Very interesting Model 92 Vanguard Non-Magnetic

[Snide]

I have just exchanged a few emails with Phil Guest, a fellow collector from England who has written articles in the past for the Bulletin. He sent me some Model 92 serial numbers and then a photo of his Non-Magnetic Vanguard (http://web.mawebcenters.com/teds_gift_and_jewelry/filecabinet//VAN7011387Non.JPG), serial number 7011387. You will note that the 23 has been "plugged" into the movement. The plug is not terribly unusual but it is the earliest 23 plug that has been reported up 'til now, and early for a 23 jewel movement in general. The first 23 jewel movements listed in the Gray Book are from run 7861001-1500 and that is a split run of 21 and 23 jewel movements. The first straight 23 jewel run is not until 10545701. There have been only 2 other 23 jewel movements reported earlier than 7861001. So it's a Non-Mag. Vanguard which is somewhat unusual with a 23 jewel plug which given it's age makes it more unusual. Then there is the regulator. The serial number would indicate that the movement was made in 1895, but with an 08 regulator? The balance bridge is also plugged, a not unkown practice used by Waltham when the 08 regulator was first brought into use. After telling him that I at first had suspicions about the balance bridge he sent me a photo of the underside and the numbers do agree. But there is a tipoff that the bridge is original to the watch. What is it?

I would like to thank Phil for his contribution to the database. I continue to be of the mind that it is reports on watches that are tucked away in private collections that will make the difference between accurate and close production figures.

Who can see the tipoff?

Jim

[Snide]

I have just exchanged a few emails with Phil Guest, a fellow collector from England who has written articles in the past for the Bulletin. He sent me some Model 92 serial numbers and then a photo of his Non-Magnetic Vanguard (http://web.mawebcenters.com/teds_gift_and_jewelry/filecabinet//VAN7011387Non.JPG), serial number 7011387. You will note that the 23 has been "plugged" into the movement. The plug is not terribly unusual but it is the earliest 23 plug that has been reported up 'til now, and early for a 23 jewel movement in general. The first 23 jewel movements listed in the Gray Book are from run 7861001-1500 and that is a split run of 21 and 23 jewel movements. The first straight 23 jewel run is not until 10545701. There have been only 2 other 23 jewel movements reported earlier than 7861001. So it's a Non-Mag. Vanguard which is somewhat unusual with a 23 jewel plug which given it's age makes it more unusual. Then there is the regulator. The serial number would indicate that the movement was made in 1895, but with an 08 regulator? The balance bridge is also plugged, a not unkown practice used by Waltham when the 08 regulator was first brought into use. After telling him that I at first had suspicions about the balance bridge he sent me a photo of the underside and the numbers do agree. But there is a tipoff that the bridge is original to the watch. What is it?

I would like to thank Phil for his contribution to the database. I continue to be of the mind that it is reports on watches that are tucked away in private collections that will make the difference between accurate and close production figures.

Who can see the tipoff?

Jim

[Greg Frauenhoff]

Jim,

Neat watch. FWIW, #7013823 is a 21j Non-Mag Vanguard.

The round hairspring stud is consistent with an early '92 model movement.

Cheers,

[Snide]

And Mr Frauenhoff is correct. Thanks for the serial number Greg.

So the question is, how did this all come about. Was the movement some kind of left over inventory that was "retrofitted" with the latest in regulator technology? Interesting stuff and a great, great watch.

Jim

[Fred Hansen]

Great watch Phil has there and thanks for posting Jim!

Your continued 92 model research is terrific and I enjoy seeing and reading everything you post here.

Fred