Hi All,I have a question that may sound dumb,but since you all say there is no such thing,here goes.I have a Waltham 16s Royal that if you turn the crown to the right, it turns the hands counter clockwise.If you turn it to the left the hands turn clockwise.If you turn the hands counter clockwise it over banks.I thought all watches when turning the crown to the right,the hands turned clockwise.Thanks.Norm

Norman, as the Waltham "Royal" name spanned many sizes and models of their pocket and wrist watches, not knowing which one you speak of is an part-answer to the first of your questions . . .

The early 12-14-16-18 size Waltham Royal models had many different types of time set wheel trains with different counts that could result in setting time with one or the other direction of rotation of the crown.

The later 16s Waltham movement designs all had a direct drive crown sleeve driving a small "idler" gear to engage the sleeve to the intermediate wheel which I think would advance the hands when the crown was turned in the same direction as when you wind it.

Your mention of the watch over-banking when the hands are adjusted counterclockwise usually means the watch is a single roller design and the guard pin needs adjustment.

Hi David,I was hoping you would answer.The watch was made in 1909 according to the serial number-17046567.I thought maybe that could be the problem.I've never adjusted banking pins before so don't really know how to proceed.Regards.Norm

I've noticed all my 18s 3/4 plate Elgins set the same way.

My 1902 model 214 I'm carrying today sets the way you describe, as a matter of fact.

I've never considered it a problem myself. I just remember that's the way they set and life goes on.

It's kind of like owning a jacket with a European left hand zipper.

Regards! Mark

Norman, if you want to "problem-solve" the overbanking thing, send me a phone# and time I can call you to; david@glopar.com

overbanking

please define for me, thanks

Hi Andy,That's when the Roller jewel ends up on the back side of the pallet and balance wheel only turns one way.Norm

The dictionary definition is;
"a malfunction in a watch that is caused by premature unlocking of the escape wheel without contact of the fork with the roller jewel and that makes the escapement inoperative"

In short, the safety pin has too much clearance from the safety roller allowing the pallet fork to "flip" prematurely causing the the roller jewel to bang into the side of the pallet fork end rather than unlocking it to continue escapement driven balance wheel motion.

BAD THING: The impatient owner then tries to snap the balance wheel into operation, breaking off the sapphire roller jewel and the watch becomes completely inoperative.

Hi Mark,I guess I'm too use to winding lever set watches.I've had Walthams in the past and my old feeble mind just doesn't remember any more.My kids say I'm suffering from "Old Timers"disease.Regards.Norm

David,Thanks for your call and instructions.It solved the problem and added to my knowledge base.Again THANK YOU!!!!Best Regards.Norm