Expert: Melvin Mills - 6/29/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have a stamped 14KT lady's pocket watch with "American Waltham Watch Co. 12209116" on the movement and "Sir Wm Pitt 25 years guaranteed 299384" on the inside of both of the movement covers.  Can you give me an idea of how old it is and any other information that might be fun to know.

thank you

ANSWER: Mary,

This watch was made in 1903.

It is a model 1891 Seaside, size zero (0).

Only 5% of watch cases were solid gold, so this is rare.

I had a chain made for my mom's watch and she wears it as a necklace when
she gets dressed up.

Kind regards,

Melvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Melvin,

Thank you!.....I knew it was old but I never realised that only 5% of the cases were solid gold.  A local dealer told me that it was woth more as scrap but I just had a funny feeling that wasn't true....any idea of the value?  It runs pretty well although I am sure it needs cleaning.  My sister and I am trying to decide how to divide up my parent's things equitavbly.

Thank you for all your help!

mary

ANSWER: Ms. Mary,

I need to get clarification: Does the case have 14K stamped on it?

Kind regards,

Melvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Melvin,

Yes, the case has a 14KT stamp on it.

Answer
Ms. Mary,

This is odd to have both 25 years and 14kt on the case.  They were from two different eras.

Before 1824, watch case makers would state the gold content by how many years it would take to wear through, thus, the 25 years guaranteed.  In 1924, the government decided that stating the years was not good enough and companies had to state the gold content specifically, thus 14kt, 10kt, etc.

If you ever want to insure it or sell it, we will want a jewelry store to confirm the gold value for you.

Some watches are worth more for the scrap but that is not always the case.  The watch has the value of the gold and the watch value.  

To get a decent idea of the value, look in a book by Cooksey Shugart, "The Complete Price Guide to Watches".  It is used by all watch enthusiasts to value watches.  

Kind regards,

Melvin