You are here:

Clocks, Watches/Undated men's pocketwatch

Advertisement

Expert: - 6/7/2009


Question

Face of pocket watch
I have a  pocket watch; it is like a traditional shell, with the red gold coloring/bronze and doesn't work. I got it from a friend who was moving. On the dial face it says "Rich G. Tafel Louisville, KY." On the inside of the first back cover it says "C.W.C. Co." with Trade mark (a shooting star symbol) and number 1713662. On the inside of the second back cover is a clam shell design and says "Warranted <Crescent> 25 years" with the number 1713662. The mechanical part of the watch shows the number 438412 and includes "Rich. G. Tafel Louisville, KY 17 Jewels." I have included a photo. Can you provide me any information about this watch, e.g. age, origin, information about the maker? I am also interested in repairing it so any suggestions you have are appreciated.

Answer
Eliecer,

This is called a private label watch.  A manufacturer will make a watch and put the name of a jeweler on it.  In this case Rich G. Tafel.

CWC is for Crescent Watch Case Company.  It is gold filled and guaranteed not to wear through the gold to the base metal for 25 years.

You will need to look at the movement to determine the maker.

If the watch DOES NOT need any parts, a complete service will run $100-150.  If it does need parts, it can be more.  

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.