Looking for info on a watch

StuntDouble

StuntDouble

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Apr 26, 2004
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I've had this watch for a while, and haven't been able to find much info on it. The inscription in the back reads "America Waltham Watch Co. 15 Jewels". The back cover says "Keystone" and under that "Base Metal". If anyone has any info on this watch, or knows where I might find some, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!


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Well, Waltham was one of the big American Watch manufacturers a few generations ago, along with companies such as Hamilton and Elgin.

The term "base metal" typically indicates that the case is made of some non-precious and non-ferrous metal, such as tin or zinc. I'd bet this watch case is made out of cast zinc.

Back then, watch movement makers didn't generally make watch cases. Another company did that, and then they were combined to make a whole watch. I'd guess that the Keystone Company is the outfit that manufactured your case.

Here's some general information about the company:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waltham_Watch_Company

You can enter your serial number at this link and perhaps get more info on the watch movement:
http://www.nawcc-info.org/WalthamDB/LookupSN.asp

And here's a link to a dealer of vintage watches who I've bought from before who might be able to give you some more information. The site also has values posted for a variety of watches, as well as many wonderful pictures. I love the craftsmanship displayed in the old American pocket watches.
http://www.girards.com/sell/frame36.shtml

From what I can see, it looks like you've got a nice looking user there. I like the embellishment in the case around the dial. I don't think it will turn out to be particularly valuable, but please don't take my word for it. Were I you, I'd get it telling time again and wear it whenever I had occasion to.
 
Judging from the pictures,it looks like it was probably made in the early 1900s,it could be from the late 1800s.15 jewels were popular in that time period.I don't have much experience with Waltham,I have a few Elgin and Illinois,I carry an Illinois,occasionally,that was made in 1924,it runs like a top for 36hrs on a winding.Elgin has a website that you can enter the # on the movement and it will give you all the info on the watch.you could try pocketwatchsite.com,but without a # it will be hard to get info.The picture that you have with the # on it is the case # and that won't help.How big is it,diameter?
 
Thanks for the info guys.

beau5278, it actually has a serial number on the back, I just didn't get it in the photo. As far as the size goes, it's right around 54mm.
 
That should be an 18s watch,they are usually more collectible.You may be able to find info at the pocketwatch site,as far as year anyway.Check the Elgin site,I found ads for an Illinois RR watch on there and I think they have some for Waltham,at least back to about 1900.There are quite a few places that clean and repair old watches,I have a clock and a watch out getting done now and I want to get the RR watch done next.I have a guy local that does mine but some of the places on the net are pretty reasonable.
 
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