Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What makes a watch railroad approved?
1 Answer

Watches that were approved by a railroad organization for use by their conductors were considered railroad approved or railroad graded. Of course, the railroads wanted to run on time and maintain a reputation for efficiency. By demanding that all of their employees use railroad graded watches meeting certain specifications, they could at least ensure the conductors knew the time accurately. Shop a collection of pocket watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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Shop for Railroad Pocket Watch on 1stDibs
Illinois Bunn Special Railroad Pocket Watch
By Illinois Watch Company
Located in Towson, MD
One 1921 yellow gold filled open face Illinois Bunn Special railroad pocket watch serial number
Category
Vintage 1920s American Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold-filled, Yellow Gold
Ball Watch Co. Open Faced Railroad Pocket Watch circa 1920
By Ball Watch Company
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Ball Watch Co.
STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced High Grade Railroad Pocket Watch
Category
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold-filled
Elgin Pocket Watch Silverode Railroad Heavy Working 7 Jewel Year 1921, 59mm Case
By Elgin
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Elgin 1921 railroad pocket watch with a 59mm case made of silverode and is 20mm thick. Heavy watch
Category
Vintage 1920s American Modern Pocket Watches
Materials
Silver
$340 Sale Price
20% Off
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American Watch Co. Waltham Pocket Watch Model 1908 "Railroad Grade"
By American Waltham Watch Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
American Watch Co. Waltham Pocket Watch Model 1908 "Railroad Grade" - Manual winding; 23 jewels
Category
20th Century American Pocket Watches
Waltham Vanguard Railroad Grade Pocket Watch 9561627
By Waltham
Located in Surfside, FL
Waltham Vanguard premier railroad grade pocket watch. 23 Jewels with 8 adjustments. Movement
Category
20th Century Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold-filled
Hamilton Railroad Grade U.S. Ordinance Pocket Watch w Original Packaging
By Hamilton
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Railroad Grade Pocket Watch was designed for use by US Air Force Navigators and Bombardiers. Dated
Category
Vintage 1960s American Pocket Watches
Materials
Steel