Need information on mom's watch

[bbsolds]

I'm trying to find out more information about a watch that my mother received as a gift from my father. I would like to know the history of the watchmaker, how old is this watch, etc. I have searched the net but have not found any websites that tell me the history, ( like the Elgin database). I've included a picture of my other pocket watches for a size comparison. The hunter case Elgin that it is next to is a size 6s,and the other Elgin is a 12s, ( according to the Elgin Database). Hopefully the pictures are clear enough to see the details. The movement does not appear to have any markings. Since my father passed this watch will be added to my collection, along with my Grandfather's Hamilton and Elgin, and my father's Movado automatic and Bulova tank. As one of the pocket watch websites stated, ( again the Elgin database) "If this watch has been in your family or somehow has a connection to you, DON'T EVER SELL IT! Selling your watch usually won't get you more money than the price of a nice dinner out, but you will never get another watch from your grandfather".

Thanks for any help

[Shangas]

Solds I should never have looked at that first photograph, you are making me insanely jealous!

Your pocket watch looks to be early 20th century, of good quality (15 jewels, I think) and it's a lady's pendant watch, which is very much the kind of thing a loving husband would give to his wife, ca. 1900-1920 (When did lady's pocket-watches go out of fashion guys? I really don't know).

Certainly do NOT sell ANY of those watches. They are excellent timepieces worthy of being family heirlooms. Your grandfather's Hamilton (that big one at the top, middle, w/o chain) is making me drool with envy.

[jedanzoom]

I have silver case like yours somewhere,but without the movement.I'll put some photos when I find it.

[Ray MacDonald]

Thanks for posting and welcome to the Vintage forum. Looks to me like a fine quality 15 jewel Swiss lever movement from 1900-1920. The brand may be Albert but I am not familiar with it.
Unless you have a very famous Swiss watch brand like Patek Philippe or Omega, it's quite difficult to ID these types of pieces. Detailed records such as the Elgin or Waltham database do not exist for most Swiss made watches.

[bbsolds]

Thanks for all of the help. I took this watch and the Hunter case Elgin in to be serviced and you could tell that this "little swiss", (his description) captured the watch makers attention. Regarding the gentleman who services / repairs my watches, Roman is in his 30's and is a second generation watch maker with 12 years experience. This means I will hopefully have a long relationship with him and won't have to worry about him retiring in the near future.

I think not having a detailed history of the make will add to the family connection, because sometimes things left to the imagination are more interesting than that which we know.

By the way, this watch collecting is a sickness, one which I hope no one ever finds a cure.