[rastewart]

I like them too, but don't really collect them--have just accumulated a few over the years. The most valued being the one I got from my dad, of course--an Illinois from some time in, I assume, the early 20th century (the family story was that my dad's brother-in-law bought it from another soldier at the front during WWI). It's waiting for me to pick it up from the shop right now. Then there's a slightly dressier Longines from my father-in-law and a big ol' honkin' steel Elgin that weighs about 30 pounds ... both will need to be taken in for repair some day.

Trouble is, pants aren't made with watch pockets any more, and it's too hot to wear a vest ... so even my father's watch doesn't get much practical use, not until fall anyway.

That is a nice-looking specimen you've got there. Elgin (the town) is fairly close to Chicago--as far as I know they are not making watches there any more, unfortunately. But the ones they did make, seem as if they can go on and on practically forever with good care.

~Rich, keepin' on tickin'