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Standards For An Antique Pocket Railroad Watch
The Railroad Watch The late 1800s was the period when trains were the primary mode of transportation. Aside from moving people from one point to another, trains also carried valuable goods for trade and industry. This was one of the main reasons why a typical conductor railroad watch now known as an antique pocket railroad watch was important. There was however, more than just punctuality at stake. Railroad watches had to be in good working order to ensure that no accidents happened. As many of us know, there were hundreds of trains waiting or running on the tracks and they moved according to when they were scheduled to move. Following the right time prevented having two trains on the same track moving towards each other. Sometimes though a defective railroad watch could mislead a conductor and lead to fatal train crashes. In 1891, such a fatal crash happened in Kipton, Ohio because a railroad watch was late for four minutes. It was then decided that a commission should draft standards for railroad watches. An antique pocket railroad watch is therefore especially desirable because of its level of quality, sturdiness and exactness. A well kept antique pocket railroad watch built a hundred years ago was so well done that it can still be in good working order up to this day. Some people though really collect antique pocket railroad watch pieces for sentimental reasons. An antique watch is a fitting reminder of the good old railroad days. What to Look for in an Antique Pocket Railroad Watch 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. When one speaks of the size of an antique pocket railroad watch, what is referred to is not the actual length or width but the size of the movement. In the beginning, the standard for a railroad watch was size 18. In the early 1900's size 16 became a popular option. 2. Other than the size, an antique pocket railroad watch should also have several specific parts and qualities. It should have an open white face with Arabic numbers and a winding stem placed at 12. It should also have 17 or more ruby toroid jewels, a double roller, a steel escape wheel, a regulator and a lever set. It should be adjustable to five positions and should be temperature compensated. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Searching for an Antique Braille Pocket Watch or a Dale Earnhardt Pocket Watch? Find only the best sources online. |
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