Expert: Melvin Mills - 10/12/2009

Question
I have an elgin ladies watch number 27026173. However, I have tried to get it repaired in this county without much success so far. The glass? face has yellowed it has been fully wound by a previous owner but it is sadly not working anymore, which is obvious owing to the state that it's in. Is there someone able to fix it? Is it worth fixing?

Answer
David,

If the glass, called the crystal, has yellowed, it may be causing rust in the movement.  Look at the hands to tell.

That is very common.  It is a chemical reaction caused by the material the crystal is made from.

Since we don't know what is wrong with it, it is hard to say how much it could cost to get it fixed.

If it only needed a cleaning, oiling, and timing, it would cost USD$150-250.

That alone is probably the value of the watch if it does not have any sentimental value.

Of course you will need some parts.  The problem is that we don't know how many parts so it would be impossible to tell you the cost of the repairs.  

It almost certainly would not make sense to send it to the United States for repair.

Look for a watch collectors club in your area on the internet.  In every club you will find a handful of people who can fix your watch.

If you need any more help, please let me know.

Kind regards,

Melvin