Please Show the Most Recent Addition to Your Collection

[Jim Haney]

Duck,

A great bunch of Hamilton's for sure.. The spring loaded carrying case really adds to your 4992B.

The dial on your 992B is a replacement dial from a commemorative series sold in the late 1960's with a black circle imitating the double sunk.

This collecting hobby is a learning process we all go through, so just roll with the flow and you are a smarter collector as we all learn these little subtle lessons.

 

[Paul Sullivan]

DUCK9000


I second Robs comment! A very nice group of timekeepers indeed! I particularly like the 996 and it's damaskeen pattern.

 

[Harold Visser]

Acquired a very nice 83 Crescent St. recently even though I've never considered myself as a Mdl 83 fan I find myself owning a half a dozen or so....

 

[Old rookie]

That is one spiffy watch! Congratulations and well done!

 

[Duck9000]

Duck,

A great bunch of Hamilton's for sure.. The spring loaded carrying case really adds to your 4992B.

The dial on your 992B is a replacement dial from a commemorative series sold in the late 1960's with a black circle imitating the double sunk.

This collecting hobby is a learning process we all go through, so just roll with the flow and you are a smarter collector as we all learn these little subtle lessons.

Thanks Jim!

I guess everyday you learn something new! I'll start the quest for the real deal! Any idea where, besides EvilBay?

Thanks in advance

 

[Jim Haney]

Duck,
Yes, It it all a great learning experience.. and is what is so interesting about our Hobby.

In your case, you would start with your serial number and find out what year the watch was made.

Then you can determine if it had a Melamine dial or Enamel dial. Then several dials would have been available in Montgomery or regular, and Hamilton also advertised, The Dial of Your choice, I would assume from current stock availability.

 

[musicguy]

I guess everyday you learn something new! I'll start the quest for the real deal! Any idea where, besides EvilBay?

Thanks in advance

Very good attitude. They are not too hard to find, I just sold one a few weeks
ago. If it's melamine you are looking for, you may need to be satisfied with
one that has a few cracks(and that is OK). eBay is usually your best bet and its should be fairly
reasonably priced.


Rob

 

[StanJS]

This appeared in my mailbox today. I bought the dial without seeing the movement and paid $73.88 (including SH&T). I think I like that "Christmas morning" anticipation of opening the back and seeing what I bought. I always hope for at least 21J. This one turned out to be only 17J (with a 25-year case showing more brass than the Notre Dame Marching Band at halftime.) It runs with great balance wheel movement.

The Waltham serial number lookup was a little short on info. Dates? Given the serial number, I assume the watch is from the late 1890s. It is fairly uncommon with only 1120 copies made. One question; is the dial a replacement? Any other information you can provide?

 

[Andrew Wilde]

I usually hang out on the European pocket watch forum, but I do have an American pocket watch interest - I try to pick up Waltham '57s whenever I find them here in the UK. While not rare, they are unusual here compared to later models. Up until today, my oldest dated to 1867. This arrived in the post today, courtesy of a London auction house.
PS Bartlett grade, 11 jewel, s/n 23553, it has a production date of Sept/Oct 1859. The Appleton Tracy & Co dial is certainly right for that time and is flawless except for a nibble at the centre hole. I don't know if the hands are likely to be original, would appreciate any guidance on that. The movement could be brightened, but I'll probably leave it as it is.
The full hunter case is marked A.T.&Co with a s/n 12729 under the front cover. There are no other markings and I think it's silver - not sure if coin or sterling. Nice condition but a little worn (front and rear engine turning, and edge engraving are worn) although the hinges and release mechanism are perfect. I can't see any indication that the case isn't the original, but any guidance on that would also be appreciated.
I wound it about 8 hours ago and it's kept perfect time so far. The more of these 57s I find, the more I like them - the challenge now is to find an earlier one in the UK !

 

[Clint Geller]

I usually hang out on the European pocket watch forum, but I do have an American pocket watch interest - I try to pick up Waltham '57s whenever I find them here in the UK. While not rare, they are unusual here compared to later models. Up until today, my oldest dated to 1867. This arrived in the post today, courtesy of a London auction house.
PS Bartlett grade, 11 jewel, s/n 23553, it has a production date of Sept/Oct 1859. The Appleton Tracy & Co dial is certainly right for that time and is flawless except for a nibble at the centre hole. I don't know if the hands are likely to be original, would appreciate any guidance on that. The movement could be brightened, but I'll probably leave it as it is.
The full hunter case is marked A.T.&Co with a s/n 12729 under the front cover. There are no other markings and I think it's silver - not sure if coin or sterling. Nice condition but a little worn (front and rear engine turning, and edge engraving are worn) although the hinges and release mechanism are perfect. I can't see any indication that the case isn't the original, but any guidance on that would also be appreciated.
I wound it about 8 hours ago and it's kept perfect time so far. The more of these 57s I find, the more I like them - the challenge now is to find an earlier one in the UK !

