Devedander Posted November 23, 2006 Report Share Posted November 23, 2006 I found my grandmothers old pocketwatch, which is in a very poor state of repair, and wondered if it's reasonable to try and fix up such a damaged watch. It's not so much that I want to carry a pocket watch, but rather that it's a nice memory of her, and if it would run it would be even nicer so it could be like it was when she had it. The watch winds, and will tick for a few seconds if you shake it a bit, but never runs for long (maybe a few minutes tops) before jamming up. Also the cover is broken off and missing... I am doubtful that it can be easily replaed but it wouldn't be so necessary as it won't be in any pockets (it will proabably be on a shelf or in a box). I don't know much about this watch (or any watch) but assume it's a normal manual wind inside... but considering it's kind of old is there anything tricky about these or anything you guys suggest asking or looking into in particular? I don't think it's a rep, but I figured with the watchheads around here (and considering I am not a member at any gen watch forums) it was worth asking... Thanks for any advice... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reelamore Posted November 23, 2006 Report Share Posted November 23, 2006 This PW looks like good one to repair esp if its solid gold case.Post a better pic of the hallmarks (engravings) inside the case and I can tell you.If you post the movement I can give you some details on that too. The stopping of the clock is normal for a watch this old..looks to be almost 80-90 years old..it most likely just requires a good old cleaning and lubrication service. The oil drys up and dirt gets in the gears and parts and the watch just stops.. Find a good local watchsmith..or HERE Walthams are VERY collectable and high quality.. parts are readily available and anything can be repaired on these. I get mine cleaned for around $75.00.. Hope this helps.. And yes keep this in the family..too many sell them, but this IMHO is worth holding on too..these were held dear to the owners in the day and handled daily..a very personal item.. I found my grandmothers old pocketwatch, which is in a very poor state of repair, and wondered if it's reasonable to try and fix up such a damaged watch. It's not so much that I want to carry a pocket watch, but rather that it's a nice memory of her, and if it would run it would be even nicer so it could be like it was when she had it. The watch winds, and will tick for a few seconds if you shake it a bit, but never runs for long (maybe a few minutes tops) before jamming up. Also the cover is broken off and missing... I am doubtful that it can be easily replaed but it wouldn't be so necessary as it won't be in any pockets (it will proabably be on a shelf or in a box). I don't know much about this watch (or any watch) but assume it's a normal manual wind inside... but considering it's kind of old is there anything tricky about these or anything you guys suggest asking or looking into in particular? I don't think it's a rep, but I figured with the watchheads around here (and considering I am not a member at any gen watch forums) it was worth asking... Thanks for any advice... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devedander Posted November 23, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 23, 2006 (edited) Thanks for the information! I would probably guess this watch is between 70-100 years old considering my Grandmothers age. But I don't know if she owned it new or if it was passed down to her, I will have to ask my mother. If these Waltham watches are popular hopefully that will make it easier to get it fixed up... $75 does not sound at all unreasonable. I have no idea what kind of movement is inside... I can't even figure out how to open it up... but when the second hand goes it seems pretty smooth... I would assume it's solid gold... I just figured watches from back then tended to be... I have attached some more pictures of the engraving but I am not sure what you are looking for to find out... I am not particularly interseted in selling it, but do you think it's worth a considerable sum? If it is I would like to know so I can protect it properly... for quite a while now it has rattled around in boxes and storage etc... Thanks for any more input! EDIT I noticed the inside of the back covering has some numbers, I would guess model number (I will go leg work that on the internet) and someone scribbled something on it I wonder if that can be buffed out... picture included to show this stuff. Edited November 23, 2006 by Devedander Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finepics Posted November 23, 2006 Report Share Posted November 23, 2006 That scribble looks like a date! It's probably not worth a fortune - I'm inheriting a solid gold 1915 Lange & Sohne PW that is worth around $10,000 so being Waltham you might find this is worth perhaps half that or less - but certainly worth getting valued and serviced for sure. What would be nice is if you could pop the back open and take a pic of the movt. I suspect you will find that it is beautifully decorated - something US PW makers were very good at - in fact they could knock spots off the swiss in movt decoration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devedander Posted November 23, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 23, 2006 (edited) Well I took one more look to see if I could figure out how to open the back... and amazingly it was already cracked open a bit... I have no idea how as I swear I have pulled at it