Vintage Railroad Grade Watches
In this section, you will find our vintage pocket watches that are considered "railroad grade." In order to ensure the accuracy of pocket watches used by railroad employees, with the ultimate goal of preventing train accidents, the General Railroad Timepiece Standards Commission published a set of guidelines for railroad companies and watch manufacturers in 1893. These guidelines, which specified the criteria for a railroad-grade watch, were prepared by Webb C. Ball, the general time inspector of North American railroads and founder of the Ball Watch Company.
To be a railroad grade watch, the following criteria must be met:
- be 16S or 18S
- have 17 or more jewels
- be lever set
- be in an open face case
- be adjusted to 5 or more positions
- have easily-legible Arabic dial numerals
For further information, examples, photos, and notes on how to wear our various styles of watches and watch accessories, please visit our How-To-Wear Guide.
Elgin 16S 19J LS adj. 5p B.W. Raymond Up & Down indicator #22168525 pocket watch, YGF SB&B case
Starting at: $795.00
HP465 - This item is currently for sale at our Etsy Store.
Elgin 16S 23J adj. 5p LS U&D indicator Veritas #20480319 pocket watch, YGF swing out case
Starting at: $1,600.00 $1,440.00
HP1092 - This item is currently available.
Howard 16S 21J LS adj. 5p Series 10 #1238925 pocket watch, heavy smooth polish YGF case, Howard box
Starting at: $495.00 $445.50
HP806 - This item is currently available.
Howard 16S 21J LS adj. 5p Series 11 Railroad Chronometer #1182714 pocket watch, YGF Howard case
Starting at: $675.00 $607.50
PM2759 - This item is currently available.
Howard 16S 21J LS adj. 5p Series 11 Railroad Chronometer #1378270 pocket watch, Howard YGF case
Starting at: $650.00 $585.00
HP1105 - This item is currently available.
Illinois 16S 21J LS adj. 5p A. Lincoln #2167773 pocket watch, YGF SB&B case, Masonic engraving
Starting at: $425.00 $382.50
PM2722 - This item is currently available.
Illinois 16S 21J LS adj. 6p 60 hour 161A Elinvar Bunn Special pocket watch #5568718, YGF SB&B case
Starting at: $1,295.00 $1,165.50
PM2767 - This item is currently available.
Illinois 16S 21J LS adj. 6p 60 hour Bunn Special #4756710 pocket watch, YGF SB&B case
Starting at: $595.00 $535.50
HP140 - This item is currently available.
Illinois 16S 23J LS adj. 6p Bunn Special #3654724 pocket watch, heavy YGF swing out case
Starting at: $595.00 $535.50
HP504 - This item is currently available.
Illinois 18S 17J LS adj. 5p Bunn #2117931 pocket watch, YGF SB&B engraved case
Starting at: $450.00 $405.00
PM2728 - This item is currently available.
Illinois 18S 19J LS adj. 5p Bunn #2164504 pocket watch, heavy YGF SB&B case, Gothic style dial
Starting at: $395.00
PM2585 - This item is currently for sale at our Etsy Store.
