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Clocks, Watches/Gold Pocket Watches

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Expert: - 3/28/2008


Question
Are gold pocket watches from the early 1900's or late 1800's really solid gold?  Is that secondary cover solid gold or was there a process of plating gold onto a metal as in electroplating?

Answer
Ms. Judy,

Only 5% of watches were made of solid gold.  That means there is a 95% chance it is not.  If it is, it should have some marking to designate it as such.

If you see any markings that indicate a time, such as guaranteed 10 years, it is gold filled.  The number of years stated is the amount of time it was guaranteed not to wear through to the base metal.

Kind regards,

Melvin

Clocks, Watches

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Melvin Mills

Expertise

I can answer questions regarding the repair of quartz watches and antique American pocket watches. I cannot give appraisals. My expertise is in watches, not clocks.

Experience

I am trained to repair quartz and mechanical watches, both modern and antique. My business focus is on quartz watches and antique pocket watches. I have been in this field for almost 5 years.

Organizations
I belong to the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC).

Education/Credentials
I am a Certified Master Horologist from the National Institute of Horology.

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