Bob Delbridge posted:Bob Delbridge posted:My wife passed away May 3 and I haven't been posting much, but today as I was going thru some of her things I found this:
The face notation says "Ball Official RR Standard Cleveland".
I don't think it came from anyone on her side of the family that was a RRman, I know her grandfather was on the Vicksburg Police force (I have 2 of his badges, one is a captains badge).
Not sure how long this watch has been sitting, at least 25 years. Should I try to wind it up or what's the first thing I should do?
(it must work, the second hand has moved 8 seconds since I took the photo)
Finally removed the back off the watch, here's what I saw:
BALL MODEL
WADSWORTH QUALITY
14 KARAT GOLD FILLED
7485828
There's an inscription that reads "All My Love Is Yours, Madge"
The inside the watch itself is the following:
BALL WATCH Co.
CLEVELAND O
TRADEMARK OFFICIAL STANDARD
21 JEWELS ADJUSTED 5 POSITIONS
B623063
How can I tell when this was made and an approximate value?
Hi Bob,
The serial number of your watch indicates that it was produced in approx. 1926-1927. To wind the watch, just turn the crown(the serrated knob at the top of the watch case) clockwise. You will feel and hear the watch winding up the mainspring. I would wind it maybe 4 or 5 turns, then set the hands to the correct time, then go back and wind the watch fully. In order to set the hands, you must unscrew the front cover and remove it. At approx. between the 1-2 o'clock position you will see a slot with a small arm/lever protruding. gently pull the lever outward until it stops. You can then gently pull upward on the crown and then set the hands to the time. Once the hands are set, push the crown back down, and gently push the lever back into the case. Thread the front cover back onto the case(be careful as these fine threads are cross threaded very easily)-just make it a snug fit. Then go back and wind the watch fully. I'm not going to get into value because that's subjective based on condition(dial chips or cracks, case wear, movement scratches, screw head damage, etc) rarity, and desirability. You would need detailed photos of the watch to get a better idea of value.
Nick
