Internet Horology Club 185
Rare 16 size Waltham Railroader variation (Images added)

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https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1086047761/m/1233921087

September 27, 2013, 11:16
William Thomas
Rare 16 size Waltham Railroader variation (Images added)
16 size Waltham model 1888 (Riverside grade) marked Oregon short line. I can't find any information on this run/special order.


September 27, 2013, 11:18
William Thomas
The damaskeening is like that of the Railroader or Roadmaster models. Diamond cap jewel, gold center wheel, double roller, yet pendant set.


September 27, 2013, 11:21
William Thomas
The imitation double sunk dial is one I haven't seen before save for one I observed on another 1888 model. Hands are like what are found on earlier 18 size model 1892 models.


September 27, 2013, 11:51
Ken Habeeb
Serial Number?
September 27, 2013, 12:19
William Thomas
quote:
?

7,103,649. Photos to be posted soon.
September 27, 2013, 12:31
Edward L. Parsons, Jr.
Here's what the online pocket watch database gives for that movement number:

Grade: Riverside

Movement Serial Number:7103649
Estimated Production Year: 1897
Run Quantity: 1000
Size: 16s
Jewels: 17j
Movement Configuration: Openface
Model: 1888
Movement Setting: Pendant
Plate: 3/4 Plate
Adjusted: Yes


Best Regards,

Ed
September 28, 2013, 13:58
Gary E. Cochran
William very nice watch...Here is a couple of pictures of my 16 size Railroader..Serial number 6,506,622..Also a pendent set movement...
September 28, 2013, 13:59
Gary E. Cochran
Pic #1


September 28, 2013, 14:00
Gary E. Cochran
Pic #2


September 28, 2013, 19:53
Edward L. Parsons, Jr.
Very nice Gary, looks like yours has a correct dial. Here's what the online database says about it:

Grade: Riverside

Movement Serial Number:6506622
Estimated Production Year: 1898
Run Quantity: 144
Size: 16s
Jewels: 17j
Movement Configuration: Openface
Model: 1888
Movement Setting: Key
Plate: 3/4 Plate
Adjusted: Yes

Obviously the movement setting needs to be corrected.


Best Regards,

Ed
September 29, 2013, 18:57
William Thomas
I'm hoping to find out who may have ordered this run of so marked movements. I certainly know how to find the factory production figures of the basic model and grade. Apparently this watch just isn't that interesting
September 29, 2013, 19:53
Theodore J. Brown Sr.
Nice rare Waltham!I'm surprised it is pendant-set, although come to think of it,'88 models usually are.Did they even make '88's in lever setting? Has it ever been figured out as to who those Railroader and Roadmaster models were made for?I've always heard they were private label.Thank you, Ted.
September 29, 2013, 20:36
David Abbe
William, according to the highly respected Ehrhardt Meggars "Gold Book, this is among the most valuable Model 1888 Waltham watch models made . . . EVER. With that dial Ehrhardt shows $1000.00 in the early 1980's I suggest you insure it for about three times that minimum!


September 29, 2013, 20:53
William Thomas
Yes, the older Waltham material catalogs that listed material for the 16 size 1888 model showed a lever-set type setting lever. Never having seen such a movement live and in person I don't know if or how the Swiss type detent stem and detent lever and combination clutch lever and spring would have been modified to have the movement become lever setting.
September 29, 2013, 20:59
William Thomas
I'm putting the watch on ebay tonight to see what happens. I have a B.I.N. price of $1,000. (Watch doesn't fit into my collection but it was a pleasure to see it restored).
September 30, 2013, 13:51
David Abbe
Sorry, "My Bad", I was referring to Gary Cochran's watch with the Railroader dial. The "Oregon Short Line" fitted with a Diamond cap jewel and with the same surface Damaskeening as the Railroader may be of equal value to a Knowledgeable collector.