"The release of atom power has changed everything except our way of
thinking... the solution to this problem lies in the heart of mankind.
If only I had known, I should have become a watchmaker."
- Albert Einstein

Specializing in watches from the Elgin National Watch Company and other American makes

Jeff Sexton

Watch Cleaning

I learned watchmaking from my Grandfather. I occationally accept watches needing work (Contact me, jsexton@agora.rdrop.com, for information on having your antique watch or pocketwatch restored or serviced). I also offer for sale on eBay and otherwise, Elgin pocketwatches that have been serviced and restored to working order - traditionally refered to as "watch cleaning". Watch cleaning includes:

• Disassembly and cleaning of all parts.
• Inspection for damaged parts including worn or broken pivots, cracked jewels and bent or missing teeth.
• Replacement of any and all parts found worn, damaged or otherwise unusable, including proper rebuilding of balance assemblies, other staffs, springs, wheels and jewels.
• Cleaning, adjusting and re-seating of jewels as needed.
• Removal, cleaning and rewinding, or replacement, of the mainspring.
• Other procedures such as hairspring adjustment, setting to beat, pivot polishing, etc. as needed.
• Reassembly and proper lubrication.
• Rudimentary timing.

I use proper and period techniques and materials throughout the work. All the tools, procedures and materials I use in the restoration of watches are consistent with the original recommendations of the Elgin National Watch Co. I have taken care to learn and apply professional, and frequently old-fashioned, methods - no shortcuts, no substandard materials.

The watches I select to sell are antiques and must be assumed to be sold as-is without warranty or guarantee. They are however, better than when I found them. And in many cases, as good as new.

I should also note that I'm really not interested in work on modern watches. I receive a fair number of inquiries regarding the repair of newer Elgin watches. But, sadly, the Elgin National Watch Co. went out of business in 1968. And it's the antique Elgin products thatI work with most. Watches are produced to this day under the Elgin name. These watches, many of quite good quality, have been made over the years by a variety of Asian and European brands, but are unfortunatly not products of the orginal Elgin company, and so not watches I can help with.

A typical 16 size, 7 jewel Elgin, grade 290, made in 1918

I learned to do this work from my Grandfather, Everett Sexton, who attended the Elgin watchmakers college in the early 1930s. He had a long career as a watchmaker of some reputation. He ever lost his fondness for Elgin products. At school, Everett Sexton was recognized for unusual skills and was personally instructed by William Samelius. I am very fortunate for this. And although I've read a lot of books on watchmaking, and I can say that much of what I learned from my Grandfather, you won't find in the books.

Cases

I typically do not do more than a surface cleaning of cases, to remove dirt and dust that could damage the movement. It is my personal preference to retain the character of old pocketwatch cases where possible. Of course I do replace bows, crowns, stems and crystals as needed. However the movement itself (including the dial and hands) is what interests me the most.

A typical 16 size, 15 jewel Elgin, grade 313, made in 1926

A Word About Pocketwatches in General

Antique pocketwatches are objects of great beauty and special significance. They occupy a special place in the history of human technology, the understanding of time, and of industrial development, particularly in America.

Luckily, many pocketwatches are relativly common and affordable, which makes collecting pocketwatches an accessable and rewarding hobby.

Even today, many antique watches, properly cared for, can provide decades of faithful service. However if you are interested in buying an antique watch, and you are not already a collector, there are a few things to keep in mind. An antique pocketwatch is not at all like a modern quartz movement.

• These watches are fully mechanical devices. They are very easily damaged by physical shocks.
• These watches are not remotely water resistant, and are subject to problems due to temperature, salt air, even tiny amounts of dust, moisture and other environmental factors.
• A pocketwatch requires regular maintanance by a skilled watchmaker, to function correctly overtime. These watches were once used everyday, but they typically received a complete overhaul every year.
• Antique pocketwatches are not accurate by today's standards. A good watch, cleaned and adjusted with care, can achieve an accuracy of +/- one minute per 24 hours. More accuracy than this will usually require significant efforts.
• To learn more about watchmaking, visit the website of the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute

The working components of a typical Elgin watch

A virtual Elgin Museum

More About Elgin Watches

The Elgin National Watch Company and other information

Elgin watch mini-FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Pocketwatches For Sale

eBay auctions including restored Elgin pocketwatches, a different watch most weeks. Contact me, jsexton@agora.rdrop.com, for information on other watches that may be available.