A little help from you watch guys.

[captain flintlock]

I picked up a nice pocket watch today at a former shop that's being sold out. It's a Waltham and in pretty good shape. It doesn't seem to run but that could mean anything from a good cleaning to a repair. But I can't seem to get it open without ripping the hell out of it. It doesn't seem to have any hinges and I don't want to damage it. I'm pretty sure it's gold filled but I want to check the marks to be sure. I only paid $10 for it. I have a small collection of older sterling ones but they are easy to open. I figured I can't go wrong with a $10 investment. Any opinions or thoughts from you watch guys would be greatly appreciated.

 

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[nsdq]

Back unscrews, does wind up and want to run with a gentle twist , if not roller jewell may be broke, balance staff broken, or main spring broke, ?

 

[captain flintlock]

Back unscrews, does wind up and want to run with a gentle twist , if not roller jewell may be broke, balance staff broken, or main spring broke, ?

Tried unscrewing the back and it won't budge. It does wind up but doesn't run. It's a really nice looking watch. Hopefully I didn't buy a pig in a poke!

 

[nsdq]

Take it to a watch/clock repair shop it may cost coin but they should be able get it running if need be , and open it for you at no cost

 

[JimDon]

It is definitely a twist off back. Do you have one of those rubber CanOpener's. that would work really well or any sticky piece of rubber. Chances are if it's not running it's going to cost more to fix than it's worth. It's really a labor of love.

 

[captain flintlock]

It is definitely a twist off back. Do you have one of those rubber CanOpener's. that would work really well or any sticky piece of rubber. Chances are if it's not running it's going to cost more to fix than it's worth. It's really a labor of love.

I finally got the back off with one of those grip thingys. I'll do a bit of research later to determine the date.

 

[masterjedi]

Here you go...

Grade: No. 210
Manufacturer: Waltham
Manufacturer Location: Waltham, Massachusetts
Movement Serial Number: 15471953
Grade: No. 210
Model: 1894
Estimated Production Year: 1906
Run Quantity: 7,000
Total Production: 1,449,299
Size: 12s
Jewels: 7j
Movement Configuration: Openface
Movement Finish: Nickel
Movement Setting: Pendant
Plate: 3/4 Plate
Hairspring: Breguet
Adjusted: No
Railroad Grade: No
Quality Rating:

It looks to be one of these 2 things... balance staff broken, or main spring broke.

Good luck...

 

[captain flintlock]

Thanks for the info masterjedi. I saw the same yesterday morning as well. It doesn't seem to be a super fine timepiece. I probably won't have it repaired and just try to flip it as is.

 

[JimDon]

Thanks for the info masterjedi. I saw the same yesterday morning as well. It doesn't seem to be a super fine timepiece. I probably won't have it repaired and just try to flip it as is.

It's probably a great project watch for someone who can repair it them self. One of these days I'm going to have to do this myself so I can start repairing my own watches. $250 is the going rate around here.

 

[captain flintlock]

It's probably a great project watch for someone who can repair it them self. One of these days I'm going to have to do this myself so I can start repairing my own watches. $250 is the going rate around here.

Wow! Learn how to do your own repairs and that's money in your own pocket! I've got enough projects myself so I don't think I'll pick up watch repair anytime soon.