Any watch collectors?

[Marthe48]

I had a couple of pocket watches I thought I'd put in the booth. The gold watch is missing the crystal and the second hand, but is running. I started to check to see what kind of watch it is and I'm stuck. I got the back open and the works are marked The Joseph Welf and Sons Co. Cleveland, Ohio, number stamped on the works: 2344133, 17 jewels. I can't find much information. I found a pocket watch database, but had no luck there. Does anyone know where else I can look? Thank you I think it might be a pretty good watch, even if it's not complete. The other watch is a Wesclox Scotty, and it really is in pieces.

[bucolic_frolic]

1. Here's some old posts

https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1086047761/m/1323964557?

https://mb.nawcc.org/threads/welf-bros-pocket-watch.39546/

Watches and jewelry value can vary widely. If gold spikes to $2,4,6,8k per ounce, people sell them for scrap - gold content. I don't know how much collectible value there is at any given point.

[Marthe48]

2. Thanks!

I'm glad I slowed down and checked. If I find anything out, I'll let you know!

[Boxerfan]

3. Really need a picture of the workings.

Or the movement.

It sounds like a private label watch. Often sold with the retailers name on the dial but no connection to the actual watch manufacturer.

The working / watch value is likely minimal-less than $100.00-UNLESS the case is gold. Then that is the value. The Scotty could be sold for parts but not likely as $10.00 would be a lot for that.

Pics if possible.

[Marthe48]

4. I put the pictures I took on Imgur

https://imgur.com/gallery/Xv9wlSP

I put $1 on the Scotty--downsizing, ruthlessly
I read the links that BucolicFrolic posted and checked to see if the serial number on the works matches the Illinois works. I think I found it!
https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/search/result/illinois/2344133

Thanks for all of your information.

[multigraincracker]

5. Best way to judge actual value,

list it on eBay.

I bought a wristwatch at a yard sale for a buck. They were listed on eBay from $250 to $1,400. We pour on eBay for, buy it now for $400 and it sold the first day. Everyone was happy.

[Marthe48]

6. Good for you!

I might hang on to the gold watch awhile. I thought it would be a common pocket watch, but just like other things we have, it's an oddball. I don't even know where we got it. Not a family heirloom.

[Boxerfan]

7. It does have a low production #

But that would really only affect value on a complete/ mint example.

Also being a 12s makes it less valued than a railroad watch with similar #'s.

All in I'd say $60-80. on E-bay. The dial is nice & it could be restored but it still would struggle to get past $100.0 (IMHO)

Not solid gold and the monograms & wear work against it. And competent service for old watches is HTF & costly meaning it probably wouldn't pay to restore unless it did have sentimental or family value.

[Marthe48]

8. I saw watch sizes

and looked at the explanation on The Pocket Watch Database. More details I must go back and try to understand. But is that serial number definitely a 12 size watch?

You sound experienced in watches. Thanks for all of the information

[Boxerfan]

9. Definitely a 12s

Very good watches & capable of excellent timekeeping.

But they did play the market like Mattel does now. Lots of variants & short runs to keep the sales going. Illinois sold the watches to the jeweler listed on the dial .

Not a lottery winner but a nice old watch. Railroad adjusted 16s / 18s will always do better. 12s were more of a gents watch than a working timepiece.

Cheers.

[timms139]

10. this price guide has that brand listed

//www.marks4antiques.com/price-guides/

[Marthe48]

11. Thanks!

I'll check that and see what it says. It's been awhile, and I put the watch somewhere safe