View Full Version : American made key wind watch questions
Garydw
10-01-2002, 10:49 AM
Was the 18 size the most popular key wind watch? Of the manufacturers who produced the most? What features or models should a newbee look for in a keywind watch?
Garydw
10-01-2002, 10:49 AM
Was the 18 size the most popular key wind watch? Of the manufacturers who produced the most? What features or models should a newbee look for in a keywind watch?
Tom McIntyre
10-01-2002, 02:47 PM
Buy the nicest 1857 model Waltham you can afford. :smile:
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Tom McIntyre
NAWCC 2nd VP Candidate
Tommy the JOAT's Web (http://www.AWCo.org)
jim88
10-01-2002, 04:38 PM
Gary, decide on some basics like open face or hunter(hunter has cover on front) and gilt (layer of gold on movement) or nickle plated. The model 57 Waltham is a nice choice, stands out from most other 18s full plate watches. It is a gilt movement. Since you're asking about keywinds I would suggest any 18s Waltham or Elgin. They are usually reasonalbly priced, easy to fix, and parts are available. Check out a Waltham model 83, very common but very reliable. Most keywinds are gilt and it may take a bit of looking if you want a nickle keywind. If you can't find what you want right away, use the time to familiarize yourself with other types of pocketwatchs. Good luck, Jim.
Garydw
10-02-2002, 04:47 AM
Is a coin silver case more collectable than the nickel silver cases? For a little more money should I get a Rockford or Illinois? It appears that not too many 16 size key wind watches were produced.
abereiter
10-02-2002, 04:57 AM
Garydw, Yes coin silver cases are more valuable. One reason is silver is softer than other nickel alloys and therefore wears faster. It is also more easily dammaged. Nice coin silver cases are not as plentiful as silveroid due to the above reasons and command a higher price. Buy what you like and enjoy it.
(Edited to add) I do not think many, if any american companies made a 16s key wind watch.
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Aaron Bereiter
NAWCC #156432
*** Member #55
[This message has been edited by abereiter (edited 10-02-2002).]
Garydw
10-02-2002, 05:10 AM
My biggest problem is I like all watches. I am at a point where I need to be somewhat selective.
Thanks for the input
Jon Hanson
10-02-2002, 05:11 AM
The following companies made 16s KW watches: American Watch Co., United States, Marion, N.J., New York Watch Co., Springfield, Mass, E. Howard & Co., Boston, Mass., etc.
Elgin made a 17s KW and a fair amount of companies produced 14 S KWs, inc. Waltham, Elgin, Illinois, US of Marion, among others of similar size or smaller, i.e. Howard, Fasoldt, Elgin, Waltham, Ill. to name a few.
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Jon Hanson, nawcc#8801
abereiter
10-02-2002, 05:12 AM
Well there you go. Thanks Jon.
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Aaron Bereiter
NAWCC #156432
*** Member #55
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