numerous times and never got it open... guess it just wanted to be open now... It just swings open and I got a snapshot of the insides... it's actually pretty simplistic looking and not what I would think is particularly decorated I wouldn't expect it to be worth a LOT, especially considering it's condition, but I didn't even realize Waltham was a popular watch company up until about 2 hours ago so it's gained signficant value (I thought maybe it wouldn't even be worth servicing originaly)... Here's the inside... BTW I don't think those scribbles are a date as there is an H and 2 numbers in the twenties... doesn't seem like that could be a date... If that is a serial number on the movement, then according to the chart at the pocketwatchsite it predates my grandmother by a bit... I hope it does start working with a service, something cool about a working 100 year old watch! Edited November 23, 2006 by Devedander Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finepics Posted November 23, 2006 Report Share Posted November 23, 2006 It's still a nice PW even though it's really worth perhaps little more than it's scrap value for the gold - you still need to do some research. The movt is quite plain but that does not mean it's not a good quality piece. The scratchings look old too so I would leave the there for the moment!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devedander Posted November 23, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 23, 2006 Well the value isn't a particularly important issue as I wasn't looking to sell it, would have been nice to be worth a lot but no big loss if it's not The oldness (along with the hope of reasonably easy repair) are making me happy at the moment. I searched on the net and believe it or not found a review someone wrote saying they had their waltham serviced at a local jewlery store not 5 miles from me and the store did a good job... It's just one review, but it's a start... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devedander Posted November 23, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 23, 2006 (edited) Yes I noticed that second set of numbers or whatever nearthe first large set... signing off as they work on it makes sense... although I am not sure what the need would be for that kind of record keeping... does it make a difference down the road who worked on it last? I always liked this watch, I actually carried it around for a while when I was younger... at that point it worked a little bit, but I gave up on it when it became totally unreliable (it's also a bit feminine for my taste and besides I had a nice Casio Databank watch anyway ) and famous or not, old or not, valuable or not, it's definitely cherished simply because it was my grandmothers but this added bit of history to the watch and knowing it truly is old makes it all the more interesting! I will definitely enjoy it and thanks for the kind words and help! It will have to wait until after TG but I can't wait to get it serviced! Edited November 23, 2006 by Devedander Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reelamore Posted November 23, 2006 Report Share Posted November 23, 2006 Well, looks like it was built in 1891 by the serial # and the movt is a model 1890 size 6 ladies pocket... I can't determine the Gold being solid or filled but that would determine the value. The atomic bomb looking symbol is the halmark but my book doesn't show that. A good Watchsmith will let you know. It looks as though its gonna be more sentimental value than anything though..which is the best kind! An old Joe once told me when his Pocket stopped he'd squirt in some lighter fuel and let it dry.. it worked like a charm for a few years till he did a repeat..(don't try this at home!!) Seriously, its worth the cleaning.....get it ticking again! Good Luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reelamore Posted November 23, 2006 Report Share Posted November 23, 2006 Nice collection!..I love the Bunn Special..I've been looking for a deal..but not lucky yet. You know that Howard was one of the partners that started the Waltham co. in 1851. Howard went on to go on his own and his watches were very high qaulity is his day! I have a soft heart for these too and always will... Here's one of my Walthams..notice the regulator...and it has faceted diamond endstones for the balance pivots.. Regardless, it's a beauty. I have a soft place in my heart for pocketwatches. They heark back to an era of true manual craftsmanship. Notice these each have a swan-neck ... a few of my favorites. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finepics Posted November 24, 2006 Report Share Posted November 24, 2006 Well the value isn't a particularly important issue as I wasn't looking to sell it, would have been nice to be worth a lot but no big loss if it's not The oldness (along with the hope of reasonably easy repair) are making me happy at the moment. I searched on the net and believe it or not found a review someone wrote saying they had their waltham serviced at a local jewlery store not 5 miles from me and the store did a good job... It's just one review, but it's a start... Well then it's priceless if you think about it. @Nanuq - those are beautiful movts - who said the Swiss were the master watchmakers!! I recently went to an watch and clock flea market where a seller specialised in American Pocket watches - I have never seen such amazing decoration on the movts - Walthams and Elgins in particular. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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