Please Show the Most Recent Addition to Your Collection

[musicguy]

Nice, I have always liked the rotating seconds watches.


Rob

 

[Alan Walker]

One of my latest additions to the collection. A Hamilton 940 private label for A. K. Jobe. Previously sold at auction by Jones and Horan about a month ago. Dial has minor chip by the setting lever. One neat fact about Jobe is that he was the watch inspector for the Illinois Central Railroad’s Water Valley Division, having stores in Jackson, Tennessee and Water Valley, Mississippi. Jackson was the north end of the division and Water Valley was the south end.

Jackson, Tennessee was home to famed Illinois Central Railroad engineer John Luther “Casey” Jones from about 1890 until 1900. He was assigned to the division as a freight engineer from 1892 until early 1900, when he was promoted to passenger train service out of Memphis, Tennessee. His family was still living in Jackson when he died in a train wreck on April 30, 1900.

As such, Casey would have frequently visited Jobe’s establishment to have his Waltham 18 size, 15 jewel Grade 35 inspected and repaired. That watch is still owned by Casey’s family and loaned to the Casey Jones Village for display. Photographs of the watch were published in the June, 2000 NAWCC Bulletin.

 

[Greg Frauenhoff]

Alan,

Wonderful watch. Congrats!

Greg

 

[Jim Haney]

Yes, because of his close ties to Ball he had the dials done in the BALL style. A very nice watch..

 

[Paul Sullivan]

Great watch! Thanks for the interesting background story also!

 

[Rodney Leon]

Hamilton, 1979-80. 992 Recreation.

Had a chance to buy one so I did, It is better than I thought it would be. Runs really well and keeps great time. I took 2 photos of it next to a 992B in the Hamilton case for comparison. Will make a nice carry watch. Only 2950 made. Pendent set. 17 Jewel, adjusted 2 positions. Swiss, Unitas movement. Incabloc shock-resistant balance jewels, No. HA 1553. Montgomery single sunk dial. Model 17 Hamilton case, 10 K gold filled. Star watch case Co. No. 312332-820078. I got most the information above from the forum search and information that Kent published (Thanks). It would be neat to find a copy of the original sales pamphlet.

 

[Lee Passarella]

Here's a recent addition, South Bend Model 294, 16s 21j, c. 1907.

 

[Alan Walker]

I did a double take when I saw the engraving. One of my Hamilton 936s has a similar engraving in the same style.

 

[StanJS]

I went bottom fishing online and spent almost $63 (with shipping) on the Hampden below based on a shot of the face. (I just had to see the movement.)

I suppose, if you go bottom fishing, you have to expect to occasionally snag the bottom. This watch (Hampden circa 1885 Model 3 Grade 59/60 18S 15J) has a litany of problems; the (nice thick) lens falls out, the lever set doesn't set, one of the mismatched hands points in a random direction, and the mainspring is so gummy that it takes some effort to wind it up a bit. Once wound, it does fitfully try to run but quickly grinds to a halt. It does have an antimagnetic swingout case. Still, I do like these older 18S 15J clunkers.

 

[Appa69]

The crystal can be glued. Uv epoxy is my preferred method. You may be able to straighten the hour hand. Maybe. Overall it should clean up well and barring any problems we can't see, turn out to be a good runner. Parts should be available.

 

[Jerry Treiman]

It appears that I have developed a fondness for Waltham's "Colonial Series" movements/watches. I say this because I find that I now have 19 examples. However, only six of these survived in their original cases, the majority being bought as movements. I am in a constant tug-of-war with the scrappers -- they melt the cases and I have to find new ones, usually from lesser movements.

I couldn't resist this recently orphaned 19-jewel Riverside movement ($10.38 on eBay from a scrapper). The silver dial with gold radial numerals and fancy hands alone were worth more than I paid. Fortunately I had an empty gold-filled case of appropriate vintage to put it in. Cleaned and oiled and keeping great time in my pocket. It is a great size to wear.


The Colonial Series is a non-standard movement size and hard to case, which may be why there was so little competition. It is based on Waltham's regular 12-size movement but with a 14-size pillar plate and were always factory-cased in gold-filled or solid gold cases.

