Why did my Pocket Watch Stop Working?
Several reasons can cause an Elgin pocket watch to stop working. Some common causes include:
- Lack of Power: If your Elgin pocket watch is a mechanical or manual-winding type, it may have stopped due to a lack of winding. Mechanical pocket watches need to be wound regularly to keep the mainspring charged. If the watch is left unused for an extended period or not wound properly, it can stop working.
- Damaged Movement: Elgin pocket watches, especially vintage ones, can experience wear and tear over time. Components of the movement, such as gears, springs, or the escapement mechanism, may become damaged or worn, leading to the watch’s stoppage.
- Dirt and Contaminants: Dust, debris, or other contaminants can enter the watch movement and interfere with its operation, causing the watch to stop working.
- Magnetization: Exposure to strong magnetic fields can affect the accuracy of the movement or cause the watch to stop.
- Impact or Shock: Sudden impacts or rough handling can cause damage to the movement, leading to the watch’s malfunction.
- Worn or Broken Parts: Over time, certain parts of the pocket watch can wear out or break, which can affect its performance and cause it to stop working.
If your Elgin pocket watch has stopped working, it’s best to have it inspected and repaired by a professional watchmaker. They can diagnose the issue and perform the necessary repairs to get your timepiece back in working order. Regular maintenance and servicing can also help prevent potential issues and ensure the reliable performance of a Lord Elgin watch.
How do You Wind an Old Elgin Pocket Watch?
Winding an antique watch is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Hold the watch in your hand with the dial facing upward and the crown (the small knob on the watch case) positioned at the 3 o’clock position.
- Gently unscrew the crown counterclockwise until it pops out slightly from the case. Some vintage Elgin pocket watches may have a different type of winding mechanism that doesn’t involve unscrewing the crown. In that case, you can skip this step.
- Once the crown is in the winding position, turn it clockwise (to the right) in a slow and steady manner. Be gentle while winding to avoid applying too much pressure on the delicate winding mechanism.
- Continue winding until you feel resistance or until the crown cannot be turned any further. Avoid overwinding the watch, as this can cause damage to the movement.
- If your Elgin pocket watch has a power reserve indicator (a small hand on the dial indicating the remaining power), you can stop winding once it reaches the full power reserve.
- After winding, push the crown back in gently, and if your watch has a screw-down crown, screw it back into place clockwise to ensure water resistance (if applicable).
Keep in mind that some vintage pocket watches have different winding directions, so always consult the watch’s manual or seek advice from a professional if you are unsure about how to wind your specific Elgin pocket watch. Additionally, if your pocket watch is a self-winding (automatic) type, it may not require manual winding as it is powered by the movement of the wearer’s body.
Can Elgin Pocket Watches be Repaired?
Yes, older and newer Elgin watches can be repaired. Like any mechanical or vintage timepiece, Elgin pocket watches may require repair and maintenance over time due to wear and tear, damage, or issues with their components.
Professional watchmakers with expertise in vintage watches or antique timepieces can perform repairs on Elgin pocket watches. They have the knowledge and skills to disassemble the watch, diagnose the problem, replace worn or damaged parts, clean the movement, and reassemble the watch to ensure it functions accurately and reliably.
Some common repairs for Elgin pocket watches include replacing broken or worn-out mainsprings, repairing or replacing damaged gears, dial or balance wheels, and cleaning or servicing the movement to ensure smooth operation.
It’s essential to entrust your Elgin pocket watch to a qualified and experienced watchmaker or an authorized service center to ensure that it is handled with care and that the correct procedures and original parts are used during the repair process.
Vintage watches like a Lord Elgin watch often hold sentimental value and historical significance, making professional repair and restoration worthwhile to preserve their authenticity and functional charm.
Is it Worth Restoring a Watch?
Whether restoring an antique Elgin pocket watch is worth it depends on several factors, including the watch’s sentimental value, historical significance, condition, rarity, and cost of restoration.
If your Lord Elgin, Elgin or quartz watch has sentimental value, such as being a family heirloom or having personal significance, then restoring it can be a meaningful and worthwhile endeavor to preserve its legacy and pass it down to future generations.
Additionally, if the antique Elgin pocket watch is a rare or valuable vintage timepiece, restoration can enhance its value and desirability among collectors and watch enthusiasts.