View attachment 661225 View attachment 661226 View attachment 661227 View attachment 661228 View attachment 661229 View attachment 661230 View attachment 661231

That's a lovely, early American piece, Andrew. The case definitely looks original, as do the hands. Most American silver cases are coin silver, though Sterling examples turn up. The movement seems in great shape too. It likely has only eleven jewels, but you would have to pull the dial off be sure it doesn't have fifteen. Congrats.

 

[Andrew Wilde]

That's a lovely, early American piece, Andrew. The case definitely looks original, as do the hands. Most American silver cases are coin silver, though Sterling examples turn up. The movement seems in great shape too. It likely has only eleven jewels, but you would have to pull the dial off be sure it doesn't have fifteen. Congrats.

Hi Clint, thanks for your thoughts on the hands and case originality. I had no reason to suspect they weren't, but I've little experience of these early pieces. I will pop the dial off to check for jeweling on the pillar plate, but will enjoy it for a couple of days before I do that. If it's 15 rather than 11, I'll post a picture. Just as an aside, I'm pretty sure that the visible jewels are pressed directly into the plate - faux settings I think they're called.... Andy

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

If it's 15 rather than 11

The hand written factory ledgers say "4 holes" which means 11 jewels. This thing is not always 100% accurate, but it usually is.

I enjoyed your photos, thank you for showing it off.

 

[Clint Geller]

The hand written factory ledgers say "4 holes" which means 11 jewels. This thing is not always 100% accurate, but it usually is.

I enjoyed your photos, thank you for showing it off.

Yes, I didn't think there were any P. S. Bartlett grade Model 1857's in the period when this movement was made, but I wasn't absolutely certain.

 

[Andrew Wilde]

Yes, I didn't think there were any P. S. Bartlett grade Model 1857's in the period when this movement was made, but I wasn't absolutely certain.

Hi Clint - just for clarification - is there a suspicion that the barrel bridge with the serial number may not belong to the P S Bartlett plate? ... Andy

 

[Clint Geller]

Hi Clint - just for clarification - is there a suspicion that the barrel bridge with the serial number may not belong to the P S Bartlett plate? ... Andy

Andy, I see no reason to suspect that the barrel bridge is a replacement, but if you are concerned about it, you could check the assembly numbers on the undersides of the other plates. They should all match the last digits of the serial number. Even if they don't - it happens - if all the assembly numbers match one another, including the one on the barrel bridge, you are still golden. The solid steel balance on your watch is also highly consistent with its serial number and grade, so everything looks legit to me.

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Hi Clint - just for clarification - is there a suspicion that the barrel bridge with the serial number may not belong to the P S Bartlett plate? ... Andy

It's listed as P.S. Bartlett in the hand written A.erican watch co ledger, as well. Sorry, should have included that.

 

[Dbailey]

You know the Illinois Bunn Special 163 type II that only 50 were ever made and it's impossible to find one? Well, I got me one....

 

[Dbailey]

The nice #108 case is being made even nicer with a professional polish from my case man but I couldn't wait for it to come back before spreading my joy

 

[Old rookie]

Well done and congratulations on your find.

 

[Jskirk]

This one arrived today, an 18s coin silver 7 jewel Rockford from around 1881, but what grade is it, it comes up as unknown. The movement has very good condition gilting and the dial is nice.

 

[Jskirk]

So I believe this is a model 1 ,but the regulator looks different.

 

[darrahg]

This one arrived today, an 18s coin silver 7 jewel Rockford from around 1881, but what grade is it, it comes up as unknown. The movement has very good condition gilting and the dial is nice

Your watch movement had a micro adjustment piece on it that I usually find on 11j movements and greater. I would want to remove the balance cock and see if its id number corresponds with the movement serial number. It seems to be a little unusual for a 7j movement to have that type of adjustment but nothing surprises me when dealing with Rockfords. The included photo shows what piece is missing.

Rockford did not place a grade number on their early movements but some collectors have made their own classification schemes. I would call it a nice 7j gilt model 1 Rockford in reasonably nice condition and with what might have been a higher end regulator micro-adjustment.

 

[musicguy]

It seems to be a little unusual for a 7j movement

I agree on the regulator even though I am not an expert on
Rockfords when I first saw it, it did look unusual on a 7j

Nice old KW Rockford



Rob

 

[Jskirk]

Thanks for the information, I am wondering if there are any of these regulator parts available, is there alot of this model available for parts. I really only bid on and bought this because of the coin silver case, but I really like the watch.

 

[darrahg]

Thanks for the information, I am wondering if there are any of these regulator parts available, is there a lot of this model available for parts. I really only bid on and bought this because of the coin silver case, but I really like the watch.

Never say never, but.......of the numerous Rockfords in my care there are only 4 or 5 that have that micro-adjust. Rockford parts are not easy to find and sometimes it is better to search for a parts movement. Or, just leave the movement as is and appreciate what you have. Good Luck!

 

[Dbailey]

The nice #108 case is being made even nicer with a professional polish from my case man but I couldn't wait for it to come back before spreading my joy

Here it is back in its proper case...a #108 case that has a rare pattern back (my pics don't do it justice).

 

[Old rookie]

Nice job.

 

[Paul Sullivan]

Beautiful watch and case!

