The movement was made by a firm called "Unitas" which if memory serves was located in the town of Tramelan, Switzerland. View attachment 450962 View attachment 450963 View attachment 450964Īlthough I'm getting into this a bit late, perhaps I can add a little information on the movement itself. I also have an Illinois watch company pocket watch from the same source (mother in law). Thanks for any help in identifying an dating this! View attachment 168797 View attachment 168796 View attachment 168798 If Star cases were not used by Elgin beginning in the 1950's, does this necessarily date the watch before then? Information is sparse on Star case numbers.
The back case cover is a Star Case Company with a star, the numbers "4006" and "T283771". When did plastic come into use on pocket watches?ģ. I assume that it is not original to the watch.
RAILROAD POCKET WATCH CRACKED
It had a cracked plastic crystal taped to the watch to hold it on, but it does not fit the bezel ring (a little too large, hence the tape). If Railroad watch standards changed in the late '30's to have 19+ jewels, does 17 jewels predate the movement to before the late 30's? But if the movement has no serial number (apparent), does that push it into the 1950's?Ģ. What markings it has are: "seventeen", "swiss", "ELGIN 324 unadjusted", "17 Jewels", and a number "(shield logo) 63416445" inside the movement in the lower right side in a very small font under the mainspring. There is no serial number apparent on the movement. Knowing nothing about pocket watches, I did some research, which only generated more questions as to its age:ġ. I have come into possession of an Elgin railroad pocket watch.