Thread: 4 Generations of Watches...

New here. Into many of the same things you guys and girls are. I'll share some posts soon. But figured I'd start with some watches. I'll apologize in advance, I am many things, but a photographer I am not.

Realized I had watches from 4 generations of my family here tonight.

Elgin movement in a watch case made by my Great Great Grandfather (watch and case maker) for my Great Grandfather, Rolex that is my Grandfather's, Omega owned by my late Father, and a Dornbluth & Sohn I had made for me. Here is the picture and a couple other watch pics for fun!



My Great Great Grandfather in his watch shop:


Back and Stamping on my Great Grandfathers Pocket Watch:



Back engraving on my Dornbluth:


A contrast of two watches

Welcome to the 4 and I really enjoyed the images. Just a question, what did you mean by "Dornbluth & Sohn I had made for me"?

Dieter and Dirk don't stock watches and when I ordered this, they didn't have retailers. So you had to order the model, face, number styles, and engraving and then wait for it to be made! . Waited about 5 month until it was done!

Wow, very interesting. Once again welcome to the 4. I am sure you will fit right in the watch forum.

As a side note, they are still very open to some customization on their watches, which IMHO are very high quality!

Very nice pieces. Thanks for sharing. Welcome to the forum!

Very cool collection! welcome to the 4!

Love that pocketwatch!

where did your great grandfather work?

Originally Posted by mrmikey32

Love that pocketwatch!

where did your great grandfather work?

Unfortunately it seems to be lost in history. Admittedly, I have not done a ton of research on the issue. The note that accompanied the watch (which my grandfather then dad got before me) states only:

"Made in 1894. The gold watch case was made by Mr. Albert Renfer, by melting two twenty dollar gold pieces. Mr. Albert Renfer was the father-in-law of Aunt Louise Renfer, who's husband was Edward A. Renfer. Mr. Albert Renfer owned a jewelry store in Chicago, Illinois. He was born in Switzerland and learned the watchmaking profession there."

The story goes that he was a basic watchmaker in Switzerland, and upon moving to the USA, simply repaired watches, sold restored watches and also made gold cases for watch movements.

Unfortunately my Grandfather (oldest living relative) doesn't know where his grandfather worked while in Switzerland.

if he was in chicago, I would bet he did work for Elgin