 

[Old rookie]

My latest is a Sangamo Special model 10 s/n 4166390 circa 1923.

 

[Old rookie]

...and I just cracked the crystal! Drat, drat, drat and double drat!

 

[musicguy]

Sorry to hear.
It's happened to every one of us.


Rob

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

It's happened

No doubt!

I broke a staff recently That was not even in the watch! Restaffed a balance. Boxed everything up to take to new location. Opened the box and my staff was missing the top pivot.

That's Illinois is a beauty. I'm sure a replacement crystal won't be an issue!

 

[musicguy]

.and I just cracked the crystal! Drat, drat, drat and double drat!

Contact Dave's watch parts and send him the bezel and he will put a new one in.
You will have it back before you know it .


Rob

 

[Old rookie]

Thanks Rob. I'll have to send the entire watch as the bezel is hinged and the back screws on.

 

[musicguy]

That's not a problem pack it very well and send it USPS Priority mail.
If you don't have the skills(or tools) do not remove the movement.




Rob

 

[Old rookie]

That's the way I ship my watches. My fine motor skills are about shot so I'll send the complete watch. Dave is away for a week starting the 14th.

 

[DTSPatrick]

A new VIP member of the family arrived at my doorstep via the FedEx man. Rather happy he showed up.

Waltham Riverside Maximus 6s #7161008 in a beautiful Lissauer & Sondheim re-case.

 

[musicguy]

Nothing like a nice 6s! especially a nice Maximus!

I do like this size very much.



Rob

 

[Ethan Lipsig]

What DTSPatrick failed to note about his new Maximus is that it is a Model 1890 watch. Waltham only made hunter-movement model Model 1890 Maximus, and it only made 500. Hence, DTSPatrick's watch not only is beautiful, it is uncommon. These 1890 Maximus are sweet little watches. I have #7,161,115. It too has been recased in a solid gold, diamond-studded case.

 

[DTSPatrick]

only made 500… it is uncommon. These are sweet little watches.

Thanks all. Probably my favorite Maximus due to rarity and the gold movement print really makes them stand out. I’m lucky enough to have twins.

 

[Joe Blossic]

Mail delivery has been a bit slow in recent months but ...
Last found the mailbox, just back from restoration;
Circa 1888 Waltham M72 Riverside, SN# 3220798, 16S, 15J,HC

 

[Paul Sullivan]

Last found the mailbox, just back from restoration;
Circa 1888 Waltham M72 Riverside, SN# 3220798, 16S, 15J,HC

Very nice!! lovely case and movement also.

 

[DTSPatrick]

Finally had a little time to tinker at my desk. Re-cased a little orphaned 0s Maximus into a beautiful HC A.W.C.Co case. The edge detail on the case is AMAZING.

 

[Paul Sullivan]

Waltham model 1908, grade1623, 23J, L/S, Adj. 8 pos, Vanguard. Serial number 3377761633 shows it from run 33765838 - 33780900 (15062 total) made/assembled in 1952, and factory cased in a Star W.C.Co. SB&B 10kt gold filled case.

Up until 2020 I had been looking for 18s Hamiltons, 18s Waltham model '92s, and any18s Elgin 3/4 nickel movement 17 jewels and up and made after 1892. While I still look for special finish, P/Ls, etc., I slipped back to buying 16s made by Waltham and Elgin, particularly post WWII to 1953 when the last 16s Waltham watch was assembled in June that year; of a run of 1000 model A, grade 1621, 21j movements, serial nos. 33824401 to 33825400.

I have a few 1908 model Vanguards in variations from the highly finished and damaskeened early grades to the final more austere and modern Geneva stripes that appeared on all late US pocket watches, though many late 16s Walthams and Elgins under 17j were just plain with a bit of brushing. The painted dial has some small but noticeable scratches near the second bit where the underlying metal can be seen.

I bought the watch about a week ago just to have a last run Vanguard and hope to find one of the 16s 16-A's from '53 to have one of the last U.S. made Waltham pocket watches. With only 1000 made that may take awhile.

 

[SpringDriven]

Acquired a very nice 83 Crescent St. recently even though I've never considered myself as a Mdl 83 fan I find myself owning a half a dozen or so.... View attachment 660768 View attachment 660769 View attachment 660770

One of my favorite dials from that era.

 

[Dave Coatsworth]

An Illinois, 14-size, grade 126, 21 jewel movement. Although the database claims 400 of each pendant set and lever set made, serial number observations indicate that only a single run of 50 movements was likely produced. Unfortunately, an incorrect dial (should be double-sunk). Still a beautiful watch that I am very happy to have added to my collection.

 

[Old rookie]

An oldie and a goodie. Congratulations on the nice addition to your collection.

 

[Old rookie]

My latest is a Keystone/Howard series 5, variation ser 5, model 1907, s/n 1144299, 16s, 19j, adjusted for temperature and five positions. Circa 1912.

 

[4thdimension]

That’s a beauty

 

[Paul Sullivan]

Great looking watch! One of these days I want to add on to my collection mainly because the movement looks great.