Clocks, Watches/Gold Filled or...?

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Expert: - 10/20/2010


Question

Watch
Hello,

Thank you for taking the time; it is appreciated.

I have an 1882 Hampden watch with a Keystone case.  The case #4463491.  I've been doing some research, but I can't find info about the case.  How can I know if it's gold-filled, or when it was made?

Any help is appreciated.

~ Mike

Answer
Mike,

Inside the case it should have a marking.

If you see that it reads a number of years that it is warranted,

it is gold filled.  For example, warranted 20 years.  

That means the watch case is guaranteed not to wear through the gold to the base metal for 20 years.

There is no way to know when it was made because the case companies did not use any system for dating.

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.

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