Horological Meandering

There have been a couple of beautiful new pocket watch models announced that made me think about the one pocket watch I have. Several years ago my father gave to me his father’s pocket watch.  He wrote a nice note describing the history of the watch as he knew it.  It had been a gift from my grandmother to my grandfather in 1922, two years before their marriage. They were each first generation Americans.  They had not a lot of money, but they made up for it with hard work and faith in their country.  My grandfather earned admission to college and worked his way through to pay the tuition.  He spent his entire career as an engineer with AT&T.

My grandfather died when I was a young boy.  I have very happy memories of him, but I wish he had lived long enough for me to get to know him better.  I understand he loved watches and motorcycles and pistachio ice cream.  (Three of my favorites! ☺)  I also understand he was a master craftsman and mechanic.  I have a few of his tools.

I never saw him wear the watch, but I do remember my father wearing it on special occasions back in the days he wore three-piece suits (early 80s?).  It’s not running now and has sat in the safe since it was given it to me.  I want to try to find someone to work on it next year.

Have a look.  Anyone else want to share something worn by a parent or grandparent?

Best,

Jed

The original owner, my grandfather.  He trained to be a pilot in the first World War but I believe the war ended before he saw any combat.

The watch.

His initials.

Some beat up but lovely hands.

The note that accompanied the watch when it was given to me. (I think that may be a bit of breakfast on the crystal!  I took these pictures in a hurry on the breakfast table when my kids were outside!)

More of the note.

Hallmarks.

Hallmarks.

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I really enjoyed reading your post Jed.  It just goes to show that something so old, not in working condition can have so much meaning and value attached to it.  The history is what makes it so special.  This is why I tend to love things that are old....especially people because they've lived and experienced and have so much to share.  I'm sorry that you weren't able to know your grandfather for a longer period of time.  At least you are able to know of him through this pocket watch. 

Some of us may not have things passed down to us but your post reminds us that we can save our precious pieces to be passed along to children, grandchildren and subsequent generations to come.

Thanks for sharing such personal items and shedding light on what holds true value and worth.

I do love to hold the watch and imagine my grandfather's hand where mine is, imagine how he must have felt to receive it from my grandmother, and imagine the experiences he must have had wearing it.

Best,

Jed

A beautiful moment of Life, of shared intimacy.

These watches we receive from our Dearest " entourage " are the nicest, indeed.

I didn't have the luck to get one, as I build myself my history, but I hope that my daugther will enjoy some of my beloved watches, and that she will remember me through them.

Superb post, my friend.

Best,

Nicolas

"I hope that my daugther will enjoy some of my beloved watches, and that she will remember me through them."

I hope for the same my friend.  I've already put aside two for my daughter (one of which was the same grandfather's Omega wristwatch), and one for my son.

Best,

Jed

You are lucky to have something like this......

Enjoy it and pass it on to the next generation.....

Cheers

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. . . who passed them down over the last five years . . .

. . . a '56 Longines Conquest, originally gifted to him by his eldest brother, and two Seikos . . .

. . . this Sea Lion and . . .

. . . a Seiko 5, both of which were purchased while he was on a business trip in early '66. All three have been restored by my watchmaker, and receive more than a little wrist time. Pops is with me every time I strap one of them on. Cordially, Art

I don't think I had seen the wrist shots of your Seiko's before.  I like the "Weekdater", particular the hour markers. I like that you wear them when you see your dad, too.

Best,

Jed

. . . I meant that Pops is with me figuratively whenever I wear his Seikos! Sometimes, though, it's literally true as well ;-) . . . Art

... thanks, I enjoyed reading that. My mother has my (deceased) father's watch but I have my grandfather's watch and one of my great-grandfathers pocket watch. The latter has an interesting history, your post inspires me to write it up and make some pictures sometime.

 

Best

Andreas

I'd love to hear more about both watches.

Best,

Jed

Thanks for sharing your wonderful story, and photographs of a cherished family heirloom.  I bet your children will feel the same way about this piece of shared family history one day.  I actually see the resemblance between you and the photo of your grandfather during his youth.  I would not be surprised if you shared many other traits with him beyond the physical ones.  My paternal grandfather died before I was born, but I am told that I look like his side of the family and I know he shared a love for animals and mechanical things.  I like to think that we would've had much in common and lots to talk about if he had lived longer.  My parents are first generation Americans, and came from impoverished backgrounds both, so there were no watches or other items to pass down from earlier generations.  However, while not a timepiece, the below is a precious family heirloom to me, because it was willed to me by my favorite uncle upon his death two years ago, so I share it here in the spirit of your post.

My uncle was a practicing Theravada Buddhist.  Like many Thai men of his generation, my uncle entered the monkhood for a time, but unlike a large percentage of those practicing this tradition he actually stayed in the order for quite a long time.  Though he left monkhood eventually, he was always devout and as an extension of his beliefs he collected these type of amulets.  The one above has a depiction of Buddha made from the dirt of a temple my uncle had visited, and was blessed by a monk he met there, as I understand the story.  My uncle and his wife married later in life and were not able to have their own children, so he always treated his nieces and nephews with extra love, care and devotion.  That's probably why he was everyone's favorite uncle.    I am not Buddhist, but I am touched that he asked I be given this item, which was precious to him, but holds no real monetary value to the outside world, upon his death.  I always feel close to him when I wear it.

An example of typical Thai-style engraving.

Cheers,
Daos

Thanks for sharing it with us.

Best,

Jed

Your grandfather looks smart in his uniform.

Regards

Ling

i just hope that in generations to come all of our grandchildren will have at least one of our watches and a story to tell their friends and children.

best

Graham

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He's just a boy in that picture.  It's a funny feeling I get when I see that picture of him, as though I'm his elder.

Best,

Jed

Interesting indeed what these heirlooms can recreate in the eyes and beholder of the new owner....

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these family heirlooms are soo special...

I have my Grandfather's pocket watch, my father's and the one I was given by my father when I graduated from law school... almost 35 years ago now.  I seldom wear them but I have kept them all serviced and they run just fine.  I do wish my son was interested in them... oh well, perhaps my daughter.

Glenn