 

[rschussel]

I posted under a separate listing but wanted to include my discovery here which is also a new listing. Below is the link

Previously Unknown Grade 104 Hunter 23j Hampden RR Variant Found

My most recent acquisition has enabled me to determine that a previously unknown Tutone Hampden 23j Hunter exists. Background The Hampden Watch Co Book by HERNICK AND ARNOLD list a production run of 200 for 16S 23J HT4L 5P. Note that the hunter movement is Tutone and marked No. 104. adjusted...

mb.nawcc.org

What is so unusual is that Hampden produced at least 60 23j Model 4 Tutone Hunters that are lacking information that the movement is Railroad Grade. These were Hampdens best at the time $70. Prior movements had a flag with SR in it and movements just after this run were marked No.104 and Adjusted to 5 Positions.

What continues to blow my mind is that this variant of 60 to 100 remained unknown for so long.

 

[mikeflstfi]

It appears that I have developed a fondness for Waltham's "Colonial Series" movements/watches. I say this because I find that I now have 19 examples. However, only six of these survived in their original cases, the majority being bought as movements. I am in a constant tug-of-war with the scrappers -- they melt the cases and I have to find new ones, usually from lesser movements.

I couldn't resist this recently orphaned 19-jewel Riverside movement ($10.38 on eBay from a scrapper). The silver dial with gold radial numerals and fancy hands alone were worth more than I paid. Fortunately I had an empty gold-filled case of appropriate vintage to put it in. Cleaned and oiled and keeping great time in my pocket. It is a great size to wear.
View attachment 765430 View attachment 765431

The Colonial Series is a non-standard movement size and hard to case, which may be why there was so little competition. It is based on Waltham's regular 12-size movement but with a 14-size pillar plate and were always factory-cased in gold-filled or solid gold cases.

That dial is magnificent. I'm glad you were able to find a case for it and let it live on.

 

[Kent]

Still, I do like these older 18S 15J clunkers.

I do too!

 

[Alan Walker]

Here are my two pieces that came in today.

This is my latest Hamilton grade 936.

Nothing too unusual about this one-just another 936 markings variant for the collection.

Here’s a neat one-1889 Waltham Grade 35.

Nice double sunk dial.

Movement is nice looking, but not running-acts like it’s overbanked.

Case is a J. Boss patent model. The movement is fitted with a dust ring and seats inside the movement holder ring. That is held in place by the retaining ring the screws in to the back of the case. Took the movement out to clean the dial and case-the case back would not completely screw in flush due to dirt in the threads. Soaked the case in warm water with denture cleaner. The dirt came right out, along with the remnants of the glue holding the plastic crystal in place. Case back screws in nicely now. Need to take it to my watchmaker to have the movement diagnosed and get a glass crystal installed. Paid $115 including shipping-case is probably worth that much.

 

[Thyme4Clocks]

Picked up a couple Illinois PW’s at a recent Mini–Mart) A 16s, 21j Bunn Special (which I’ve always wanted!) and an oddly shaped, 12s, 17j Dress Watch (I almost bought a black–dialed Elgin in lieu of the dress watch, but went with the dress watch instead, the unusual case shape sold me!).

According to PW DB, the Bunn is circa roughly 1917, while the DW is circa roughly 1925. I’ll have more to say about these watches in an additional reply in a few “daze” (days), but for now just wanted to post initial photos for membs to N•Joy!

Lol




Bunn Special)




Illinois “Dress” Watch)

 

[Jerry Treiman]

... an oddly shaped, 12s, 17j Dress Watch

It is not just the shape that is appealing. As soon as I saw the acid-etched pattern I knew it was most likely a Wadsworth case. They made some of the nicest cases and were one of the best case companies.
[spectacular dial, too !! ]

 

[Greg Frauenhoff]

Here are my two pieces that came in today. View attachment 766112
This is my latest Hamilton grade 936. View attachment 766113
Nothing too unusual about this one-just another 936 markings variant for the collection.

Here’s a neat one-1889 Waltham Grade 35. View attachment 766115
Nice double sunk dial.
View attachment 766114
Movement is nice looking, but not running-acts like it’s overbanked.
View attachment 766116
Case is a J. Boss patent model. The movement is fitted with a dust ring and seats inside the movement holder ring. That is held in place by the retaining ring the screws in to the back of the case. Took the movement out to clean the dial and case-the case back would not completely screw in flush due to dirt in the threads. Soaked the case in warm water with denture cleaner. The dirt came right out, along with the remnants of the glue holding the plastic crystal in place. Case back screws in nicely now. Need to take it to my watchmaker to have the movement diagnosed and get a glass crystal installed. Paid $115 including shipping-case is probably worth that much.

Alan,

Neat case for the Waltham For examples of other similar cases you might want to check out the following threads.

