Remembering the Good Old Days with an Antique Railroad Watch

An antique pocket railroad watch is one of the best possible gift options anyone can give on an important occasion. This item can be well appreciated by both antique collectors and non-collectors. There are some however who are not quite familiar with an antique pocket railroad watch. There are very good reasons why such an antique item is so expensive but still very much sought-after.

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.

There were literally hundreds of trains to manage almost everyday. It was important that they all kept the right time. Otherwise, trains could collide when tracks switched as scheduled. In 1891, such a collision happened in Kipton, Ohio just because a conductor's watch was late by four minutes. To prevent further incidents from happening, the government gave the order to come up with standards for railroad pocket 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.

Of course, a collector could also treasure an antique pocket railroad watch not just for its unique level of craftsmanship. An antique railroad watch can bring back the romance and simplicity of the old days.

Standards for an Antique Pocket Railroad Watch

The general standards for railroad watches were widely known in 1893. These general rules however were frequently improved and modified. Some watch companies also produced pieces that were far superior to standard watches. You should therefore learn to evaluate your antique pocket railroad watch based on who made it and the standards on the year it was made. There are things you should have in mind when assessing an antique piece:

1. When one speaks of the size of an antique pocket railroad watch, what is referred to is not the actual length or width but the size of the movement. In the beginning, the standard for a railroad watch was size 18. In the early 1900's size 16 became a popular option.

2. The second main point to consider in an antique pocket railroad watch is the components and characteristics. Your pocket watch should be temperature compensated and should be adjustable in five positions. It should have  17 or more ruby toroid jewels, a winding stem positioned at 12, a double roller, a lever set, a regulator and a steel escape wheel. It should also have Arabic numbers on an open white face.
By: Jeff Holmes

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