Is your case marked 10k or 14k? I always thought the crown symbolized 14k gold-filled and the absence of crown meant 10k gold-filled.
@@PocketWatchTime No 10k or 14k markings. The Jboss stamp is on the dust cover. With just the Keystone symbol but no scale. The case has a keystone stamp. The scale doesn't have a crown but has a keystone symbol above it. They have matching serial numbers.
@Shadydudetc I’m not 100 sure… but I think that means 10k. Here’s a link to a resource - pocketwatchdatabase.com/search/cases (typed “boss”)
@@PocketWatchTime thank you. I am most trying to figure when it was made.
Cases aren’t really tracked in terms of production dates. But if you send me the serial number on the Hamilton movement I can definitely give you a production date of the watch.
I like your content, and i was really interested in pocket watches specially when i found some old pocket watches that belonged to my mom’s grandfather. Is there any way I could contact you so you can take a look at it and tell me more about it?
Thank you so much Mr.!!!
Thank you!!
Absolutely. Email me at pocket.watch.time at gmail.
@@PocketWatchTime thank you so much for your help!!!
No problem
Wouldn't solid gold be 24 karat? So, if a case is 14 or 18 karat, that means to be there is some other kind of metal mixed in with the gold, correct?
Absolutely - solid gold is 24 karat. In terms of jewelry and other items 14 karat and 18 karat are the standard alloys. An alloy is used to give the gold strength. 24 karat would be the equivalent of having a watch made out of peanut butter… It would be too soft, you couldn’t even carry it in your pocket without smashing it.
Thanks!
I really enjoyed your post. I recently bought a pocket watch and now I know it’s gold filled. Have a wonderful day 🙏
Great. Glad the video was helpful.
Great info! I'm currently on a quest to find a nice pocket watch. I have already ordered and returned several examples from Amazon to get a feel for what $50 gets you vs $300. I've visited several local jewelry stores (I live in Vegas) but no luck. One guy wanted $3500 for a "gold vintage" mechanical example. It looked nice but that is way out of my budget and after watching this video I am sure it was barely worth half that! Any suggestions on how to procure a decent pocket watch without spending over $1000? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. -JP
Best advice - do a little homework and find the style of watch you like that’s in your budget and check out eBay. Most stores are overpriced - eBay at least sells for true value.
@@PocketWatchTime Thanks so much for replying. After watching this and several other of your videos it occurred to me I need to find a vintage example on eBay. Although I am reluctant to take that risk it seems my only real choice. I will continue my search and watch more of your videos. Thank you! Subbed! 👍
@@sharkzf6 Thanks. Let me know if you have any questions about anything you find.
I have a Waltham Watch Company pocket watch, which my grandfather left to my father. The crystal lens itself is broken, it does not have spade hands (hour and minutes), the lid does not close well and the crown where the chain is placed is missing. I would like to know how much it would cost to repair it. Thank you, please let me know how I can send you a photo for your valuable evaluation. Thank you.
Sure. Send me a couple photos at pocket.watch.time@gmail.com.
I came across a gold pocket watch. Person claimed it was 14k but was only stamped 0,585. No 14k mark. Is that correct???
Yes. .585 is equal to 14k solid.
Nice voice. I could swear i was listening to John Lithgow.
😂 That is never a comparison I thought I’d hear.
I have a Waltham pocket watch marked warranted 14k u.s. assay. Is this solid 14k gold? Thanks!
I just released a new video last week on this very topic. Yes, 100% guaranteed that is solid gold.
@@PocketWatchTime Ty... I did watch it after I sent comment lol. I did sub though. Great content!
@danieldambrosio50 thank you 🙌🏼
Ive been looking for a nice pocket watch. I think I'll stick with silver or pewter if they're out there.🧐🤣🤣
Haha 😂 Silver can be tricky too… sterling silver, coin silver, silveroid. Brands tried to fool consumers about silver too. No pewter that I know of. 😁
What do the markings J F 🌟 mean
Probably a brand name? Can you send me a picture?
hello! I need help, I have two watches like this ones in the video, I would like get some help to know how much I can sell them for... I have them from some years ago....thank you!!
Send me an email (link in description) with some pictures and I’ll help the best I can.
@@PocketWatchTime thank you so much!!!
No problem
Greetings from across the pond hope you are safe and well thanks for this I have a waltham the watch case says Elgin then a number when I open the inside it says grantee to wear 10 years this is 1917 still keeps time thanks art
Greetings. It’s very confusing because there was an Elgin watch company and an Elgin watch case company… And they’re actually 2 different companies. It sounds like you have a gold filled case from the Elgin watch case company. It’s amazing to me too how these old classics can still run well after 100+ years. They don’t make things the way they used to.
@@PocketWatchTime thank you greetings from across the pond how can I show you a pic of my watch. art magician uk
@sirrpuss e-mail address is in my bio - pocket.watch.time at gmail
Hi.
Great video.
I have a watch im trying to identify
Send me some pictures at pocket.watch.time@gmail.com
Do any American watch case companies use hallmarks?
