Grandad's Watch

This one is definitely a treasure, it is my Grandad's fob pocket watch. I just love the craftmanship. It is a pity the inside of the watch isn't more prominent because I think it is beautiful.

This watch is one of my prized possessions. Not that it is valuable, but just because of sentimental value.

The engraving on the watch says J L Bourgeous, Paris, 1688. J L Bourgeous was a French watchmaker.

I would have loved to have been able to ask Grandad where he got the watch from but he died when I was 5 years old.

I found the watch in a drawer when my sister and I were clearing Mum's house after she died in 1994.

The watch wasn't working so I took it to a jewellers shop and the watchmaker said he would be glad to work on it for me. He also said he wouldn't charge me if he couldn't fix it because he was just thrilled to work on a watch so old.

Luckily for me he was able to fix it, he also made a new key to wind it up because the original one was lost long ago and the watch is still going strong.

I might add that the watchmaker also wanted to buy it from me, but I wasn't going to let this go was I.

As far as I am aware Grandad never went to Paris and certainly wasn't around in 1688. I often wonder how he came to own it. Was it passed down through the family? I have no idea. Sadly there is nobody left in the family now who I could ask how Grandad acquired it.

[Ingrid]

Beautiful photo and watch. I love the story too, especially that it is working again! But am afraid it will for ever be a mystery how your granddad got the watch.

[Yao RL]

A great story behind this. What a treasure.

[eDorre]

Great photo! Love the story! So glad you have it!

[Diana]

Wonderful story and great shot of this treasure.

[Lesley Wright]

Stunning shot of your treasures. Great story

[Lois]

Enjoyed your story! Definitely a precious treasure!

[Gillian Brown]

What a wonderful treasure and lovely to have something so old.

[Issi Bannerman]

It's a treasure indeed. How very lovely.

[Kathy A]

Such a wonderful treasure!

[Casablanca]

What a super bit of engineering that is. Love looking inside watches and clocks

[Christopher Cox]

Lovely story and beautifully photographed

[Susan Wakely]

Great to see the intricacies of the inner watch. What a fabulous treasure.

[aikiuser (jenn)]

Wow, is that ever cool!

[Dione Giorgio]

Wow, this is one real treasure. This is a museum piece, close to 400 years old. It must be priceless.

[Beryl Lloyd]

Such a beautiful piece of craftmanship and your b/w image is wonderful - I love the story and the intrigue of how your Grandfather came to own it - fav

[Wylie]

lovely and intriguing, fav

[ChristineL]

A fabulous treasure, your family must be glad you've looked after it so well.

[Esther Rosenberg]

Stunning piece, love old watches.

[Lou Ann]

It is so beautiful! I love your narrative, Babs. What a family treasure.

[Merrelyn]

What a treasure and so great that it is back in working order.

[Pam]

Two things we should always treasure...time and memories. May your memories protect your grandad in a treasured place in your heart. Great shot.

[Mallory]

Wow, this is really cool.

[Danette Thompson]

Such a treasure.

[mittens (Marilyn)]

It is so cool looking. Great shot.

[Peter H]

Wow!

[Fisher Family]

A super shot and a wonderful back story!

Ian

[KWind]

Looks so detailed. Great shot.

[judith deacon]

A super shot of this beautiful timepiece with it's mystery history!

[gloria jones]

Wonderful presentation and details

[Bep]

Enjoyed your story. What a beautiful treasure!

[Sue Cooper]

That’s a beautiful watch and a very interesting story.

[Lynda McG]

Makes a great image - fav

[Margaret Brown]

A beautiful piece and image, so interesting and so old!! Glad it’s in working order and I hope you have it insured!!

[carol white]

A beautiful antique watch,a super keepsake.Fav😊

[Geertje K.]

Such a beautiful treasure and you captured it just perfectly. It's a really interesting story. I would wonder as well how it came into the family.

[Pat Knowles]

Well I reckon that watch is valuable Babs....of course it will be you you & all the family but it sounds like the watchmaker thought so too... I bet there is a great history behind that treasure.

[haskar]

What a great treasure. Beautiful close up.

[Carole Sandford]

Great story & capture!

[Yolanda]

How beautiful, it is a real gem

[KV]

Gorgeous detail... just look at those gears!

[Judith Johnson]

A fabulous photo, and I love the story.

[Pyrrhula]

Looks beautiful. It`s a sure treasure.

[Ann H. LeFevre]

Part of what makes it a treasure is the mystery attached to it. Beautifully captured Babs!

[George]

Amazing, and good shot of it.

[Bill]

First, very nice closeup shot. I love the subject matter. The workings of these watches and clocks fascinate me. Can't believe the detail. This also makes me think of my Grandfather who used to repair watches.

[Kathie]

Definitely a treasure. I'm sure your Grand Dad would be delighted you still have it. It looks quite deep.

[Islandgirl]

What a neat story and watch!

[bruni]

I loved reading your story. nice that the watchmaker got it all fixed again. no, I would never let it go.

[Babs]

@ingrid01 @yaorenliu @edorreandresen @ludwigsdiana @wrightangle @loweygrace @gillian1912 @jamibann @kjarn @casablanca @christophercox @wakelys @aikiuser @sangwann @beryl @pusspup @inthecloud5 @dutchothotmailcom @louannwarren @merrelyn @brokenbird @sunnygirl @danette @mittens @peadar @fishers @kwind @judithdeacon @seattlite @gijsje @susiemc @lyndamcg @craftymeg @carolmw @geertje @happypat @haskar @carole_sandford @yolanda @kvphoto @busylady @pyrrhula @olivetreeann @gaf005 @cwbill @kathiecb @radiogirl @bruni Thanks. I am so pleased the watchmaker was able to get grandad's watch working again. Not bad for 333 years old is it.

[Jane Pittenger]

Amazing detail. What a treasure

[4rky]

Beautiful edit of a family treasure and what a wonderful example of craftsmanship. How lovely that it is still working!