Vintage New Haven Wristwatch Service

Overhaul Service of a 1936 Popeye and Friends Wristwatch made by New Haven

Growing up I have very fond memories of watching on TV Popeye The Sailor Cartoons on Sunday mornings. I remember the famous lines, I yam what I yam! and I’ve had all I can stand, I can’t stands no more! And Wimpy’s, I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today. The message to kids about eating spinach was great and to this day I still think of Popeye when I eat some spinach.

The Popeye Cartoons were very popular and was ranked number 20 by TV Guide in its list of the 50 greatest cartoons of all time. Because of the popularity, Popeye was a favorite to be featured on all kinds of merchandise. One item was this watch from 1936 featured and serviced below. The watch was made by New Haven and is very collectible today.

This watch belongs to Popeye Collector named Ted. He has been collecting for years and this was the watch given to him by his grandfather. Ted was
nice enough to share other pictures of his collection seen below.

This watch sold in 1936 for $4.60 which seems like a bargain today. But adjusting for inflation, this watch would cost about $90.00 in today’s money. To get one of these watches back then was a big deal. These watches in mint condition and box can fetch over $1400.00.

I enjoyed working on this watch. It needed a good cleaning and lubrication. The watch was disassembled and cleaned. Reassembled and lubricated. The hairspring was adjusted and repaired. The watch is now running great. New Haven Watches are fun to wear because they tick so loud. You can almost hear it across the room. Because you hear it, you look at it often and enjoy it more. Thanks, Ted for sharing the pictures and sending in the watch for service.