Waltham WI Dial

[Steve Beck]

I have an 18 size Waltham Vanguard, 21 jewel Wind Indicator. Model 1892 SN 16168XXX
Made around 1907.

The dial on the watch has all the markings in the right places including the wind indicator register. The WI register and the Seconds register are sunk in slightly. It is a thick metal dial. About as thick as a penny. It looks as if it was Die struck like a coin. The numberals and letters sink in about three MM. The sunk in letters and numbers are black. but the remaining surface of the dial is a beige or light tan color. It doesn't look like it was painted or enameled. Under Magnification the surface has baked on powder finish appearence. I am really looking for an expert. Are there any Buletin articles about this type of dial. Is this dial original to the watch? Did all the Wind Indicators in this production run, have this type of dial. What was the reason for using this dial, instead of the standard Porcelan ones?

[Steve Beck]

I have an 18 size Waltham Vanguard, 21 jewel Wind Indicator. Model 1892 SN 16168XXX
Made around 1907.

The dial on the watch has all the markings in the right places including the wind indicator register. The WI register and the Seconds register are sunk in slightly. It is a thick metal dial. About as thick as a penny. It looks as if it was Die struck like a coin. The numberals and letters sink in about three MM. The sunk in letters and numbers are black. but the remaining surface of the dial is a beige or light tan color. It doesn't look like it was painted or enameled. Under Magnification the surface has baked on powder finish appearence. I am really looking for an expert. Are there any Buletin articles about this type of dial. Is this dial original to the watch? Did all the Wind Indicators in this production run, have this type of dial. What was the reason for using this dial, instead of the standard Porcelan ones?

[Tom Huber]

The dial might be original and probably is. At that timeframe, Waltham marketed a silvered RR dial with black numerals. The idea was that it would reflect better in dull light. I have an 18S Vanguard, model 92 with one on that I believe is original. Gives the watch a different look.

I have seen old magazine adds for this time of Waltham dial.

Tom

[Steve Beck]

Tom would you know where I might see an online picture of this type of dial?

[Tom Huber]

Steve, There was something in the "Nawcc Bulletin" a while back in the RR Corner column. You may want to e-mail Kent Singer, who participates on this board. I'm sure he has something. Tom

[Kent]

Steve sent some pictures of his dial so that we could see what he was asking about:

Front View of Dial (http://www.knology.net/~ksinger/mod_92_dial.jpg)

Edge View of Dial (http://www.knology.net/~ksinger/mod_92_dial._edge.jpg)

Ed took a look at it, thought that he'd seen it someplace before, but couldn't remember where. I don't remember seeing anything like it.

Has anybody seen a dial like this before?

Kent :smile:

[Steve Maddox]

I have a couple of 16s Waltham Vanguard Indicators with essentially the same dial. They are original, and are made from a disk of die struck brass that's been silver plated and lacquered. When dials of this type were new, they were about twice as expensive as the standard porcelain dials (in fact, I think they were a $3 option, but I can't remember where I read that).

These dials have been discussed here in the past. Perhaps a "search" of the old topics will reveal additional info.

Hope this helps!

------------------
Steve Maddox
President, NAWCC Chapter #62
North Little Rock, Arkansas

[Steve Beck]

Steve yes thanks that helps alot. Do you think the dials were special ordered from Watham and added by the Jeweler, or do you think they were selected with the movement at the jewelers. Was this type of dial used on Wind indicators only? What year(s) do your watches date from?