Expert: Melvin Mills - 6/16/2009

Question
Hi,

I am new to pocket watch collecting and Im thinking I want to take up the hobby since I own a large collection of wristwatches as a consumer, I think venturing into pocket watch collecting would be very interesting.
Hi Melvin,

I have the opportunity to buy a pocket watch worth about $65, which sounds like a good deal. The brand is Minimax, the seller claims it is a 17 Jewel "Unadjusted" watch around 1950's. The movement is supposed to be "swiss made", but I have never heard from that maker so I am doubting the collectability of the watch. Another option I have is a nice good old American Elgin "grade 345" from around 1920-1930 but the price is twice that. Both seem to be in fine shape with pretty decent movements.

I just figured will buying an unknown watch, the Minimax be better in the long run as compared to buying something quite popular as the Elgin in terms of maintenance costs, collectability and value for instance?

Any thoughts on this subject, such as info on these watches and any advise that will help me make a decision would be a tremendous help.

Thank you.

Answer
Robyn,

Welcome to the world of pocket watch collecting.  It is wonderful.

First, I would strongly recommend buying a book authored by Cooksey Shugart, "Complete Price Guide to Watches".

In that book, you will learn what to look for in a watch.  It is a wonderful watch to gain information on watch collecting.  Next, it gives you the values of what the watches are selling for at watch meets.

That will give you an idea of what to pay for any watch.

Remember that a watch is only valuable IF YOU FIND A BUYER.

If you have an unknown, or unpopular watch, you might not find a buyer.

If you stick with American pocket watches, there will be a market.  You will be able to find buyers when you get ready to sell.  

I hope this will be some help to you.

Kind regards,

Melvin