Hey Stewey

[tamborine]

Been clearing junky cupboard & found a gold coloured Elgin pocket watch. The minute hand is missing & I cant see how it winds up. You like watches - interested ?

[tamborine]

no name but has 2k engraved, silver color, small & heavily pattern back. No watch repairers here ;(

http://tinypic.com/r/w82smb/8

http://tinypic.com/r/4vid0k/8

[stewey]

Serial # 895829 made aprx 1881, size 6, 15 jewels, Hunter style, ¾ plate, lever-set time, Elgin Watch Co. Illinois. Case made by the Keystone Watch Case Co., “Cyclone” grade/model, rolled gold. To set the time, you have to unscrew the crystal and look for a small lever hidden in an indent in the dial; pull this out, pull out the crown, set the time, and then reset the lever. You found another one?

[tamborine]

Without a minute hand its not worth setting. T'other has no makers that I can find. Have you any info, it lopks a comlicated works mode

[stewey]

Just for interests sake why not take off the crystal and see if you can find the lever? At a glance I would say that the second watch is what is called an ebauche Swiss bar movement. There seems to be two winding arbors (axles) for a key to wind and set the time. It's almost impossible to find a manufacturer, let alone a date, for these type of movements. I wish I lived within driving distance of you...I'd be right over to give these babies a boo:)

[stewey]

Check the regulator, that thing sort of like a pointer at the right top of the photo. Does it have an "S" and an "F" on it or an "A" and an "R"?

[tamborine]

Which photo....wot if u give a throwaway email I can post, u fix & sell & donate proceeds to cancer charity?

[stewey]

Tamborine, if I lived in the UK perhaps we could arrange something. Whatever you do, don’t toss them in the garbage. There are plenty of clock and watch “nuts” like me around. Advertise them in your local paper, grocery store bulletin boards, pubs, etc. The Elgin is not a “high end” watch, and it is not working. the Swiss one is virtually a no-name watch. So I would suggest that you ask around 200 or 250 pounds for the two and negotiate from there. Obviously the potential buyer will offer you less.

[tamborine]

Thanx all for help. The mice have watches back for now ;)