Help American PW Dropped watch advice

[drducati731]

Hello all,

I have recently joined the NAWCC so I apologize for any misnaming of parts of the watch, and I don't know much about them, but I need help. I just purchased an 1885 Waltham Pocket watch from ebay. Sadly, I dropped it soon after and it seems to have been damaged severely.

The seconds hand came off, and when I opened the back case, one of the screws that held the movement was sheared off. It does not tick, and the whole movement seems to be tilted inside the case. Is there any way to save the watch? I can't get a hold of any local watch repair places due to COVID-19. What could be some possible things that broke?

I've attached some photos of the disaster hopefully to this post.

Thank you all in advance

 

[Chris Radek]

Hi and welcome! It can definitely be saved. It probably has a broken balance staff, and perhaps one or both balance hole jewels. These are very common repairs because a drop typically breaks those parts. The screw is easy to replace, and the hand will go right back on.

It looks like it could use a service (clean and oil and regulate) anyway, it looks pretty dirty.

 

[Chris Radek]

Oh another thing - if you don't have a pocket watch chain, be sure and get one. Then if you drop it, it will probably just bounce harmlessly against your leg. I like to sit on the bed when attaching the chain to my belt loop, so any fumble will be no problem.

 

[179]

The screw that the head broke off is not a case screw, It is a barrel bridge plate screw. Most likely easily removed when it is serviced.

 

[drducati731]

Hi and welcome! It can definitely be saved. It probably has a broken balance staff, and perhaps one or both balance hole jewels. These are very common repairs because a drop typically breaks those parts. The screw is easy to replace, and the hand will go right back on.

It looks like it could use a service (clean and oil and regulate) anyway, it looks pretty dirty.

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. I guess I will wait until the shops reopen and get a quote. I hope it doesn't break the bank, even though frankly I wouldn't mind. I love this thing.

 

[musicguy]

I guess I will wait until the shops reopen and get a quote.

If someone here has not contacted you yet about repair, and you would like to get a referral
to someone who you can send the watch to for repair let me know by PM(start a conversation button under my name).

Good luck with it. We have all dropped a watch sometime. The chain(or leather tether) has saved my watch many many times.

Rob