Expert: Melvin Mills - 2/3/2011

Question
I have 3 hand-me-down pocket watches. I DO NOT need to know any value. I would like to know where can find the history of the watches? How old are they?

#1. Hamilton Railway Special Pocket Watch.21 Jewels. Serial      #C276612.
   Silver case.White face with Large black numbers. Small second
   hand dial near the bottom.

#2.  Elgin(Ladies?)Pocket Watch. Made around 1912? Thin gold or
    gilded case with as small dial face. 7 Jewels? Case
    engraving inside: C.W.C.Co.#3501240

#3.  Old Silver(?) Pocket watch. No name on the face or in side
    2 small keys to wind-up the watch & set the hands. Must open
    first rear cover to access wind-up pins. Open second cover
    access the movement. Inside it says: "Cylindrel  huit rubis"
    (French or Norwegian?)
Serial numbers inside: 10956 (Jeweler's Mark?)JG  APIT 1070124

Where did these watches come from? Where can I research their history? Any information would be great. Please-no value needed.

Answer
William,

I am giving you the link to attain the history.  You can use the serial numbers ON THE MOVEMENT
to find the date the watches were made using the same links.

1. http://www.pocketwatchrepair.com/histories/hamilton.html

2. http://www.pocketwatchrepair.com/histories/elgin.html

3. If this watch is using a key wind, it is from the late 1800's/early 1900's.
  The writing is french, which is not rare being that most of the watch industry
   in Switzerland is from the french speaking region.  Since there is no name, it is
  not possible to get more information on it.

Kind regards,

Melvin
millswatchrepair.com