Waltham 17 jewel 12s Pocket watch

[endlesstime]

Hi all,

Well... I picked up my first pocket watch ! It is a Waltham 17 jewel , 12 S and it works! I have not had the case apart and don't know if I want to. LOL It seems like it is in very nice condition and I was told by the seller that the movement reads A.W.W.CO. Waltham,USA 17 Jewels 23856030 and that it was dated to 1920. The inside of the case is said to read Wadsworth Referee Warranteed 20 years 2769724 Gold Filled

Like I said it works and I was looking for something that was fairly reasonable to use every day. I do want to get a larger size one also, but figured this was a good start. I'm sure I will be purchasing more because I already have a few in mind.

Mark

[richiec]

Based on the serial number, the watch is indeed from about 1920, it is a 17 jewel model 1894 open face watch. It is a good, reliable watch. You should look into having it cleaned and oiled if you are going to use it every day. That is not a cheap deal but to ensure a long life, it should be done. Check with your jeweler about a reference or check with us here, we should be able to steer you in the right direction. Be careful, watches can become an obsession, just ask my wife.

[Don Dahlberg]

I would like to second the advise about having it cleaned by someone who is familiar with overhauling vintage watches. Be sure to ask how they clean a watch. He or she should describe taking all moving parts apart, cleaning and rinsing in an ultrasonic or mechanical cleaning machine, inspecting all the parts, replacing or repairing damaged parts, reassembling the movement, adjusting the watch and running it several days in several positions. The watchmaker should stand behind the watch for several months.

Don

[endlesstime]

I have a question....When I wind this watch, how long should the watch run for if I have wound it all the way ? 24 hours....?

Thanks,
Mark

[richiec]

I have a 15 jewel version and it runs for nearly 2 days on a full wind, but I think about 30 hours may be the norm with a worn mainspring and dirt.

[endlesstime]

Thanks....I will have to get it serviced for sure. It seems to stop after about 12 hours. It is in nice condition and getting it serviced will take care of the problem I would imagine.

Mark