Expert: Melvin Mills - 5/24/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have my Grandfathers watch, Illinois watch co Elgin USA
with seriel no 5934334, the small winding gear is sheared.Could you tell me the year of make and where can I get it repaired

ANSWER: Gerry,

Is that the serial number on the watch movement or the case?

It will make a difference.

Any watchmaker can repair American pocket watches.  

The first step will be to see what parts need to be replaced, find them or make them.

Then, one will dissassemble the watch, clean it, re-assemble it, lubricate it and time it.

The first step will be the most difficult.

Hard to say what it will all cost because there is no way of knowing what other parts might be needed. It could be as little as $200 but might go up to $400-$500.

Kind regards,

Melvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Melvin

I have had a look at the watch and the number is on the outer and inner case.

Kind regards.

Gerry Sutton

Answer
Gerry,

The number on the case won't tell us anything because watches used to be made by the watchmaker and the case and movement were purchased separately, then the watchmaker put them together.

If you can get me the number off the movement, I can tell you the age.

Kind regards,

Melvin