Waltham KW & set from back???

[hc3]

Hello! Questions on Waltham's 18 size key wind and set from the back watches.

What is the difference between the series A and series B Crescent Streets?

And, has anyone ever seen a model 1883 kw and set from the back? Supposedly, someone has one and wants me to look at it. It's in the book as a kw 1883 by the #, but he swears there are two square winders on the back and 2 holes in the cuvette. Case sounds like an English one from the description. Any ideas?

[hc3]

Hello! Questions on Waltham's 18 size key wind and set from the back watches.

What is the difference between the series A and series B Crescent Streets?

And, has anyone ever seen a model 1883 kw and set from the back? Supposedly, someone has one and wants me to look at it. It's in the book as a kw 1883 by the #, but he swears there are two square winders on the back and 2 holes in the cuvette. Case sounds like an English one from the description. Any ideas?

[Jon Hanson]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by hc3:
"Hello! Questions on Waltham's 18 size key wind and set from the back watches.

What is the difference between the series A and series B Crescent Streets?

And, has anyone ever seen a model 1883 kw and set from the back? Supposedly, someone has one and wants me to look at it. It's in the book as a kw 1883 by the #, but he swears there are two square winders on the back and 2 holes in the cuvette. Case sounds like an English one from the description. Any ideas?"

Hi,

There is no difference in the 1870 model Waltham Crescent St. KWs. The confusion (A & B) stems (pun not intended) from an error by the company in their parts list (catalogue).

There are no "original" KW & S from the back 1883 models Walthams. The 1870 and chronodrometer models are the only full plate Walthams that wind and set from the back. But, caution, there are some fakers out there doing "funny things" to watches nowadays. I suggest you check the watch, obtain a photo for future reference, and check the watch against the Waltham serial number list. Also, you might check under the dial to see if anything has been modified. There are some gilt '83s that are standard 18s KW, with front setting-this is to what Shugart refers.

I hope this helps you. If possible try to get a scan or photo of the mov't. I am sure some of the "Waltham "boys" on this BB might take an interest and/or see what this "thing" looks like.

Jon Hanson, early American specialist, nawcc #8801.

[This message has been edited by Jon Hanson (edited 09-03-2000).]

[Greg Frauenhoff]

I've seen in person an 1857 model mvt that was converted (obviously a long time ago and almost certainly not with the intent to deceive) to set from the back like an 1870 model. I can't tell you why it was done, but it was done nevertheless. The setting arbor location actually required that the regulator be removed, thus making it a "freesprung" '57 model. It didn't look all that professionally done so I'd guess it was done by a neighborhood watchmaker rather than at the factory. Just a curiosity.

Greg