Pocket watch advice

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Looks-wise I agree with Auld Argonian: the Amazon watch looks nice. From a durability standpoint the Colibri will probably be a better bet due to it's full hunter case. I like a watch that is reliable, durable, and easy to read. As nice as the skeleton watches are, they are not the most easy to read.

If you don't mind my asking, are you looking at this watch strictly as a tool, or will it become a family heirloom? If you are thinking "heirloom", then search around for a decent pocket watch with a 17 jewel movement from the 1930s. These can be found in antique shops, at gun shows, and on-line. There are also pocket watch collectors out there who will steer you in the right direction. You should also check out your local "mom & pop" jewelery store-- avoid the mass market guys at the mall-- and tell them what you are looking for. You'd be suprised what lurks in the back room at most of these places.

Anyhow, good luck finding that classic time piece!

[Nick]

I actually have that Colibri 500 in the third link, though I see that price is less than what I paid for it! So I can tell you a bit about that one. It's an very fine watch, it keeps very good time. I'm also personally fond of watches with covers, but I think that's as much a personal taste thing as anything. It's broken on me twice, though. Sorcererdale might be able to give you a better impression of it, since I sent it to him to be fixed the first time. (Never got around to getting it repaired the second time, but I will in time). The first time something happened with the stem and I couldn't set the time. Now there's something wrong with the mainspring, after a few turns it immediately unwinds itself.

I don't know if all that's because it's a Colibri, or if it's just me (wearing it every day and getting knocked about or just bad luck).

If I was coming cold at all three, I might still get the Colibri because of the case, but that Avalon is one heck of a deal! It's also one of the only modern watches I've seen with the small second hand, a detail I love on old watches but is almost nonexistant on new ones.

Just my two bits.