Waltham size 17??????

[rebman1861]

Hello, I have recently purchased a Waltham movement, it is in great condition and my watch guy ( I know nothing about the mechanics) has told me that it is a size 17, I cannot find a case for this beautiful movement, any suggestions on where to look???? Or any info. in general about Waltham size 17's.

Thanks

[Veritas]

Rebman sounds like you may have a Waltham Colonial movement.
What is the serial number on the movement?

[Tom Huber]

Please show us a pic of the movement. My guess is that it is a model 88 or an Equity movement. Both of these will not fit a standard 16S case. The model 88 has a 17S pillar plate (dial side) and a 16S top plate (movement size). The Equity has a 16-1/2S pillar plate.

Tom

[Robert Sweet]

Hello rebman1861,

Welcome to the NAWCC American Pocket Watch forum message board.

As a minimum the movement (the works) serial number will be required to give you any helpful assistance. An image of the movement would be even more helpful.

(Appears we were all typing at the same time)

Robert

[rebman1861]

Sorry guys as I said I am new to this. Here is the info. I have found on the movement:

THE BACK OF THE MOVEMENT IS MARKED A.W.W.CO, RIVERSIDE, WALTHAM, MASS, SERIAL NUMBER 6985049, 17 JEWELS, ADJUSTED.

here are some photos I have attached:
33034

33035

[chief13365]

Rebman,
You do indeed have a waltham model 1888. Not only is it a 17s, but you will need a case with a hole in it that lines up with the pin in the movement that is opposite the case screw. They come up on e-bay once in a while. Good luck!

[Jon Hanson]

These mov'ts require special cases and a detent stem. Over 802000 were made, so cases are plentiful (but not necessarily naked).

[rebman1861]

Will a hunter case work?? Also if they case size is not stated what should its diameter be?? Is Waltham the only company that made size 17 watches??

thanks for your help

[rebman1861]

Where are some places to look for cases??

[Jon Hanson]

A few--nawcc emart, Web Horology, fleabay, websites, etc.

[Jerry Treiman]

Rebman - a hunting case would not be appropriate for your open-face movement.

[rebman1861]

Thanks for all the info so far, anyone come across a case for this movement please let me know. It has been an on going search for awhile, I also have a size 18 Elgin case, that has some sentimental value, I would like to find a movement for it also.


thanks

[Tom Huber]

When you find a case, you will also need the stem and an appropriate crown. As someone said, these have a detent stem. The stem is not part of the case, but hooks into the movement.

Tom

[rebman1861]

Sounds like I am in for a mess, like I said I have been looking for awhile with no luck. But thanks for the added info.

[rebman1861]

Is Waltham the only watchmaker that made the size 17?? Also, anyone have a photo of what the detent stem looks like?

thanks

[Jon Hanson]

No, Hampden, Elgin, etc.; send me 3-4 stamps and I'll send you one!