No. No hallmarks… but the trademarks can be used in a similar fashion.
Hi i have 1899 elgin hunter case its gold all round but not sure what gold carrot it is could you help me pls
Send me a picture of the hallmarks/trademarks on the case and I’ll tell you what I can.
Yep just trying to get use to my phone
May have send a short film if it worked
I still didn’t get anything - pocket.watch.time at gmail.com.
Sorry still havint got my photo sent but I opened the back an it has a hallmark USA keystone wathcase j.Ross 25 years an some numbers below it witch are 7794931 an on the inside there's eight numbers that read 31233720 if that helps sorry for not sending a photo
Liked and subbed
Awesome. Thank you.
Gold filled (and gold plated) cases have "WARRANTED" for however many years stamped on them.
Gold plated MAY also have "10KGP" or 14KGP" or "18KGP" or "24KGP" on them.
Also, the gold filled (and gold plated) cases MAY be worn down to the brass in places.
A solid gold case will have Gold Halmarks and the Karat (8K, 10K, 14K, 18K, 24K) stamped on them.
The bad news… That’s mostly true. There are exceptions. There are a few brands that mark cases “warranted” and are solid gold. And there’s definitely brands that have “14k” stamped and never mention a word about a guarantee and are gold-filled. The best advice I have is… If you know the case manufacturer you know the rules, if it’s an unknown case manufacturer you’ve got to do a little homework.
What does "Guaranteed J.Boss 25 years" indicate? It also has the words Keystone Case... the watch says Waltham , and also has an engraving date of Dec 8, 1909. Maybe someone's anniversary or birthday or similar?
JBoss was a patented technique for making a gold filled case. It’s a high-quality case. The manufacturer of the case was the Keystone watch case company.
Absolutely… That’s probably an anniversary or a special event in the original owners life. What a great piece of history you have there.
Thanks! Also, the WALTHAM part is in "print " as opposed to cursive. And its a little bigger than a quarter, almost a 50 cent piece...
I opened the back and was trying to understand the 5 point adjustment, but didn't say the words adjustment anywhere... how do I know the quality of the watch/time part...?
@jms415 if you go to the website pocketwatchdatabase.com you can enter the serial number of the watch movement and it will pull up all the information of what year it was made, how many adjustments, number of jewels, etc.
@@PocketWatchTime Thanks! Says grade 18, model 1883... made in approximately 1896 ... amazing that it still works!!
just today purchased elgin 19 wrist watch. claims "10kgold" , hard to tell (first letter is in cursive) company name most likely "Hadsworth" or may be Wadsworth . also says "cased and packaged by elgin national watchco" no other signs or marks on the case. there is mark on the band stating "10K of top caps". Patrick , would you be able to tell if this is gold or simply plated, picking it up on Saturday from the local online auction.
Is this a true wristwatch or a converted pocket watch? The brand is definitely “Wadsworth” and my guess for the next line is “10k gf top caps”. If this is a wrist watch on a metal band… I think that branding is telling you the visible or top portion of the band is gold-filled and the bottom portion of the band is probably steel. If you need more specific help… Send me a picture and I’ll let you know what I see.
Where can I send you the pictures?
@campusrd email address is in my bio
@PocketWatchTime I am sorry don't really understand how this bio email works. Can you provide email for me to send pictures to?
@campusrd pocket.watch.time@gmail.com
I don't even understand the reasoning behind companies making gold filled cases in the first place. It seems like from the beginning the idea is to fool people into buying a fake watch. I'd rather have a stainless steel watch than one that looks like gold but it's not.
I agree. That’s why I really try to stay away from gold-filled cases… I’d rather have a case of any other solid metal whether it be silver, gold, platinum, steel, or even brass.
You just got lucky with those maximum movements...
The Maximus is my favorite line of pocket watches… as you can tell. 😆
I purchased two pocket watches this month both marked 14k but only one was gold. The gold filled mislabled watch had a chain the chain was gold but the findings were gold filled.
Gold vs gold-filled can be tricky sometimes. What brand was the gold-filled case?
@@PocketWatchTime I don't think it had a name. I originally bought the watches and chain as gold filled, when I got home and was looking more carefully I noticed the markings. I tested the cases and as an after thought I tested the chain as well. I called the guy and explained my mistake. Later that evening paid him another $600+.
The non gold case is marked ROYAL 14K below then serial # below that.
@@PocketWatchTime ROYAL
That’s a trademark of the B&B company. That Royal designation is 14k gold-filled.
I have Elgin deluxe watch but not working.maybe it comes 100 years
Definitely can be almost 100 years old. Amazing.
@@PocketWatchTime how much ,,,the cost of Elgin deluxe filled gold
I’d need more info - the case and movement together gives price. Can you send me pictures on my instagram?
I just scrap my old cases
No time to wait until they sells
Good job man !!!
I understand some old beat up cases may deserve scrapping… but hopefully the more beautiful cases avoid the scrapper. They don’t make these cases anymore and they’re becoming harder to find.
