Since 2024 started, I’ve needed nothing greater than an opportunity to speak and snort with my grandfather once more. This yr is the 18th since his passing, which was additionally half of my life in the past now. Maybe due to that, I really feel as if I may lastly comprehend and recognize all of his perception and knowledge. As heartbreaking as it’s that we’ll stay realms aside, I’ll eternally be pleased about one of many presents he gave me — a deep appreciation for mechanical watches. Though he handed away simply as my ardour was blooming, I’ve not a shred of doubt that he planted the seed inside me. Now, having reunited with 4 of my grandfather’s watches, I’ll use them to study extra about him and honor his reminiscence.
Immediately, I’ll share two of the wristwatches that belonged to Audré H. Balogh, my maternal grandfather. One is a Hamilton Yorktowne that my late grandmother handed on to me in 2008. The opposite is an Elgin 6703E that I solely acquired final August after my aunt miraculously discovered it in a drawer. After touring house to see my American household final summer time, I made a decision to carry these watches again to Japan. I’d now not depart them in a drawer in my previous bed room in Maine, as had been the Yorktowne’s destiny for 11 years. As an alternative, I’d recognize them, put on them, and use them as a springboard to find extra about my grandfather’s life. As clever people all the time say, it’s higher late than by no means.
The early lifetime of Aud Balogh
Audré Howard “Aud” Balogh was born on March thirtieth, 1924, in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Preceded by his then-five-year-old brother Herbert, Aud was the second son of Frank and Gizella Balogh (née Vargo). Rising up, Aud skilled a mix of American and Hungarian tradition. His father had emigrated from Hungary in 1906 and are available by Ellis Island earlier than finally settling in Cleveland. Equally, Aud’s mom was a first-generation American born to Hungarian immigrants. They met at a Hungarian-owned retailer the place Gizella labored when Frank got here in at some point to purchase building provides.
Frank and Gizella Balogh in 1925
Aud’s father Frank
Aud’s mom Gizella
Frank and Gizella typically spoke to one another in Hungarian, and, together with English, Aud turned proficient in his mother and father’ mom tongue as a boy. He additionally vastly admired his father, who, at 18 years previous, escaped squalid working circumstances in his homeland to forge a brand new life within the States. A carpenter, Frank Balogh had labored as an apprentice in Hungary. In accordance with my mom’s account, he had even needed to sleep in sawdust on the workshop flooring. However after settling in Ohio, Frank mastered his commerce and finally took a job as an in-house carpenter for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE). Undoubtedly, this had a large affect on Aud, who wouldn’t solely turn into a carpenter himself but in addition develop an unparalleled ardour for the American railroad.
As my aunt recollects, when Aud was 11, he acquired a lantern from the motive force of the milk or mail truck. This pivotal second ignited his ardour for lanterns, which have been of significant significance to locomotive engineers. As he grew, Aud discovered carpentry and drafting from his father and certainly turned more and more focused on Frank’s employer’s trade. Aud then graduated from Cleveland Heights Excessive Faculty on June eleventh, 1942, which brings us to the primary watch on this story.
Elgin 6703E: My grandfather’s commencement watch
Based in 1863 in Elgin, Illinois, the Elgin Nationwide Watch Firm was a significant participant within the American watch trade for over a century. The corporate proudly marketed its American manufacturing and, fairly understandably, spoke on to the hearts of the nation’s patriots. Moreover, based on print adverts from the Nineteen Thirties and ’40s, Elgin watches have been extremely fashionable commencement presents.
An Elgin advert from 1940 — Picture: eBay (Schmitt Industrial)
“The standard commencement reward—a watch. The standard commencement watch—an ELGIN! And this yr, greater than ever, American graduates will select ELGIN,” reads the 1940 commercial above. A Google search of Elgin print adverts from this era reveals a prevalent theme: Elgin watches have been the prime selection of younger People on the time. Although my grandfather was actually pleased with his Hungarian roots, he was equally proud to develop up in “the land of the free and the house of the courageous.” It makes full sense, then, that Aud would have liked an Elgin as his first grownup watch.
An Elgin advert from 1941 — Picture: eBay (Lengthy Gone Geek Classic Adverts)
Above, we see a 1941 instance of Elgin’s patriotic promoting and, importantly, my grandfather’s would-be watch — No. 6703E — on the left. What’s so attention-grabbing to me is that this “America First” collection made rose-tone Elgin watches extra inexpensive than ever. In accordance with Greenback Occasions, the watch’s authentic $24.75 worth equates to $538.44 at this time, which was in all probability nonetheless a decent sum for my grandfather’s middle-class household. The case of this mannequin was base steel lined with rolled gold, which isn’t fairly as thick as gold capping however “comprises 100 instances extra gold than common gold plates.”
