19 jewels, marked down to 17

[Jerry Treiman]

Several unusual Walthams have surfaced recently. These are 12-size grade 239 movements which should have 19 jewels (as listed in the "gray book") and are from two different production runs. They are marked "JEWELED MAINWHEEL" and do, in fact, have 19 jewels. What is unusual (and perhaps unexplainable) is that the number "19" has been drilled out and a plug put in its place with "17" engraved, so that the watch is labeled "17 JEWELS".
http://static.flickr.com/72/161425005_e1dda91052_o.jpg
This was clearly done at the factory and some examples have the damaskeening pattern done over the plug. Many examples have come to light of up-jeweled watches, with the jewel count modified to show the greater number of jewels, but it is difficult to explain why Waltham might reduce the marked jewel count, especially when the watch actually has the full original jewel count.

[Jerry Treiman]

Several unusual Walthams have surfaced recently. These are 12-size grade 239 movements which should have 19 jewels (as listed in the "gray book") and are from two different production runs. They are marked "JEWELED MAINWHEEL" and do, in fact, have 19 jewels. What is unusual (and perhaps unexplainable) is that the number "19" has been drilled out and a plug put in its place with "17" engraved, so that the watch is labeled "17 JEWELS".
http://static.flickr.com/72/161425005_e1dda91052_o.jpg
This was clearly done at the factory and some examples have the damaskeening pattern done over the plug. Many examples have come to light of up-jeweled watches, with the jewel count modified to show the greater number of jewels, but it is difficult to explain why Waltham might reduce the marked jewel count, especially when the watch actually has the full original jewel count.

[mikeh]

Jerry,

Interesting!

Not to sidetrack the thread, but for some reason it reminds me of my model 88 Am'n grade that was marked down to a Riverside. Maybe it's just one of those things that can never be fully explained.

[wally waltham]

Quick Thought-- was there any litigation pending, or concluded, relating to "functional jewels" in a watch? much like the litigation concerning 100 jewel Swiss Waltham wristwatches?
Just a thunk.
Timely Regards,
ww

[Jon Hanson]

Great eye, Jerry,

I, too, have seen a few but being 12s didn't pay too much attention.

Thanks so much for bringing this point to the collector fraternity!