Waltham pocketwatch info?

[Count Wheel]

I seek information on a Waltham pocketwatch serial number 21230101. For instance, the mainspring that fits it, size of watch, and other general data like the number of adjustments, which isn't inscribed on its movement. Thanks.

[Count Wheel]

I seek information on a Waltham pocketwatch serial number 21230101. For instance, the mainspring that fits it, size of watch, and other general data like the number of adjustments, which isn't inscribed on its movement. Thanks.

[Wes]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">21230101 </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
If this is the serial number on the watch movement, it should be a size 16, Open Face, model 1908, 15 Jewel, Grade 620.
It was made around 1917, give or take a year or two.
(This information was found using the American Waltham Production Dates by Serial Number (http://www.pocketwatchsite.com/walthamserials.html) on my web site, and the Waltham Database (http://www.nawcc-info.org/WalthamDB/LookupSN.asp).)
I believe the main spring should be a Waltham #2218. It is 25 inches long, width of 19 (Dennison), with a strength of 4. The modern equivelant is Best Fit JA-713.

[Kent]

Hi Count Wheel:

You can find out some basic facts about your Waltham watch by entering the serial number on the movement (the "works") in the field on the Serial Number link accessable from the NAWCC Information Storage (http://www.nawcc-info.org/WalthamDB/walsernum.htm) website. Don't use any commas in entering the serial number. There is also a Glossary (http://www.nawcc-info.org/WalthamDB/Glossary.htm) of the terms provided by the serial number lookup. Note: When a number appears by itself in the Comment Column, it is the page in the factory serial list where the entry and explaination appeared. i.e. "Comment 42" is on page 42 of “Serial Numbers With Description of Waltham Watch Movements,” Waltham Watch Co., Waltham, MA, 1954, (commonly referred to as "The Gray Book"). Or, a similar search may be done at the Swiss - Waltham Website (http://www.waltham.ch/cgi/waltham/search.asp). This website also has a short history of the American Waltham Watch Co. and other interesting information. But, as old ref::Tom McIntyre Pointed Out, more complete information is available at the NAWCC Information Storage website.

Should the date not be listed in the search of the NAWCC Information Storage - Waltham Serial Number Data Base, Oldwatch.com's Waltham Production Date Chart (http://www.oldwatch.com/walthamdate.html), or the PocketWatchSite's Waltham Date Table (http://www.pocketwatchsite.com/walthamserials.html) are a means for determining the approximate production date. In general, we think of serial number lists (not just for Waltham, but for other watch manufacturers as well) to only be accurate within a year or two at best, and recognize that there are numerous exceptions wherein which the dates may be off as much as 3 years or more.

Having checked serial number 21,230,101 at the above websites, I can see that the movement is a 16-size, 15-jewel, grade No. 620, built in about 1918. You can see a catalog description on page W4 of the 1917 Oskamp-Nolting Catalog at:
www.elginwatches.com/scans/sales_catalogs/1917_Oskamp-Nolting/m_index.html

To view, go to the Elgin Watch Collectors Site Home Page at elginwatches.com, then copy and paste the address in your browser's address bar and click on 'Go'.

According to “Illustrated Manual of American Watch Movements,” E & J Swigart Co, Cincinnati, OH, 1952, reprinted by S. LaRose, Inc., Greensboro, NC (copies are still be available from S. LaRose (http://www.slarose.com/cgi-bin/slarose/055002.html)), it takes a number 4895 (Oops - that's not right - As Wes says below, the correct number is 2227) mainspring, which ought to be available from S.LaRose.

Oops, I see that Wes types faster than I do.

Good luck,

Edited to correct mainspring number.

[Wes]

Kent - I was wondering where you were with your normal very useful and detailed reply to this watch information request. I thought maybe you were watching football or something, so I figured I'd give it a shot! :smile:
On page 180 of my Swigart's it calls out a Waltham factory #2227. The end of the spring, thickness, strength and thickness are identical to the #2218, from what I can tell.
Is 4895 a newer number, different manufacturer number, or a SLaRose number?

[Kent]

Wes:

No, the number I had was an error on my part. I've edited the above answer to show the correct number.

Thanks for catching that,