I had a lovely find at the Car Boot sale last Sunday. I looked in a box and staring up at me amongst many rusty and dilapidated watches and parts was a very rusty pocket watch. It caught my eye, so I picked it up. I turned its winder a turn, and behold! it started to tick. I immediately asked the seller for the price. He looked at it and at me. /He was a bit taken aback that I was interested in that junk. However, he said #5. This even I thought was too steep, So I offered #4. I should really have said #1 but it was too late for me! The seller snapped my hand off. And so, I became the owner of a rusted old gunmetal pocket watch whose hands were jamming together every time they passed each other.

On opening the watch, I could see no maker's marks. So I think it is virtually worthless, however, I have always wanted a pocket watch, and I love a project.

A lot of sanding and polishing later I have something which (being kind)n I say looks a bit steam punk. I have learned a lot during these last few days. I managed to remove its stem and front bezel which enabled me to tidy it up a lot. This took many youtube videos and showed that the watch and case may not have always been partners. These gunmetal cases were often after market spairs. Who knows! However, I can say it was made somewhere between 1900 and 1950. Not a great dating, but I am going with about a hundred years old.

As I sit here with it proudly on my lap, it is keeping good time with a good strong tick. probably grateful for the little bit of oil I put on the jewels. I look forward to using this as part of my ensamble for school next week.