Pocket Watch Parts: Suppliers & Info

A variety of parts are still readily available for American pocket watches, including parts for Elgin, Waltham, Hamilton, and others. Pocket watch crystals, mainsprings, and balance staffs are the most frequent parts required for general watch repair.

Part Identification

We offer part listings for most Elgin and Illinois watches on the result page following serial lookups. Just access the "Parts" tab after searching a serial number. Several original catalogs are also available online for part identification.

Common Part Identification and Sizes:
Crystal Size Chart
Mainspring Size Chart
Dial Feet Locations

Professional Watchmakers & Repair Services

For most repairs, we recommend working with a professional watchmaker who has experience with antique American pocket watches. They can properly diagnose issues, source the correct parts, and perform installations safely.

Online Pocket Watch Part Suppliers

If you have the expertise to perform your own repairs, the following suppliers offer parts for DIY watchmakers. We advise contacting the supplier directly to secure the proper replacement part. With a wide variety and variation of parts, assuring you receive the correct part for your project is critical.

• Otto Frei
  Specialty: General supplier of new parts (Mainsprings, Balance Staffs, etc) and tools.
  Location: Oakland, California
  Website: OFrei.com
  Phone: 510-832-0355 ext.2
  
  
• Cas-Ker Co.
  Specialty: General supplier of new parts (Mainsprings, Balance Staffs, etc) and tools
  Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
  Website: JewelersSupplies.com
  Phone: 513-674-7700
  
  
• Esslinger
  Specialty: General supplier of new tools and bench supplies. Some parts are available.
  Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota
  Website: Esslinger.com
  Part Inquiry: Inquiry Form
  
  
• Dave's Watch Parts and Tools
  Specialty: Supplier of used parts, movements, and tools. Offers new crystals and an easy crystal replacement service.
  Website: DavesWatchParts.com
  
  
• eBay
  Specialty: Wide variety of parts and donor movements if you possess the expertise to find the proper part.
  Website: eBay.com
  
  

Origination Classification and Sources

• New
  Some parts, such as balance staffs and mainsprings, might be available from modern suppliers as new.
• New Old Stock (NOS)
  A variety of parts are available as "new old stock" from watchmaker estates and defunct watch repair companies. These parts are typically still in factory packaging but have been sitting in storage for decades. Usually, NOS parts are the next-best option if newly manufactured parts are not available.
• Donor Watches
  When parts are unavailable as new or new-old-stock, a donor watch may be required to procure the necessary part. A variety of second-hand suppliers exist to serve as "watch junkyards" and can be an effective and affordable alternative.
• Custom Fabrication
  When repairing a rare or uncommon watch, the necessary part may be required to be fabricated by a competent watchmaker or machinist. This is usually the most expensive option when obtaining parts, but in special scenarios, it is the only feasible option.