In part due to a bad train wreck, it was important that they keep accurate time and could not be accidentally reset while in use. In fact, the early 18 size RR pocket watches could be hunter cased as well!įrom about 1890 RR pocket watches in North America need to have several features. These two characteristics meant the watch would be very accurate and that the time could not be accidentally reset. And, while some Canadian railways were accepting grandfathered hunter cased watches through to about 1910, most required the open face case.Īfter that, the watch needed to be lever set and have at least a 17 jewel movement. While the 24hr dial was not a requirement east of Thunder Bay, I like the look of these dials. Two of the most obvious are the 24hr dial and open face. There are several characteristics that qualify a pocket watch from 100 years ago as eligible for use by employees on Canadian railways. These pocket watches were among the best quality watches available since they were required to keep excellent time. Thus, almost every watch that I have has certain features that would make them 'RR Grade' and 'Approved' for use by Canadian railway men on the CPR and the CNR as well as all the other lines in the various parts of Canada including the NAR that I also have a special interest in. Since I have an interest in Canadian Railways, as you will see from my model railway page, when I became interested in pocket watches it seemed only natural that I would mostly confine my collection to watches that would or might have been used on Canadian Railways. I also now have a couple of dress pocket watches that have come to me from my wife's family - an 18S Elgin and a 12S Longines - that belonged to my wife's grandfather and great grandfather - again, a couple of priceless additions to my collection. It is a silver watch that was made in England and was probably a low priced watch in it's day but is now priceless to me. Horologist.I have been collecting only since 2009 but my first pocket watch came to me many years ago from my father and from his father.You tube: Repairing a broken balance staff.
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In fact I would ask questions as a beginner and then find that I was becoming the expertĪnd making the greatest contribution to the thread: I spend some time initially on the watchuseek forums,īut did not find the forums terribly helpful or friendly.
![internet horology club 185 internet horology club 185](http://library.ihc185.com/SB/shots/03_dir_01.jpg)
The following article is one of the best explanations of how watches work
![internet horology club 185 internet horology club 185](http://library.ihc185.com/catalogs/illinois/0070.jpg)
(and his son William) and the clocks H-1, H-2, H-3, and H-4 that they built. (spring driven) watches work after reading the book "Longitude" by Dava Sobel.
![internet horology club 185 internet horology club 185](http://library.ihc185.com/SB/shots/01-215_01.jpg)
I recently (December, 2012) became interested in learning how mechanical