Expert: Melvin Mills - 10/1/2007

Question
QUESTION: I inherited a small, presumably ladies, pocket watch.  It has no maker's name on the watch face, but says "Wadsworth pilot quality" on the inside of the case.  The serial number is 4381497.  I am interested in finding out the approximate age of the watch. Thank you.

ANSWER: Ms. Peggy,

Is it possible for you to look at the movement?  If so, let me know what it reads.  If you give me the name of the watch company and the serial number of the movement, we will be able to date the watch fairly accurately.

Can you tell me the story behind the watch? ie about the previous owner.  I love to hear about these stories.  
If I can make a suggestion, I would tell you to write down all the information you can about the watch: where it came from, what that person's life was like, such as where that individual lived and worked, and anything else you can.  In this way, when you pass it on to the next family member, it will add to the sentimental value.

Kind regards,

Melvin

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

QUESTION: Hi Melvin,  It is so nice of you to ask about the watch--I'd be glad to tell you.  It was recently passed down to me by my grandmother, who is 102 years old.  She has recently been failing, so I am unable to ask her more about it.  We found it in her jewelry box.  She was born in 1905 in Estelline, Hamlin County, South Dakota. By dating it, I was hoping to learn if it might have been given to her on a special occasion, such as her high school graduation, which was in 1924. I don't think her family had the means to buy her an expensive watch.  My grandfather was a dentist, and they were married in 1926, so that is another possible occasion. The watch is at the jeweler right now, and the jeweler did the best she could reading the movement name and serial number.  This is what she thought it said:  Helbns W   15 jewels   3ADJ  I hope that helps.  Thank you so much for your time!  Peggy

ANSWER: Ms. Peggy,

sorry for the delay. Can you tell me if there is a number on the movement as well?  You see, watches were sold separately from the cases back then so the watch is generally dated by the movement, not the case.  If you have a serial number on the movement we are in great shape.  If not, I will look up the case number and see if we can eliminate some possibilities. For example, if the case was not made until after 1924, we can eliminate graduation.

Kind regards,

Melvin

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

QUESTION: Hi Melvin,
I did not look at the watch myself, it was the jeweler reading off the markings over the phone.  I thought Wadsworth was the watchcase marking, and "Helbns W   15 jewels   3ADJ" was the marking on the movement. The watch is still at the jewelers, so please let me know if this makes no sense, and I will ask the jeweler to open it up again.  Thanks so much for your time!

Answer
Ms. Peggy,

Please ask the jeweler to look for a serial number on the watch movement.  That would go a long way to finding the date of the watch.  

Also, confirm that the watch reads "helbns", not Helbros.  I just want to make sure I look up the correct information for you.  

As for the 15 jewels, that is good news for you.  This is a good quality movement and can still keep time well, even by modern standards.  It won't be as accurate as a quartz watch but will be as good as most mechanical watches made today.  

Kind regards,

Melvin