A Different Style Case

I'm cleaning a Columbus 18s pocket watch with a different type of case, one I've never seen before. The movement fits in a ring which slips into the back of the case and is held in by a large threaded split ring. There is no name on the case however it has a serial # and a patent date. Does...

mb.nawcc.org

Unusual case construction Jas. Boss help...

Good evening all, I've had this watch several years and remember buying it at a pawn shop very reasonably as I didn't have a frosted movement at the time. I didn't pay too much attention to the case other than noting it seemed in good shape and had the paper in the back. Anyway, after getting...

mb.nawcc.org

Greg

 

[Alan Walker]

The Waltham is in queue for cleaning and repairs. Forewarned my watchmaker so that the case won't drive him nuts.

 

[Alan Walker]

Not a “new” addition, but I sent it to the watchmaker before I took photos of it. It went in for service at the end of December and I just picked it up today-it was a low priority piece.



Typical Durapower dial.



Nice clean movement.



Nice presentation inscription.

 

[Thyme4Clocks]

As promised, here are some additional thoughts on the two watches I purchased at the mini–mart the beginning of June)

I’ve always been enamored with the name “Bunn Special” · · It reminds me of those big restaurant coffeemakers with the woodgrain finishes and the bulbous carafes with the orange pouring spouts, what delightful pieces of Americana!. I’d love to find out, as regards the watches, where the name “Bunn Special” comes from! Perhaps somebody on this thread can enlighten me My guess is that “Bunn” was somebody’s surname who was well connected with the Illinois PW Brand back “in the day.”

The smaller Illiinois dress watch is running a bit slow when fully wound, but now seems to be “settling in” and not losing time at as great a rate. When I first wound it at the mini–mart, I set it aside while looking at other stuff, and then saw the dial after about 45 minutes · · Whoa!! “Danger Will Robinson!” (Lol) So after having it for a few “daze,” I became more familiar with this predictable behavior and found I could “compensate” by setting the hands ahead significanly, then it would arrive at more or less the correct time, only a few minutes ahead. The vendor I spoke with at the mini–mart has a shop just north of me, and I’m sure he’ll be able to adjust it to keep more accurate time. I haven’t visited yet but on the to–do list.

At first, the Purple Hands of the BS really bugged me. “Can’t anyone blue hands properly?” I thought to myself. But now I like them! They’re unique and besides, 3 of my other specimens have classic blue hands, so I’m good there. (my Hampden has a bent minute hand! Which I also like as it adds “Character!”)

Lol

 

[musicguy]

At first, the Purple Hands of the BS really bugged me.

I love the purple hands.


Rob

 

[Paul Sullivan]

1908 Crescent St. 16s 25178398 19j

I have had quite a bit of luck this and last year finding orphaned movements that were not only inexpensive, but also extremely accurate time keepers in great looking condition. Some came with dial and hands, but most were movement only, like 25178398. That being today's reality I also spend more time looking for additional spare cases as I use up what I've had on hand. Lately they have been nickel, as even mediocre gold filled cases are going for very high prices now, as they continue to be scrapped. Sometimes it's even cheaper to buy a broken watch in a good GF case and get the movement for "parts or repair".
I had the case on hand for awhile and finally used it for the 1908 Cresc. St. I thought the F may indicate it was made by Fahy's (I've not seen it before) but I didn't see any match to it from an online search of their different trade marks.

The plain case looks nice with little brassing, but the case back has cross-threading issues making putting it back on a bit (or sometimes VERY) tedious. Still, overall it presents well and can still keep the same accuracy it was originally designed for, and for a lot less than a Swiss Ball.

 

[Jerry Treiman]

I thought the F may indicate it was made by Fahy's

I think that is correct. The distinctive numbers used for the case serial number are also characteristic of Fahys cases.

 

[musicguy]

1908 Crescent St. 16s 25178398 19j

21J



Rob

 

[Nathan Moore]

1908 Crescent St. 16s 25178398 19j

I have had quite a bit of luck this and last year finding orphaned movements that were not only inexpensive, but also extremely accurate time keepers in great looking condition. Some came with dial and hands, but most were movement only, like 25178398. That being today's reality I also spend more time looking for additional spare cases as I use up what I've had on hand. Lately they have been nickel, as even mediocre gold filled cases are going for very high prices now, as they continue to be scrapped. Sometimes it's even cheaper to buy a broken watch in a good GF case and get the movement for "parts or repair".
I had the case on hand for awhile and finally used it for the 1908 Cresc. St. I thought the F may indicate it was made by Fahy's (I've not seen it before) but I didn't see any match to it from an online search of their different trade marks.

