Railroad Watch Appraisal

1935 Elgin B.W. Raymond Gold Railroad Pocket Watch

This is a vintage 1935 Elgin B.W. Raymond railroad-grade pocket watch, presented in what appears to be a gold or gold-filled hunter case. The watch features a classic white enamel dial with bold, black Arabic numerals from 1 to 12. A prominent subsidiary seconds dial is located at the 6 o'clock position, marked with smaller Arabic numerals at 10-second intervals (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60) and minute markers. The main minute track around the perimeter of the dial consists of small black dashes, with triangular markers at the quarter-hour positions. The hour and minute hands are dark in color, likely blued steel, and have a spade or pear shape. The seconds hand is also dark and slender. The dial bears the inscription "B.W. Raymond" above "ELGIN" near the center, indicating the model and manufacturer. The case exhibits a warm, golden luster and features decorative tooling or engraving around the bezel, adding an element of elegance. A fluted winding crown is visible at the 12 o'clock position, topped by a substantial bow for attachment to a chain. The bail connecting the bow to the watch case appears to be integrated into the case design. Visually, the watch appears to be in good condition for its age, with no significant visible damage such as cracks on the dial or deep scratches on the case. There might be minor surface wear consistent with age and use, forming a gentle patina on the gold-toned metal. The craftsmanship suggests a high-quality timepiece, manufactured to meet the strict accuracy and reliability standards required for railroad watches of the era. Its age places it firmly within the Art Deco period, though its railroad functionality emphasizes practicality over pure decorative flair.