How Much Are Old Pocket Watches Worth? (2024)

There are several keys to determining the value of a pocket watch; they include adjustments, jewels, brand name, and whether or not the timepiece has been converted to become a wristwatch.

• Adjustments: The number of adjustments (meaning the calibrations a watch has to keep it running accurately regardless of the position in which it is held) add to the watch's value.
• Jewels: The term jewelrefers to the industrial grade gemstones used as bearings for gears. These minimize friction and subsequent wear on the inner watch mechanism. The higher the quality of the watch, the more jewels it will have. Some have up to 25. High jewel examplesare fervently sought by pocket watch collectors.
• Brand Name: The brand of the watch can also greatly impact the value. For instance, earlyorpocket watch examples will have greater value than many other brands.
• Wristwatch Conversion: Some pocket watches have beenconverted to wrist watches. In general, altering a watch will lower the value (and some enthusiasts are ardently against doing this type of conversion). Some conversions of high-end brands still sell for a high value after conversion. If it means that the owner will use a treasured timepiece instead of keeping it tucked away, that's an attractive reason for alteration.

Railroad Pocket Watches

All antique pocket watches are not created equal. Some of the most valuable watches are railroad pocket watches because they were produced with government-required exacting standards to ensure they kept accurate time. It was important to keep trains running in a timely manner both for the convenience of passengers during the steam train era and to avoid catastrophic collisions that could occur if schedules were not followed to the minute.

The watch in the photo is a Ball Open Face Pocket Watch made of 10K gold-filled metal with a screw back, 16 size in working condition.

Selling price: $316 (eBay 7/19)

Elgin Hand Crank Pocket Watch

This Elgin hand crank pocket was is crafted of 18K gold. It is in working condition, 10 size, no. 81431. Elgin was a prolific maker of pocket watches during their prime years of popularity.

Selling price: $819 not including buyer's premium(Morphy Auctions 7/19)

Fortunia Hand Crank Pocket Watch

This Fortunia hand crank pocket watch is crafted of 18K gold. It works only sporadically, 14 size, no. 3186, no lens, moon face dial, chronometer, chronograph, no lever. In spite of its flaws, this is a rare watch and it holds considerable value.

Selling price: $300-$500 not including buyer's premium(Live Auctioneers 7/19)

Hamilton Railroad Service Watch

This Hamilton railroad service watch came with its original celluloid stamp holder. The watch is a 21 jeweled pocket watch in working order. It's in great condition with minor wear to the back of the case. The celluloid stamp holder is in good condition with a split on one side.

Selling Price: $1,037 not including buyer's premium (Morphy Auctions - 12/15)

Illinois Hunter Case Pocket Watch

This Illinois Hunter Case pocket watch was special for a railroad company. No. 1329681, works sporadically, 17 jewels, and 2" diameter.

Selling price: $362.50 not including buyer's premium(Morphy Auctions - 1/11)

New York Standard Hunter Case Pocket Watch

This New York Standard Hunter Case pocket watch is in working order. It is no. 141645, 17 size.

Selling price: $345 not including buyer's premium(Morphy Auctions - 1/11)

Large Railroad Repeater Pocket Watch

This large railroad repeater pocket watch is in working order. It measures 2 1/2" in diameter.

Selling price: $805not including buyer's premium(Morphy Auctions - 1/11)

Utmost Open Face Repeater Pocket Watch

This Utmost open face repeater pocket watch is in working condition, but missing its glass lens.

Selling price: $862.50not including buyer's premium (Morphy Auctions - 1/11)

Utmost Open Face Repeater Pocket Watch

This Utmost open face repeater pocket watch is inworking condition with a few superficial cracks to face.

Selling price: $747.50not including buyer's premium (Morphy Auctions - 1/11)

Waltham 10K Gold-Filled Pocket Watch

This is a Waltham 10K gold-filled pocket watch in working order. It is a 16 size, 23 jewels, no. 9923156, and has a keystone case by J. Boss.

Selling price: $517.50not including buyer's premium (Morphy Auctions - 1/11)

Weld & Sons Hand Crank Pocket Watch

This Weld & Sons hand crank pocket watch is in working order. It has a 25-year case and is a 14 size.

Selling price: $161not including buyer's premium(Morphy Auctions - 1/11)