Posted 13 years ago
KG6EAR
(1 item)
This antique A.M. Waltham Co. Broadway pocketwatch seems to have been smashed closed and broken by the previous owner. Although it can be closed completely and stays closed, the pin on the bottom of the front cover does not by itself alone hold the door on if unlatched because the pin is broken short on one side, but the tiny brackets look to be intact for holding a new pin just fine were it installed. The back cover is completely missing its hinge pin but stays on because it is difficult to remove from the watch period and takes some moderate hand force to get it to finally give and pop off the watch.
Basic outside of case may be somewhat tarnished sterling silver. Haven't tried to polish it yet. Missing top ring around front side top-mounted door button, tether and winding key. Very light nicks or dings on front or back covers and designs. Front cover has barely noticeable dents or depressions. Front design varies somewhat from back-design. Door release button doesn't stay in stem and can easily pull out but pushing it down although not attached does unlock front cover for opening. Minute and seconds hands are missing entirely. Serial inside front and back verifies this was produced in 1860. Face inside watch looks in good condition. Movement gear visible and turns with very little agitation of gently spinning the watch on a central pivot and then switching directions and makes some good sounding clicking & ratcheting noises, it won't stay running for very long, and winds itself down (or just slows down anyways) to a stop after 10 seconds or so..
What might a vintage fixer-upper like this generally cost to repair to like new or slightly-used looking condition, and would repairs increase it's value enough to be worth investing in such an endeavor or is this one clock that just struck 13 and is best given a hot recycling bath at the local fine metals buyer? Could use some good advice on this one.
Movement # 1,169123. (Lots of bluish-colored jewels. Over 11?)
Watch serial: 22300
(Watch serial stamped 2's are slightly cut-off on top, could be mistaken for ZZ300. All three match: 2 inner cover serials and serial on outside face of rear winding hole inner cover plate)
First thing first, the serial # on the case doesn't date the watch, the movement # does that, ergo 1879 for date of mfg. Silver is at roughly $33 an ounce and the movement doesn't go for weight, so scrap on the case would be no more than 100, if that. also here's the breakdown of your watch specs:
Start: 1/1/1879 End: 3/31/1879
First: 1168001 Last: 1170500
Model: 1877 Name: Broadway
Material: A Grade: Broadway
Size: 18 Size: 18
Plate: FP
Jewelling: Plain Jewels: 7
Balance: Nickel Bal: Nickel
Style: KW
Some one looking for a vintage silver hunter case might give you more, but I don't think so. Sorry
Well thank you very much for that assessment. I think maybe I'll just use the beautiful silver parts to steam punk something and breath some new life into it.