An antique pocket railroad watch is the perfect item to give on any occasion. A good piece is sure to be welcomed even by those who don't collect antique items. Of course, there are some individuals who do not really know the true value of an antique pocket railroad watch. A railroad watch can be well appreciated though once its history has been examined. It would be easy to understand then why some pieces fetch a high price.



The Story of the Railroad Watch



Most people know from history books that the 1890s was the time when trains were widely used for transportation. Trains were not only crucial for transporting people, they were also important for the timely and efficient movement of economic goods. This in itself was enough of a reason for what we know now as antique pocket railroad watch pieces to function well.



It was not however, just an issue of timeliness. Efficient railroad watches were necessary to prevent accidents. Since there were hundreds of trains at that time, schedules had to be maintained and trains and tracks were supposed to move according to the set time. Sometimes though, a conductor's railroad watch could malfunction. This was what happened in Kipton, Ohio in 1891, when two trains in opposite directions met and crashed into each other. This all happened because one conductor's watch was four minutes late. The government therefore instructed a commission to come up with guidelines and standards for timepieces.



An antique pocket railroad watch is thus quite valuable since it was made with tremendous attention to durability, quality and precision. A standard antique pocket railroad watch was crafted so well that even after a century, it could still tell the exact time.



There are however some people who would like to keep an antique pocket railroad watch not just for its excellent mechanism. A lot of people also keep these watches because they are reminders of the good old romantic railroad days.



Antique Pocket Railroad Watch General Standards



The first general standards for railroad timepieces were already in use in 1893. The standards however were often changed and made better through the years. A number of watchmakers were also able to make railroad watches that were far better than just the compliant pieces. Every antique pocket railroad watch should therefore be assessed for quality and authenticity depending on the year it was made and the company that made it. There are two main points though that you have to consider in an antique pocket railroad watch.



1. The first main point is the size. Sizes are not measured according to the width or circumference of a piece but according to movement. The early standard size was 18. The following century however came up with the size 16 that quickly became a preferred option.



2. The second main point to consider in an antique pocket railroad watch is the components and characteristics. Your pocket watch should be temperature compensated and should be adjustable in five positions. It should have 17 or more ruby toroid jewels, a winding stem positioned at 12, a double roller, a lever set, a regulator and a steel escape wheel. It should also have Arabic numbers on an open white face.

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Article Submitted By: JeffHolmes
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Standards for an Antique Pocket Railroad Watch

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