Expert: William J Perkins - 7/6/2008

Question
I am in the possession of an elgin timepiece that was given to my son from my aunt who is 89.  She was given the pocketwatch from her uncle who worked in Illinois for the Railroad.  He was given the watch for his retirement I am assuming.  It is an Elgin Watch with the words Keystone on the inside front cover of the watch.  It also has a 14K with the numbers 5057585.  The watch works beautifully, but is generally kept in a box in a safe.  I know that you cannot, without seeing it, tell me what this watch is worth.  But my question is should I pursue selling it?   If it is only worth in the 0-500 dollar range, should we  just keep it in the safe for the future?  I just need some direction.  I hate to have it sit in the safe when it works beautifully, is fully encased, and is a beautiful piece of jewelry that we just wont ever use.

Answer
I usually do not respond to watch questions, but, I will make an exception in this instance.  However, I will make no current value estimates.  Leave us say that any watch with a 14K case demands a premium price.  I will need more information from you.  I belive the number you gave me is for the case, not the watch.  If you open up the case back you will find information stamped upon the backplate.  There should be a number, which is the watches serial number; a grade name or number, such as Veritex;  Number of jewels; and other information.  As for the case there should be a makers name and perhaps other data.  If the case is not solid gold there will be a statement, warranted or guaranteed for 10, 15, 25 or more years.  Provide me with this information, with it I can really zero in on your watch and relay to you my findings, along with suggestions appropriate to keeping or selling the watch.  Regards WJP