Production numbers on 1892 Non-Magnetics

[BMW]

Seasons Greetings,
Do any of you watch gurus (not sarcasm) happen to know the approximate production numbers of the Waltham 1892 model marked "Non-Magnetic"? I'm just curious because other than having seen them referenced in Thompson's "Antique American Clocks and Watches", I have seen little attention paid to them. Mine is a 21 Ruby Jewel Vanguard hunter model. Thanks in advance.
bmw

[BMW]

Seasons Greetings,
Do any of you watch gurus (not sarcasm) happen to know the approximate production numbers of the Waltham 1892 model marked "Non-Magnetic"? I'm just curious because other than having seen them referenced in Thompson's "Antique American Clocks and Watches", I have seen little attention paid to them. Mine is a 21 Ruby Jewel Vanguard hunter model. Thanks in advance.
bmw

[Jon Hanson]

Hi, Merry Christmas,

These are rare to date as I have not seen over 1/2 dozen of them personally in all the years that I have been collecting; however, up until recently Bill Tapp and I possibly were the only ones that cared. Now that "the cat is out of the bag" more (I am certain) will show up, there will be more interest, and prices will start to rise!

Also, who has kept serial numbers of non-magnetics? Like the subvariety of that "imfamous Curtis" http://www.nawcc.org/ubb/rolleyes.gif and a host of many other "cheap" rarities, it takes "a bunch" to create a market! (The "boys" have to get their hands on them to promote them and thus create a market.) :biggrin:

Jon Hanson


Jon Hanson, moderator, nawcc#8801

[This message has been edited by Jon Hanson (edited 12-25-2000).]

[Kent]

BMW:

Now that Jon has brought up the subject, would you mind sharing the serial number of your Non-Magnetic with us?

Thanks,
Kent

[doug sinclair]

Kent,

If you are building a data base on these, I have worked on and have photographs of 1892 Non-Magnetic S# 7,013,913 which is marked adjusted, 17-jewels, and is interesting as it is in what I beleive to be its original open-faced case with the seconds-bit at the 3:00 position. It has a bi-metallic temperature compensating balance wheel. I guess the monometallic wheel came later.

Regards,
Doug S.

[Jon Hanson]

Correction on my part,

I neglected to mention that I was referring to those marked "non-magnetic" in addition to the grade, i.e., "Vanguard" etc. There are those other ones signed "Non Magnetic" at the grade area of the signature of which I have also seen over 6-8 pcs.

Jon

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Jon Hanson, moderator, nawcc#8801

[Kent]

Doug:

Thanks for the serial number. If others would like to share the serial numbers and data of other model`92's marked Non-Magnetic, that would also be appreciated.

Ed and I had started gathering material on non-magnetic watches and magnetically shielded cases with the thought of doing a column on the subject. If you're not going to use the photos yourself, we'd appreciate the use of them.

Meanwhile, an 1897 Waltham ad specifies the No. 45, Nickel, Non-Magnetic model `92 as being adjusted to temperature and position.

Thanks again,
Kent

[Jerry Treiman]

I think that estimating production will prove difficult, as I suspect many "Non-Magnetic" models are not identified in the serial number list. I have an example, #7013861, that is marked "NON-MAGNETIC" where the grade name would be, and "Waltham, Mass." below that. It is shown as a Riverside in the serial number list (same run as that reported above by Doug). I also have a Riverside (marked) movement from the same serial number group, #7013522, that is not non-magnetic and has different damasceening. Without several more examples it would be difficult to estimate how many were non-magnetic in this run, alone.

[Jon Hanson]

Jerry,

You are wrong as to the non-mag markings-the original factory records have this information and I have it; HOWEVER, for some reason the page of your watch is missing in my copy of the records but I can obtain it from a friend.

Also, if production is NOT KNOWN, then plan "B" goes into effect by keeping track of KNOWN EXAMPLES we can work on a rarity rating.

Jon

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Jon Hanson, moderator, nawcc#8801

[Kent]

Jerry:

Thanks for the data. Until such time as Jon publishes or posts the he has information on Non-Magnetic watches from the Waltham factory records he has, we'll continue with plan 'B', gathering and publishing what people report.

Kent

[This message has been edited by Kent (edited 12-26-2000).]

[BMW]

Ken et.al.:
I'm glad to share the serial number with anyone who's interested. I'll see if I can find a picture of the movement ( The watch is at the bank but I might have it on my computer). Anyway, the serial number is 7021445. Here's a link (http://home.earthlink.net/~bmw4re/vgard_nonmag.jpg) just in case I can find the jpg. Thanks for all of your responses and continuing discussion.
BMW