Railroad Pocket Watches

Railroad pocket watches are considered the turning point of American history when it relates to watch making.  The top of the peak occurred when silver pocket watches began to get used in the railroad industry to keep time down to the exact minute. This was crucial in order for the trains to operate in a timely manner and accidents were able to be avoided as well.

The quality of silver pocket watches was astounding after railroad workers made a call to watch makers. They required a watch that would not stop suddenly. They needed precision and accuracy. At the beginning of the 19th century many of the watches that were made were so accurate that the most time that was lost was 4 seconds per week. This was something that had not been accomplished yet up to this point.

Standards were set forth by the railroad companies. All railroad pocket watches needed to be open faced, set according to a lever, have 19 jewels, and the capability to adjust to five different directions. They actually released a list of the approved watch makers that individuals needed to purchase in order to have a career working on the railroad.

Collectors now hold these values to have extreme value because of their importance during the time period. Some watch makers went above and beyond the call of duty and even made their watches up to 23 jewels. They could also be adjusted to 6 different positions. These are the most valued by collectors and some of the makers included Waltham, Hamilton, Illinois, and Hampden as well.

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