Question

Please, describe watches..

Answer 1

I am a novice myself but have made a long effort to educate myself on antique watches. One thing I have done to educate myself is study countless pocket watches, different companies, broken, old, new, and so on. Usualy the "sparkle when wound" is a common the effect made by the "jewels" inside the watch that help the movement operate. All antique watches have a jewel count, could be 7, 15, 16, 19, 23, or w/e. The jewel count (like everything else) seems to not the deciding factor in how much your watch is worth.( although I would consider extra research, from my expierience, on a 23J or jewel count)..You mentioned the "sparkle" is around the face? If that is true and you can see the jewels around the "face" then you may have something special. If you know how to open the watch with out damage then I would suggest opening the back of the piece and the maker, jewel count (example- 15J or 23J), and serial number should be inscripted very small on the back inside. Also be sure to write down what ever is inscripted on the inside of the case to get a more accurate idea of what you have. After you get this information, watch maker is a must, Serial number will give you date it was made, and the jewel count and case maker will help when you assess value or at least help to idetify just by google search engines. After you have all the information you can gather I would then decide if the "face" on your watch is unique and if so have it appraised at your discretion, on here, or somewhere else.(just like everything be sure to get multible opinions to be saf and educate yourself further)                       Like I said I am a novice at best and it took me months to learn what I listed above on my own with out help. Usualy this sort of process broadens my knowledge on a subject but all it has truly done is reassure the fact that I know very little : )... there is no easy ryme or reason to these things except unique is always good among good watch brands and condition is important obviosuly.