The proof factors to 1942
Sadly, my mom and aunt have been unable to seek out any images of Aud sporting this watch within the Forties. Out of curiosity, although, I ran the serial quantity on the Elgin 554 caliber inside by the Pocket Watch Database. Lo and behold, the estimated manufacturing yr of 1942 traces up with Aud’s commencement from highschool.
Elgin’s 1942 catalog exhibiting 15-jewel fashions — Picture: GeneJockey’s Elgin Watch Weblog
Elgin 6703E within the 1942 catalog — Picture: GeneJockey’s Elgin Watch Weblog
Moreover, whereas the earlier advert is from 1941, scans from the 1942 Elgin catalog by way of GeneJockey’s Elgin Watch Weblog present that the 6703E was nonetheless in manufacturing. Curiously, the value had additionally gone up by 75 cents, which was value practically $15 in at this time’s cash. My aunt additionally has reminiscences of my grandfather sporting this watch and, in some unspecified time in the future, listening to the story of how he obtained it for commencement. Actually, all that is sufficient proof for me. I’m simply so grateful that my aunt discovered the watch when cleansing out my grandmother’s home after she handed.
When she gave me this Elgin, it was on a tricky and cracked burgundy leather-based strap, pictured right here. Clearly, this was the final strap that my grandfather paired with this watch. I liked the look of it with the rose-tone case and patinated salmon dial. Nevertheless, since I plan to put on this watch, I opted for a moderately becoming alternative.
I selected a burgundy strap manufactured from Horween Chromexcel leather-based from Correct Kind. This leather-based was a acutely aware selection as a result of the Horween tannery is in Chicago, not too removed from the Elgin model’s namesake metropolis. Not solely does this strap preserve the look that my grandfather had chosen, however it’s additionally exponentially extra comfy.
What I really like about my grandfather’s Elgin 6703E
Admittedly, this watch is far smaller than those I normally put on. Its tonneau case measures a modest 30.5mm huge and simply 39mm from lug to lug. Then once more, this watch is from the early Forties and was a superbly acceptable males’s measurement on the time. Contemplating that, when paired with this 16mm non-tapering strap, it doesn’t really feel too small for my 17cm (6.75″) wrist in any respect. Plus, at simply 8.7mm thick, it gives all of the under-the-cuff class I’d ever want. However what I discover most putting is the hue of the rosé dial with the contrasting yellow-gold-tone numerals and arms. Whereas it’s unusual to see yellow and rose gold combined this fashion at this time, I discover the mixture fairly beautiful. The font of the Breguet numerals can also be marvelous, proper right down to the “plus signal” on the “4.”
I shall be getting an intensive cleansing and repair for this watch as quickly as I can discover a sympathetic watchmaker I belief right here in Osaka. All issues thought-about, although, the Elgin 554 caliber inside nonetheless appears to be like moderately good for its age. And though I don’t wish to push it too onerous for now, it even runs moderately nicely for having sat in a drawer for therefore lengthy. I used to be pleasantly shocked to see the rubies set in chatons, which we now are inclined to affiliate with higher-end watchmaking. This was not a high-end watch, even inside the Elgin vary. With solely 15 jewels (the jewel rely was essential to clients again then), it sat under the 17-jewel Elgin DeLuxe and 21-jewel Lord Elgin traces. Nonetheless, with some TLC, I’m positive this Balogh household treasure will maintain ticking for many years to return.
My grandfather’s life after highschool
Outfitted along with his Elgin watch, Aud Balogh took a job straight out of highschool with the Common Electrical firm in Cleveland. He labored as a draftsman and, based on official army paperwork, “made detailed drawings of machine instruments from sketches exhibiting all dimensions, supplies for use, and different pertinent information.” Nevertheless, with World Struggle II nonetheless raging, Aud solely labored for GE for roughly 9 months earlier than enlisting within the US Military. He entered energetic service on March twenty ninth, 1943, at some point earlier than his nineteenth birthday.
