Valgine Pocket Watch
Overview:
I am not usually tempted by pocket watches, but recently I picked up a modern watch for my younger brother, so my interest was piqued. So, on my last visit to my local antique store, I looked through the vintage bin. When I opened up this little beauty of a watch, I was amazed at the condition. I am not sure of the exact age, but, it is Swiss Made, Valgine, 17 jewels, Incabloc, and the dial is just flawless.
The front of the watch has a charming fisherman engraving and is in very good condition. The is no wear through visible on the plating and the embossing is deep and high quality. The front cover pops open perfectly when the pendant is pressed. If this watch was used, I don’t think was a daily wear watch. The inside of the front dial cover has a well executed tool pattern, a real one, not the stamped versions seen in modern, cheap pocket watches. The dial is pure white with black roman numeral markers for 1 through 12 and small, red, Arabic markers for 13 through 24 hours. The hands are very elegant and expertly cut. The seconds hand is at the 6 o’clock position. The crystal appears to be acrylic and has no scratches at all.
The rear of the watch has a floral pattern, and is expertly engraved as well. Again, there is no wear through on the plating that is visible without a jeweler’s loupe.
The watch also came on a nice quality chain and traditional fob, not a belt clip. A little dandy, but I am sure in a suit, you can pull it off. The watch is about 44mm in diameter, so not too large, and smaller than what a lot of people wear on their wrists now!
The movement is a 17 jewel, Swiss made movement, shock protected, 18,000 bph, and keeps excellent time. The power reserve seems good as well, well over 32 hours. I would guess that the watch was made in the 60, by how little wear there is. I don’t think I will wear it much, but I am still glad I acquired this watch. I have not been able to find out much about this brand, I assume they were one of the thousands of companies wiped out in the quartz revolution.
Case: 44mm diameter, gold plated.
Back: gold plated, snap back style.
Crystal: Acrylic, domed.
Movement: 17 jewel Swiss, Incabloc shock protection, 18,000 BPH.
Complications: Small seconds.
Other: On 12″ watch chain, with fob.
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