A sampling of some of the invaluable online resources out there that we have enjoyed:
INTRODUCTORY RESOURCES:
New to pocket watch collecting? Menu full of important information for beginners, including how to open a watch, what jewels are, recommended books, etc:
https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/reference/how-to-lookup-a-pocket-watch
Pocket Watch 101 also contains a plethora of well-organized information:
http://www.pocketwatchrepair.com/how-to/how-to-main.php
Easy to understand
Pocket Watch Basics:
https://americantimekeeper.com/basicsAn
Advanced page regarding the mechanics of a watch, complete with a video:
https://americantimekeeper.com/advanced
GENERAL WATCH LOOK-UP RESOURCES AND RESEARCH TOOLS:
A remarkable tool to research most
American pocket watches:
https://pocketwatchdatabase.com
(Please note that due to the extensive database here, some of the information is extrapolated from things that are known but have not been directly observed. Always verify your information.)
An incredible tool for
wristwatch research, as well as historical information (also known as the
Pink Pages):
http://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?10&ranfft&2&2uswk
Jones & Horan's own sales archives:
https://www.archive.jones-horan.com/ Prices and basic info can be had on items sold in auctions back to 1992, basic images and info is available on items from auctions 1996-2004, and full information and photos are available on lots in auctions from 2005 to the present.
ORGANIZATIONS FULL OF RESOURCES (SOME THROUGH MEMBERSHIP):
NAWCC, the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, a community of watch and clock collectors with extensive records, research, education, venues for information exchange, etc:
https://nawcc.org
The Americal Watch & Clock Museum:
http://www.clockandwatchmuseum.org
Antiquarian Horological Society, with extensive research on the art and history of time measurement:
http://www.ahsoc.org
Since 1858, the
British Horological Institute has been a source of news, education and more:
http://bhi.co.uk
Hodinkee, a robust online magazine featuring in-depth reviews, critiques, and reports on watches of particularly high quality:
https://www.hodinkee.com
Worn and Wound, for news and blogs on value-driven watches, the most beautifully-designed and well-crafted timepieces, regardless of price point:
https://wornandwound.com
Watches by SJX, Asia's leading journal dedicated to fine watchmaking, covering mainly wristwatches but with some focus on pocket watches:
https://watchesbysjx.com
Revolution Watch Magazine celebrates the craft, culture and joy of watches and watchmaking through a dozen international editions and its website:
https://www.revolution.watch
RESEARCH SPECIFIC TO A PARTICULAR WATCHMAKER OR BRAND:
The most complete source for
Seth Thomas information out there:
https://seththomasresearch.com
A handy Hamilton database - no membership needed!:
https://www.nawcc.org/research/company-records/hamilton-serial-number-searchThis database includes Hamiltons Serial numbers from 1 to low 800,000s; it does not have serial numbers between low 800,000s and 3 millions. It also does include a lot of the alpha-numeric numbers like on 992B or 4992B, for example.
Resource for all things
Elgin:
http://elginwatches.org
A worthy
Waltham database - no membership needed:
http://nawccinfo.nawcc.org
A guide to
Illinois Watch Co. size 12 watches:
http://www.illinoiswatchguide.com
A source for information about International Watch Co, IWC pocket watches:
Exhaustive resource on
Glashutte watchmaking:
https://www.glashuetteuhren.de
Excellent research tool for
Bulova wristwatches:
https://www.watchophilia.com
OTHER SITES HELPFUL TO HOROLOGICAL RESEARCH:
Extensive website on
Hallmarks found on gold and silver cases, used to identify casemakers:
https://www.silvermakersmarks.co.uk/index.htm
Digital image library of English table clock engravings, wonderful for authenticating these clocks:
RESOURCES FOR ACQUIRING PARTS AND/OR TOOLS:
Largest supply house for Hamilton marine and military material:
Great resource for watch parts and tools - just email Dave at dave@daveswatchparts.com to see if he has what you need:
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The Jones & Horan Peace Team, striving for world peace:
Location of LIVE auctions at The Hilton Doubletree Manchester Downtown Hotel (formerly Radisson)
https://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/index.html