The plain case looks nice with little brassing, but the case back has cross-threading issues making putting it back on a bit (or sometimes VERY) tedious. Still, overall it presents well and can still keep the same accuracy it was originally designed for, and for a lot less than a Swiss Ball.

View attachment 767244 View attachment 767243 View attachment 767242



View attachment 767241

This case mark is associated with the "Honest" grade manufactured by Fahys (as Jerry Treiman suggested). It is cataloged on this page (look at the "Marking Variants" section for the variant without "Fahys" included):

https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/guide/case-companies/fahys-watch-case-co/grades/Fahys-Honest-14K25YR

 

[Paul Sullivan]

Thank you for the link Nathan!

 

[Kent]

21J



Rob

Yeah, I got really excited 'til saw the 21 Jewel marking in the movement picture.

The reason your back doesn't screw on properly is probably 'because its about 90 years older than the case center ring and made by a different manufacturer.

 

[Jskirk]

1871 HZ Culver.

 

[ghce]

This entered the collection yesterday, a purchase from an online auction.
Needs a new mainspring but thats underway.

Waltham Pocket Watch: Serial Number 4679913 (Grade No. 25)

Serial lookups, info, specs, and value for American antique pocket watches covering manufacturers like Elgin, Illinois, Waltham, and Hamilton

pocketwatchdatabase.com

 

[ghce]

Another one (also on another thread) entered the collection yesterday.
Not currently going but I think I will restore it.

U.S. Watch Co. (Waltham, Mass) Pocket Watch: Serial Number 710372 (Grade 108G)

Serial lookups, info, specs, and value for American antique pocket watches covering manufacturers like Elgin, Illinois, Waltham, and Hamilton

pocketwatchdatabase.com

 

[Jim Haney]

One of the nicest "Fancy Dials" from Hamilton, Grade 925 Ser#672609 sold to ?? F.Lesappel & Co. ?? the writing in the ledgers is terrible. on 5-1-1911. I am looking for a nice Hunting case for it.

BTW, Hamilton was very prolific on Fancy dials, The first 2 pages in the Ledgers show Numbers 2,5,34,40,54,60,76 with notated Fancy Dials.

When I find some time I am going to start a thread on them, I have about 30-35 of them

 

[Maximus Man]

New addition and a new favorite movement! Waited a while for one of these.

 

[Jerry Treiman]

New addition and a new favorite movement! Waited a while for one of these.

View attachment 768040 View attachment 768041

So lovely! Can you share the serial number on this one?

 

[Ethan Lipsig]

Maximus Man, you ever so gently said that you've "[w]aited a while for one of these". I first learned that you were looking for one a dozen years ago. Your persistence is commendable. These spotted AWCO bridge models are hard to find. As far as I know, no more than 20 were made and only 6 presently are known to exist.

 

[Clint Geller]

Congratulations, Vince! I recently had my newly acquired fishscale damaskeened bridge model, SN 9,503,666, cleaned and serviced, and my watchmaker discovered this very interesting engraving on the main wheel. I believe several of these movements are marked "21 jewels," but these were upjeweled to 23 jewel movements before leaving the factory. I assume Vince's example is similarly jeweled and marked to my own, but I don't know. Can you confirm, Vince? I'm wondering which other Waltham Model 1899 bridge movements, if any, had the same marking on their main wheels as these 20. Only the first run of Model 1899 bridge movements, including the 20 (or perhaps 30, see below) with fishscale damaskeening, had Church's patent starwheel regulators. The later runs all had whiplash regulators.

 

[Maximus Man]

Congratulations, Vince! I recently had my newly acquired fishscale damaskeened bridge model, SN 9,503,666, cleaned and serviced, and my watchmaker discovered this very interesting engraving on the main wheel. I believe several of these movements are marked "21 jewels," but these were upjeweled to 23 jewel movements before leaving the factory. I assume Vince's example is similarly jeweled and marked to my own, but I don't know. Can you confirm, Vince? I'm wondering which other Waltham Model 1899 bridge movements, if any, had the same marking on their main wheels as these 20. Only the first run of Model 1899 bridge movements, including the 20 with fishscale damaskeening, had Church's patent starwheel regulators. The later runs all had whiplash regulators.

View attachment 768419

Clint
I am sorry for the poor quality pictures. Yes mine is the same situation 21 marked -23 jewel. Same main wheel. I will check serial number later, but i think it ends with 655.