However, it’s essential to consider the overall condition of the watch and the cost of restoration. In some cases, extensive restoration can be costly, and it may exceed the watch’s potential market value. If the watch is in poor condition or requires significant repairs, restoring it might not be financially prudent.
Before deciding on restoration, it’s advisable to consult a professional watchmaker or a vintage watch specialist. They can assess the watch’s condition, provide an estimate of the restoration costs, and offer guidance on whether the restoration is a viable investment.
Ultimately, the decision to restore an Elgin watch should be based on a balance of sentimental value, historical significance, and practical considerations to ensure that the effort and expense align with your personal preferences and watch collecting goals.
Services We Provide
While some minor repairs can be completed at home, other repairs we highly recommended sending to our service center. We at Watch Repairs USA can fix your new, current, or sentimental Elgin brand watch with expertise. Our prices will get you to try us once, with such good customer service we will keep you coming back.
Join thousands of satisfied customers at Watch Repairs USA and get your Elgin watches serviced the fast, convenient, and hassle-free way to guarantee a free estimate and 1 year service warranty. From a simple band repair to repairing broken push buttons or even a complete restoration, our Swiss trained watchmakers perform a wide range of repairs with precision.
Our team provides maintenance services including restoration services. We guarantee the use of only genuine replacement parts for each and every Elgin watch repair.
- Pocket Watch Overhaul Service
- Pocket Watch Repair
- Pocket Repair
- Pocket Watch Quartz Repair
- Pocket Watch Reseal
- Pocket Watch Movement Service
- Pocket Watch Band Repair or Replacement (Leather Straps, Metal bands, Silicone Bands)
- Pocket Watch Battery Replacement
- Pocket Watch Crystal Replacement
- Pocket Watch Stem and Crown Repair
- Pocket Watch Water Resistance
- Pocket Watch Bezel Replacement
- Pocket Watch Dropped and sustained impact damage
- Pocket Watch Case Refinishing
- Antique Pocket Watch Repair
How do I know if my Pocket Watch is Worth Money?
Determining if your pocket watch is worth money requires a careful assessment of several factors. Here are some steps to help you evaluate the potential value of your pocket watch:
- Identification: Determine the make, model, and age of the pocket watch. Look for any identifying marks, serial numbers, or engravings on the watch case or movement.
- Research: Conduct thorough research to find information about the brand and model of your pocket watch. Look for similar watches sold at auctions, vintage watch dealers, or online marketplaces to get an idea of their value.
- Condition: Examine the condition of the pocket watch carefully. Watches in excellent or pristine condition are generally more valuable than those with significant wear, damage, or missing parts.
- Rarity: Consider the rarity of the pocket watch. Limited editions, early production models, or rare complications can significantly impact the value.
- Brand Reputation: The reputation of the watchmaker or brand can influence the value. Watches from well-known and prestigious brands tend to have higher value.
- Historical Significance: If the pocket watch has historical significance, such as being associated with a notable event or person, it may hold additional value for collectors and history enthusiasts.
- Provenance: If you have any documentation or provenance that establishes the watch’s history or previous ownership, it can add value and authenticity.
- Appraisal: Get a professional appraisal from a qualified watch expert or a reputable vintage watch dealer. An appraisal can provide an accurate estimate of the pocket watch’s value based on its condition, brand, rarity, and other relevant factors.
It’s essential to be cautious when evaluating the value of your pocket watch, as some factors can significantly impact its worth. If you believe your pocket watch may have substantial value, consider seeking guidance from an expert watchmaker or an expert in vintage watches to ensure you get an accurate assessment.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Watch Crystal?
The cost of replacing an Elgin pocket watch crystal can vary depending on several factors, including the type of crystal used, the size and shape of the crystal, and where the service is performed.
On average, the cost of replacing a pocket watch crystal can range from $50 to $200 or more. The price may be higher if the crystal is of a complex shape that requires custom cutting or if it is made of sapphire, which is more expensive than mineral glass.
The replacement cost may also vary based on the availability of the specific crystal for your Elgin pocket watch model, especially for vintage or rare timepieces.
It’s important to have the crystal replacement done by a professional watchmaker or an authorized service center to ensure that the correct crystal is used, and the watch is properly sealed and restored to its original condition.
Before proceeding with the replacement, it’s advisable to get an estimate from the watchmaker or service center to understand the cost and ensure that it aligns with the value and condition of your Elgin pocket watch.
