Remembering the Good Old Days with an Antique Railroad Watch

By: Jeff Holmes

by Jeff Holmes

If you are looking for a retirement or graduation gift, there is no better item than an antique pocket railroad watch. Although some people may not be very familiar with the true value of such an item, it is sure to be appreciated by anyone. The truth is an antique pocket railroad watch is really quite expensive. Nonetheless, there are fairly good reasons why you should spend a bit for such a gift.

The Story of the Railroad Watch

Most people know from history books that the 1890s was the time when trains were widely used for transportation. Trains were not only crucial for transporting people, they were also important for the timely and efficient movement of economic goods. This in itself was enough of a reason for what we know now as antique pocket railroad watch pieces to function well.

As many of us know, there were hundreds of trains waiting or running on the tracks and they moved according to when they were scheduled to move. Following the right time prevented having two trains on the same track moving towards each other. Sometimes though a defective railroad watch could mislead a conductor and lead to fatal train crashes. In 1891, such a fatal crash happened in Kipton, Ohio because a railroad watch was late for four minutes. It was then decided that a commission should draft standards for railroad watches.

An antique pocket railroad watch is thus quite valuable since it was made with tremendous attention to durability, quality and precision. A standard antique pocket railroad watch was crafted so well that even after a century, it could still tell the exact time.

Some people though really collect antique pocket railroad watch pieces for sentimental reasons. An antique watch is a fitting reminder of the good old railroad days.

Antique Pocket Railroad Watch General Standards

The first general standards for railroad timepieces were already in use in 1893. The standards however were often changed and made better through the years. A number of watchmakers were also able to make railroad watches that were far better than just the compliant pieces. Every antique pocket railroad watch should therefore be assessed for quality and authenticity depending on the year it was made and the company that made it. There are two main points though that you have to consider in an antique pocket railroad watch.

1. The first main point is the size. Sizes are not measured according to the width or circumference of a piece but according to movement. The early standard size was 18. The following century however came up with the size 16 that quickly became a preferred option.

2. Aside from the size, an antique pocket railroad watch should also have 17 ruby toroid jewels or more, can be adjusted to five positions and should be temperature compensated. It should be open faced with Arabic numbers on a white face. It should also have a lever set, double roller, steel escape wheel, regulator and a winding stem positioned at 12.

Article Source: https://www.collectibles-articles.com

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