 

[Clint Geller]

I haven't cased this movement yet, but I promised to show it. So here it is. The pictures were taken by my watchmaker, Mr. John Wilson. To my knowledge, there are nine publically documented surviving Nashua Watch Company movements - four with 19 jewels, and five with 15 jewels. This is one of the 19 jewel examples. I am informed that it was consigned to Schmitt & Horan by the elderly grandson of the collector who acquired it in the 1950's. Stratton's 1860 barrel patent marking, visible in the fourth picture, is stamped on the dial-facing side of the dial plate.

 

[Maximus Man]

So lovely! Can you share the serial number on this one?

Sorry it took so long, but the serial number looks to be maybe the earliest example of the ones recorded.(9,503,655)

 

[Jerry Treiman]

Not only is the earliest example recorded, it also opens up a newly recognized/presumed "decade" of these, suggesting there may have been 30 produced.

 

[Allan C. Purcell]

I am not sure why I bought this watch, though I do think it was the price and in Germany. postage €3.40. So I worked it out that I had saved about $ 27 USA Postage, and €60 import duties. I also noticed the case is Sterling 925 silver, and it also has a gold train on the rear case of the watch. It is also a stem set, plus good time-keeping. (So far) So from now on I will be keeping an eye open for German sellers. You Americans have it right, no duty on antiques.






Notice here, the half moon and crown, showing the import duty . (About 1915) This does prove the case is original to the watch.

 

[Allan C. Purcell]

Well, I kept to my new search, and last night I bought a Waltham pocket watch, hoops, I almost forgot to say it is not a Waltham. It has on the dial "U.S.Watch, Co. Waltham" You all know it is the "United States Watch Co of Waltham Mass."
Anyway, I paid my €99 and €5.10 postage, and it should be here tomorrow. The seller also said the hunter case was gilded. It is in fact, an Elgin Giant, rolled gold to last for 20 years, in great condition. The only thing wrong he said was the glass was missing. ( I almost didn´t buy it) Serial number 122636, so not having one of these watches. I thought I would ask a few questions when it arrives. I did of course look at my "Rails West" but as yet have no information on the serial number. The back plate only says " U, S.Watch Co. Waltham Waltham Mass." Nothing about Jewells, or adjustments. It does have a wide mainspring, but I don´t think it is a "Dome Watch" So more on this watch when it arrives,

Best wishes,

Allan.

 

[Appa69]

Here's what the database has on that serial number.

Waltham Pocket Watch: Serial Number 122636 (Grade Wm. Ellery)

Serial lookups, info, specs, and value for American antique pocket watches covering manufacturers like Elgin, Illinois, Waltham, and Hamilton

pocketwatchdatabase.com

 

[StanJS]

Below is a recent (2022) acquisition of mine by the US Watch Co., Waltham. Here is some information on your watch:

U.S. Watch Co. (Waltham, Mass) Pocket Watch: Serial Number 122636 (Grade 63)

Serial lookups, info, specs, and value for American antique pocket watches covering manufacturers like Elgin, Illinois, Waltham, and Hamilton

pocketwatchdatabase.com

 

[Allan C. Purcell]

Here's what the database has on that serial number.

Thanks, Appa69 for trying, I found that too, what I did not find was the information sent by StanJS, which is the answer to one of my questions when it arrives. StanJS thank you for posting this, I have copied your post. Since yesterday I have asked the seller to let me use his photographs. Here are a few. (Not arrived yet, 10.00Hrs here in Germany)

The photographs were not allowed, probably too large, so we will have to wait till it arrives.

 

[Allan C. Purcell]

Did not arrive today, so some pics.

 

[musicguy]

It looks nice.


Rob

 

[Tsunami]

I recently purchased these two. I should receive them this week. The steel cased one said it was serviced and the gold cased one has not been serviced. I’ll most likely send them both back out next week for a proper service and maybe a dial replacement on the SS and maybe have some fun by putting a nice set of 2 zone hour hands on it.

 

[Jim Haney]

The 1st watch was made in 1959 and the Model 15 Stainless Steel was 1st produced in 1950 and was used for several years .
The 2nd watch was made in 1952 and the Melamine dial is fine but it is in a Model 5 case made in 1928 before the 992B was produced.

 

[Tsunami]

The 1st watch was made in 1959 and the Model 15 Stainless Steel was 1st produced in 1950 and was used for several years .
The 2nd watch was made in 1952 and the Melamine dial is fine but it is in a Model 5 case made in 1928 before the 992B was produced.

Yeah I figured the case was wrong but although I collect I don’t necessarily take a huge issue with it being a wrong case. Now if presented with a mint case of the correct year I’d might swap it out but cases I’m finding are hard to come by never the less date