A railroad man's watch was a precision tool, a requirement for
employment and a big investment. Buying one before reporting for the
first day must of work must have been quite a strain on finances.
Specifications for US RR watches varied a bit over the years and from
road to road, but by mid 20th century were pretty much: US made, lever
set, size 16, plain open face, wind at 12, arabic numerals, at least 21
jewels, Brequet hairspring (aka overcoil hairspring), double roller,
micrometer regulator, adjusted to temperature, isochronism, and at least
5 positions. Most railroads by then simply listed acceptable makes and
models. Last made were Elgin's 21 jewel B. W. Raymond, Hamilton's 21
jewel 992B and Hamilton's premium, 23 jewel 950B.
See my story, Grandfather's Watch
<http://homestaydenver.com/GrandfathersWatch> .
<http://www.railroadphotoessays.com/f...read.php?t=986>
As I said, standards changed over time: Grandfather's 19 jewel
Burlington was acceptable at the time he bought it. No, as far as I
know, there is no relationship between Burlington Watch and the Chicago
Burlington & Quincy.
More practically defined, isochronism refers to the watch rate variation
as the main spring winds down -- ideally there is no effect.
Glen Brewer
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