In accordance with US Military data, he would serve for the “length of the Struggle or different emergency, plus six months, topic to the discretion of the President or in any other case based on legislation.” With carpentry abilities beneath his belt, Aud fortunately managed to steer clear of the entrance traces whereas serving as a Tec 4 (Technician fourth grade). His official title was Carpenter Common, and he served with the fifty fifth Medium Port for six months in Saipan as a carpentry teacher. Upon returning to US soil for the rest of his service, he continued that position. This included coaching teams for a yr in Pennsylvania, serving to others as they carried out building duties round camp, constructing crates for abroad shipments, repairing firm amenities, and developing varied small buildings.
Sadly, with no images, I can solely speculate, however I prefer to suppose his Elgin watch faithfully accompanied my grandfather by this all. If solely this watch may speak, I ponder what sort of tales it will inform…
After the warfare, life goes on
Having faithfully served his time within the US Military, Aud Balogh was honorably discharged on February twenty third, 1946. Following that, it appears he went again to work for a time earlier than enrolling on the Dunwoody Institute (now Dunwoody Faculty of Expertise) in Minneapolis, Minnesota. There, Aud fittingly majored in Architectural Drafting & Estimating and graduated with the category of 1949. Then, after having already proven proficiency in his father’s craft, Aud determined to observe in Frank Balogh’s footsteps even additional. In 1950, he secured a job with the exact same firm, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers in Cleveland. He joined the BLE’s Constructing Affiliation and acquired his first paycheck from the corporate on June twenty third of that yr.
The significance of this for my grandfather can’t be overstated. He would spend the following 50 years in devoted service to the BLE, which finally turned the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen. This job wouldn’t solely assist him hone his carpentry abilities even additional however would additionally amplify his budding ardour for the American railroad. Although he by no means turned a practice conductor, Aud would amass an unimaginable data of trains, railroad infrastructure, lanterns, and, sure, railroad watches. He would acquire tons of railroad memorabilia, together with dozens of pocket watches from, amongst others, Waltham, Illinois Watch Firm, and Hamilton.
Hamilton turns into my grandfather’s favourite watch model
I fully perceive why my grandfather gravitated to Hamilton. If you happen to’ve learn my article on the model’s early years, you’ll perceive the large position that Hamilton performed in railroad timekeeping. From the pivotal 1893 Grade No. 936 pocket watch to the Grade No. 992, the most well-liked American railroad watch ever, Hamilton produced watches of unmatched reputation inside the railroad trade. Sadly, my grandmother offered lots of Aud’s Hamilton pocket watches after he handed. Nevertheless, she did maintain his Hamilton wristwatches and gave them to me. After I acquired them for Christmas again in 2008, she confirmed that Hamilton was certainly my grandfather’s favourite watch model of all.
Jackie Progress (quickly to be Balogh)
Aud Balogh
First comes love, then comes marriage…
My grandfather met Jacqueline “Jackie” Progress within the early Nineteen Fifties. They lived on the identical avenue and noticed one another a number of instances whereas using the Speedy Transit into Cleveland for work. But it surely wasn’t till at some point when Aud went to Jackie’s home to inquire about some lumber that her father was promoting that they hit it off. As my mom recollects, Jackie’s mom mentioned that Aud was “SO good-looking” when he walked into their kitchen that day. Sadly, she doesn’t recall what my grandmother considered him then, however a phrase like “dashing” appears acceptable to me. The 2 began courting, fell deeply in love, and have become husband and spouse on April twenty fourth, 1954. Precisely a yr and eight months later, my mom Holly was born, and her sister, my aunt Barbara, adopted in April 1959.
images from their days as newlyweds and younger mother and father, it appears that evidently Aud and Jackie have been head over heels for one another. Importantly for this story, that is additionally after we begin to see the Hamilton Yorktowne seem on my grandfather’s wrist. Within the colour picture above, he’s sporting it on what appears to be like like a gold bangle bracelet.
On this early ’60s household picture along with his mother and father, we additionally see the Hamilton Yorktowne on his wrist. Whereas that is removed from a close-up, we are able to distinguish the watch because of its lengthy, slender sides and wider surfaces at 12 and 6 o’clock.
