Posted 9 years ago
NeilCharles
(1 item)
I got this watch this week from my granduncle who says Great Great Grandfathers who was a blacksmith. Inside it says it's 17 jewels Appleton Tracy & Co and that it's from Waltham Mass. The Serial number is 10044452 and it's adjusted. From the serial number database it says it's 1883 model size 18s, full plated, open-faced, special grade. I dont know what any of that means so if anyone knows, thatd be greatly appreciated. It ha/ obvious wear but I was wondering if it is easy enough to get a new face for it and a new hand or the little dial, as well as how I can check to see if it works. Also was wondering what a special grade meant and if this watch is even worth fixing up aside from just a sentimental value standpoint. Thanks in advanced for any advice or comments!
It has that front crystal (glass?) case, I just realized I submitted a picture with it off
NeilCharles, I don't consider myself an expert, but I will try to answer some of your questions.
Manufacturer: ?Waltham
Manufacturer Location: ?Waltham, Massachusetts
Movement Serial Number: ?10044452
Grade:? Special (Appleton Tracy & Co.), there were several grade/name watch movements made, such as; Warren, Appleton Tracy, P.S. Bartlett, Crescent Street, Wm. Ellery and others.
Model:? 1883
Estimated Production Year: ?1900
Run Quantity:? 1,000
Total Production: ?31,905
Size: ?18s (dimension of the pillar plate under the dial, 1.766 inches, compared to a 20 size @ 1.833 inches & a 16 size @ 1.700 inches)
Jewels:17j (a bearing made of a ruby or other type jewel)
Movement Configuration: ?Openface (no metal cover over the face of the watch crystal as on a Hunting Case).?
Movement Finish:? Nickel (also was offered in a gilt finish)
Movement Setting:? Lever (at the 2:00 position there is a little lever that is pulled out by your fingernail, then by turning the crown, you can set the time. Push the lever back in and turn the crown to wind the watch.
Plate: ?Full Plate (no cutouts in the plates such as ¾ plate or a bridge movement.
Types of plates shown here:
https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/reference/plates
Adjusted:? Yes (adjusted to compensate for temperature, positions & isochronism).
You are missing the “bow”, the ring that is looped at the pendent where a watch chain or fob can be attached.
As you mentioned, the seconds hand is missing and the dial is damaged.
All of theses can be repaired. You can google, pocket watch repair and probably find a qualified watch repair person in your area.
As a family heirloom, I consider it priceless and I would try and get it restored. As an investment, you probably would have more into it than its value, but I’m not sure what the repair cost would be.
I hope this answers a few of your questions. Thanks for sharing your family treasure.
Dave
sorry about all the question marks in the post. I didn't notice them until I submitted post.
Dave