Expert: Melvin Mills - 11/4/2007

Question
QUESTION: My aunt asked me to find out abou there late husbands pocket watch.  It is a Seth Thomas 17 jewel in a gold case.  On the front is a man working on an anvil in a train shop and on the back is a train with steam coming out the smoke stack.  I have searched and searched and cannot find a similar watch anywhere.  This watch is unique in that it does not have a seperate mini hand to go with the main hand.  The numbers are american and there is a large hour minute and second hand on the face.  There is an upside down wreath on the what back under the center of the hands.  Can you tell me anything about this watch?

ANSWER: Mike,

Seth Thomas was a prominent clockmaker in Thomaston, Connecticut.  In 1833, the company decided to start making watches.  

A 17 jewel movement is a good quality movement.  If it has not been cleaned in awhile, have a watchmaker clean it for you and you will have a very nice keepsake/heirloom.

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QUESTION: Thank you.  I know you do not do appraisales but if I were to send some photos could I get a ballpark estimate as to what it might be worth?

Answer
Yes, you can send photos to millswatchrepair@gmail.com

I will do my best but I will forewarn you that pictures sometimes lie and the range I give you will be very wide.

The condition of the watch counts greatly on the price.  Since it will be difficult to determine that in photos, I will give you a conservative price.  

Kind regards,

Melvin