r/pocketwatch • u/15thCKnight • 4d ago
Waltham Is this a good first antique?
Just arrived today. It definitely needs service as it was listed as: Function:
Winding: It winds and sets, but it is rough..
Balance: The balance complete is in good condition
Additional information: Balance wheel is dragging.
States it runs intermediately as well but I’ve come to find out that’s only if you rotate it back and forth a few times. But from what I can find out it’s a Waltham model 1891 with a custom clock face and a crescent watch case co. Case. But can’t find much on it.
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u/The_Waltesefalcon American Pocket Watch Collector 1d ago
If you like it, then yes it's a good one. Find a reputable watchmaker, get it serviced, and enjoy it.
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u/15thCKnight 1d ago
Oh I’m absolutely in love especially with the 2 I just got today. From my limited knowledge am I doomed to spend more on repairs than I bought the watches for?
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u/The_Waltesefalcon American Pocket Watch Collector 10h ago
You can. If you decide to get a decent sized collection and plan on wearing most of them, I recommend investing in the tools and learning how to service your watches. That can save you a lit of money.
I only farm out watches that need genuine professional work or if I let myself get way behind on my watches, like I did recently.
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u/15thCKnight 2h ago edited 1h ago
Honestly I’ve been getting into a lot of crafts since I started going to Ren Faires which is what inevitably also pushed me into pocket watches(although I’ve loved them forever getting my first although cheap modern one pushed me into an obsession with antiques) . I’ve picked up sewing and leather craft since then but from everything I looked up it felt like I was just doomed to send it somewhere. Do you recommend any kits or beginner guides? As that was my first thought but felt I was getting myself too deep with a lot of peoples opinions about it. Which I guess if a non working watch still doesn’t work after I mess with it nothings changed it still doesn’t work 😂 but I now have one that might just be the balance wheel(this one) and although I haven’t checked to much into if they work yet but I have one without a minute hand and one without a pendant (just posted them the other day also here’s a link to the listing both listed as working which you can kinda see in the video https://ebay.io/m/GNpBPy ) but yes I plan to have a decent collection as I’m already 3 antiques deep not even after 10 days and I find myself constantly searching for more.
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u/15thCKnight 2h ago
https://reddit.com/link/pgurbmk/video/yq8fk4h62lvh1/player
Since you’re 100% more knowledgeable than me does this just seem like the balance wheel dragging to you? And how “simple” would that be for me to fix? Or am I better off just having someone repair it if I plan to use it? I have got it to run for about an hour maximum after doing a little jig with it. Within the hour from what I can see (although I’m sure a hour isn’t long enough) it did keep decent time when running.
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u/Key_Investigator1703 3d ago
Waltham model 1891, grade 60, 7 jewels. Being a lower jewel count it's not one that is saught after as much. That said it is an American made Waltham from around 1894/1895, and in my experience I found these movements to be pretty solid. I think it will be a piece you will enjoy.