The Yorktowne in Hamilton’s 1940 catalog — Picture: Classic Hamilton Watch Restoration (Hamilton Chronicles)
The Yorktowne in Hamilton’s 1941 catalog — Picture: Classic Hamilton Watch Restoration (Hamilton Chronicles)
The Hamilton Yorktowne
In accordance with Classic Hamilton Watch Restoration, the Yorktowne was solely made for 2 years — 1940 and ’41. Above, we see it within the Hamilton catalogs from each of these years, however certainly, it was passed by 1942. That is attention-grabbing as a result of it leads me to imagine that my grandfather purchased this watch secondhand. Sadly, I can’t affirm this, however it is sensible that he may’ve purchased it after discovering Hamilton’s significance to the railroad. And when positioned subsequent to his Elgin 6307E, the Hamilton Yorktowne actually looks like an “improve” of types.
Each watches function Arabic numerals on their dials. The Hamilton Yorktowne’s, nonetheless, are utilized and strong 18K gold, whereas the Elgin 6307E’s are merely stamped and gold plated. As you may see, the fonts are additionally totally different, with the Yorktowne’s numerals taking over a extra Gothic fashion. Moreover, the Hamilton Yorktowne has a 10K-yellow-gold-filled case moderately than a rolled-gold one. Whereas related in impact, based on The Classic Compact Store, a “gold-filled” plating is thicker, requiring two layers of gold as an alternative of 1. Notably, the Hamilton Yorktowne additionally price considerably extra when new, having are available in at $45 in 1940 (about $986 at this time).
Hamilton calibers within the model’s 1941 catalog — Picture: Classic Hamilton Watch Restoration (Hamilton Chronicles)
The Hamilton 980 caliber inside
Contained in the Yorktowne beats Hamilton’s in-house Grade 980 motion. Whereas the Elgin’s 15-jewel motion was spherical in a tonneau-shaped case, the form of the Hamilton’s 17-jewel caliber fits the case higher. Although it’s not straightforward to entry with out eradicating the dial (which I dare not do myself), we are able to see an illustration and outline on the catalog web page above. Notably, it used Hamilton’s pretty new Elinvar hairspring for extra constant elasticity and, subsequently, higher resistance to temperature modifications than conventional metal springs. As well as, it paired this with a monometallic stability, which was extra antimagnetic than extra frequent bimetallic counterparts. Whereas the 980 wasn’t an elaborately adorned motion, it was as strong and dependable as one would count on of Hamilton calibers.
Appreciating my grandfather’s Hamilton Yorktowne
As proven earlier within the article, I acquired this watch on a 10K-gold-filled expandable bracelet. Although it’s certainly comfy, I additionally suppose the watch appears to be like nice on this olive-green leather-based strap. It tones the dressiness down just a few notches however not a lot as to detract from the elegant dial. For me, that is the candy spot for informal put on. Admittedly, it’s moderately onerous to seek out good straps for this watch attributable to its 14mm lug spacing. At some point, I’ll have a customized non-tapering nubuck strap made in an analogous colour.
The Yorktowne’s case measures simply 21mm huge and eight.1mm thick however has a beautiful 43mm lug-to-lug size. Once more, it’s smaller than the watches I normally put on, however it fits the fashion of the early Forties nicely. I’m sporting it as I sort this, and each time I look down, it brings a really Aud Balogh-like grin to my face.
My grandfather laughing at a swim occasion along with his Hamilton Yorktowne on his wrist
Seeing this watch on my grandfather’s wrist in footage and now on mine in actual life, I want I may ask him about how and why he bought it. What was it that drew him to the Hamilton Yorktowne? Was it the truth that it a shared related fashion along with his Elgin however had a barely nicer execution? Was it the Hamilton model’s connection to the railroad? Or was it each of those components…or neither of them? My goodness, how I lengthy to spend time with him once more, bonding over the issues I by no means appreciated after I was a toddler.
Aud along with his lantern assortment, sporting his Elgin on his wrist
To be continued…
This can be the primary, however it won’t be the final time that I discover my grandfather’s historical past by his watches. I’ve two extra of his wristwatches right here with me in Japan, and I’ll do my greatest to find out about them and the way they match into his life. I came upon a lot about him whereas getting ready this text, and it’s one of the simplest ways I understand how to pay tribute to this passionate, caring man.
So far as each picture and reminiscence that I’ve suggests, my grandfather by no means wore a quartz watch in his lifetime. He valued custom and, as a carpenter, certainly appreciated the handbook facet of mechanical watchmaking. Now, at practically 36 years previous, I really recognize the watches and passionate spirit that I inherited from him. Moreover, I’m prouder than ever to be named Brandon Balogh Baines.
Audré Howard Balogh would have been 100 years previous at this time, March thirtieth, 2024. Joyful birthday, Grampy. I hope I’m making you proud.
