| Subject: Re: Marine Cronometer marked Elgin National Watch Co. |
Author:
John
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Date Posted: 15:30:55 11/27/05 Sun
In reply to:
Ron
's message, "Re: Marine Cronometer marked Elgin National Watch Co." on 14:58:48 11/27/05 Sun
The changeover in name was early in the company's history - in mid-1874. After this time most dials read "Elgin National [or "Nat'l"] Watch Co." Early in the 20th century (around the 1910s/1920s) dials were usually marked just "Elgin." Of course, an original dial could be damaged and replaced at a later date with one from an earlier or later vintage, so the most reliable method of dating is the movement's serial number.
If it hasn't been cleaned in years, it most certainly can use it. In addition to dust and other crud that might slow down the works (and create friction and wear), the older organically-based oils and lubricants would have long dried up by now, or turned to a gummy substance. It's impressive that it's running and losing only 10 minutes a day (think of running your car without oil!). Modern oils are synthetic and won't dry out.
At auction, these will fetch anywhere from several hundred US dollars (maybe $700 and up) to a few thousand dollars. Condition, collector demand, etc. will all affect value. As a family piece, of course, its dollar value will never approach its worth as an heirloom. It's great that you're keeping it in the family.
If you're unable to find a suitable watchmaker on PEI, I can recommend someone who's extremely reliable in the States, whom you can contact for help - The Escapement http://hometown.aol.com/stdwatch/
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