I think on the rightside.
Thanks for watching.
Sellers need to go to a professional to ascertain the gold content before listing, also EBay has a refund policy on a watch that is not described as listed. Sellers can charge what they want, doesn’t mean that buyers will entertain a purchase. Remember…Never give a sucker an even break.
You’re right. The eBay return policy is a very powerful tool and usually favors the buyer.
The way people rifle through grandpa's jewelry box after the funeral and find an old pocket watch that simply says the word "gold" anywhere on it and crap their pants with excitement thinking they've literally hit the lottery is ridiculous. People need to get much better at researching antique prices and managing their expectations.
That example really made me chuckle. You’re probably so right about that situation. You’re also right… It’s not that difficult to research what you found and confirm whether it’s gold orgold-filled. I’m surprised most people don’t do it themselves. However, I guess I’m a resource for those who can’t find the info or those that don’t try.
These items before the 21st century especially if it’s from your grandparents is worth checking out and getting semi-happy for cause they be having those old items that’s not in circulation and sometimes it’s rare and its worth money, like huge money. It’s better to check cause some people just throw things away. I used to work on houses a bit and the #1 thing I like to do is find old stuff and inspect. I’m 90s so I have a chance to check stuff that may be from the 1900-2000s and half the time it is, I run into nothing though of value though, just sentimental.
@_YohAsakura_ Exactly. Sometimes you’ll find treasure.
If I were to send you some pics of my uncles watch, would you be able to tell me if it's solid gold or not?
Yes, send me some pics. Make sure to include the inside of the case lids for any hallmarks.
@@PocketWatchTime this doesn't allow me to send pics, where do I send them?
Email is pocket.watch.time@gmail.com
Gold filled watch
Gold-filled cases can be very beautiful
Good common sense.
Thank you. 🙌🏼
It is eBay policy (although they don't police it at all) as well as FTC law is very clear. Any time the term "14k", "18K" or "gold" is used, it must include a qualifier. I see countless ads containing these terms without qualifiers. The qualifiers must state if they are "solid" gold, plated, filled, electroplated, rolled gold filled etc... If the ad says, "14k solid gold" anywhere and the item is not, eBay will guarantee a 100% refund. I have returned multiple items using this guarantee...in some cases, only to see the seller relist the item.
Great information. I try my best to catch some of these sellers/items and email the sellers telling them their cases are not in fact solid gold. Sometimes they’re apologetic and relist without stating solid gold… most just ignore. I’m sure it’s a passive attempt at fraud in a lot of cases.
Isn't that just for the manufacturers ?
I’m not sure how vintage items are treated with current laws. These cases were the Wild West of horology - new manufacturing techniques were constantly being created and how could the laws keep up back then. Thus, lots of vintage cases exclude qualifiers which makes grading cases more difficult than it should be.
Well damn. I need to learn more about gold which I am planning to do. I only knew about solid and gold plated. Filled, electroplated, rolled gold filled is new to me and I’m 30. Lol. And those sellers should be banned from selling again, that’s scamming, it’s against the rules ain’t it?
@_YohAsakura_ It’s definitely scamming… But they pretend they’re ignorant. To battle ignorance is to be an educated shopper.
My poket eatch, i want to sale it
eBay is a great source to buy and sell pocket watches
A solid gold case (100%) if we are talking about would be heavy and the gold itself would be too soft which gold is
The case would be impractical unless it was a presitation6 watch never worn just to look at as for day to day not very use full. The base metal used is silver
To give the case more strength. And before anyone bitches the gold used is thicker then the gold filled or rolled gold these processes are much different then gold plated. Just Google and see the difference from solid go ld, gold filled,rolled gold and gold plated. I'm no expert but that's what was told to me.
I’ll interpret that as a solid gold analysis. Thank you. 🙌🏼
14k solid gold is an oxymoron. I believe 24k is solid gold.
I get what you’re saying 😁… but solid isn’t pure.
What’s with the background? Looks like you’re behind bars lol.
Haha. 🤣 I was trying to sell the idea that tons of eBay sellers are criminals (trying to sell non-gold cases pretending they are solid gold).
Great info, Patrick! I have been tempted by many gold-filled/gold-capped vintage watches but was unsure of its durability. I'd hate to see the base metal come through on a watch so I am going to be extra careful to buy solid gold!
There’s nothing wrong with gold filled as a general rule… There are some gold filled cases that are very beautiful. You do have to be a little careful with them over time. The take-home point is don’t pay solid gold prices for a gold filled case. If you can find a reasonably priced watch in a gold filled case… No harm in that.
Can you fix my pocket watch? What would it cost ? Do you give estimates? Ty
On no. Just a collector and I tinker a bit - I can’t do a real fix or diagnose a problem.
@@PocketWatchTime can you recommend a person who does? Ty
www.elgintime.com - he’s got a waitlist but does solid work.
@@PocketWatchTime That’s ok .. I have been waiting anyways . What’s a little bit longer for a great out come . Ty
🙌🏼