Expert: Melvin Mills - 10/6/2009

Question
Greetings, Kind of you to take questions, thanks! I have found a old pocket watch that's been in a drawer for many many years in the basement. Looking at it carefully with a loupe, I see it's a Illinois, 17 jewel, Tahys (?) Bristol 1923, 4232832, set the time and found to my amazement, it kept almost perfect time, only off by about 1 minute in two days and nights! Could hardly believe it. Almost 90 years old. Don't make them like that anymore and never will.It's gold filled and in almost new condition (still in it's box) However it's case lid has been broken. Now the sticky question....I love it and would wear it but I have found two just like it for under $200, almost new. Since cleaning, IE, oiling and repair seems to be cost prohibited, do you think it's worth getting fixed or just buying another one? Seems always to be a case of money if not of sentimental value and since it has none to me, just what would you suggest? I think sodering a new hinge for it plus the shipping would almost be close to the same as the "new" one I found. Thank you very much for your time.

Answer
Don,

You are right: those American pocketwatches have some of the finest craftsmanship that one could see anywhere and they most certainly don't make them like that anymore.

You are right on another point as well:  without the sentimental value, many watch are probably not worth fixing.

There is some hope for you.

You might consider taking it to a local jeweler and asking them to laser weld it.  If you find a local laser welder, you might be able to get it fixed for $100-$150, depending on the extent of the repair.  It is definitely worth looking into.

Kind regards,

Melvin