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Clocks, Watches/C.W.C. Pocket watch

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Expert: - 6/25/2008


Question

Afassiz.jpg
I have a gold pocket that was my Grand Father's, he worked for the railroads in the late 1800's.  On the dial face it says Agassiz, on the inside of the first back cover it says C.W.C.Co below that is says trade mark. Between the words trade and mark is a star and half moon and below that is the number 696075. On the inside of the second back cover is a clam shell design and on the indisde part of the case is Dec 7,86,and on the movement it says Switzerland, Agassiz and number 91531. I have included a photo. Can you tell me anything about the history of this watch?

Answer
Philip,

Auguste Agassiz started making high quality watches in 1832 in Switzerland.  The company was inherited by Earnest Francillion and he built the factory that became Longines in 1866.

Longines is considered a high grade watch company.  

If I may say, replacing the crystal will make the watch look much better but DO NOT refinish the dial.  It may ruin the value.

It is a beautiful watch.  Write down the history of your Grandfather (birthday, where he lived, worked etc.) and keep it with the watch.  The next generation to inherit the watch will cherish it even more knowing the history.  Although the material value won't go up, the sentimental value will soar.

Kind regards,

Melvin

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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