Hello All,

I recently purchase a 21jewels Waltham Riverside A Model Colonial and it did not have a case. When I lookup Waltham Riverside Colonials online doing research on serial numbers before I make a offer to buy a watch that is not working for the case I see conflicting information in the pocket watch database. My serial number below shows as a 14s and the chart says it is a 41.49mm and other watches that are in the database say colonial for the size, and there is no actual size in mm given in the database? Can someone help me in my quest to find a case for my pocket watch movement?

Grade: Riverside A
Mixed Run: 19-Jewel and 21-Jewel Examples Reported
Manufacturer: Waltham
Manufacturer Location: Waltham, Massachusetts
Movement Serial Number: 23086471
Grade: Riverside A
Model: Colonial
Estimated Production Year: 1919
Run Quantity: 1,000
Total Production 7,300
Size: 14s
Movement Configuration: Openface
Movement Setting: Pendant
Regulator: Patent
Hairspring: Breguet
Adjusted: Yes
Adjusted to Position: Yes
Railroad Grade: No
Data Research: 1954 Waltham "Gray Book" List

Thanks
Robert :-)

The Waltham Colonial models were offered only as complete watches, cased at the factory. The designations can be rather confusing since the company produced several movement sizes under the “Colonial” moniker.

12-Size Colonial Series
The first model offered was described as the 12-Size “Colonial Series,” starting at serial 13,589,001. It is based on the 12-Size Model 1894. This is later referred to by the company as the “First Colonial Series.” The pillar plate on these movements is 14-Size.

14-Size “Colonial A”
The next introduction was that of the 14-Size Colonial, also known as the “Colonial A.” According to Waltham material catalogs, this model was offered in Riverside and Maximus grades from serial number 18,039,501 to 24,577,000. The Waltham serial lists are inconsistent on how these runs are recorded, which contributes to further confusion.

Your watch would be classified as a 14-Size Colonial-A movement.

10-Size “Colonial A”
The next model to be introduced was the 10-Size Colonial A, beginning with 22,280,001 movement number.

12-Size “Colonial B”
“The Colonial,” also known as the Colonial B, is a 12-Size, Model 1924 movement, starting with 23,285,001 movement number.

If you are set on finding a proper case, your best bet is to track down another watch classified as having a 14-Size “Colonial A.” movement.
...

Thanks for the clification on this I will let you know how I make out in my quest to find a case.

I did find a 14k Gold case for it but it did not have a crystal and they wanted $500 for it? I thought that was a bit high. What are your thoughts?

Thanks

I hate say, I've seen more orphaned Colonial movements than I've seen cases over the years.

Not a bit surprised at the price you found due to the difficulty of finding them to make a complete watch again. People KNOW they're hard to find, and price them accordingly.

Regards! Mark

Right up there with the Elgin convertible, nice grade movement just can't hardly find a home for one.

I wonder how hard it would be to find a crystal for the case I found if I buy it?

Thanks

Crystal will be easy to get, our own William White from "White's Crystal Manufacturing" can supply any crystal you need made to order from top quality glass.

Hello Lindell,

Thanks for the advice and the warm welcome, I am glad my searching led to this forum. I have some nice pieces I am having serviced and will post them here when they are finished.

I also have some I have purchased that have been serviced and I treasure them.

Thanks

All,

I paid the piper the $500 for the case I found, and I think it looks great. Let me know what you think?

Next I am going to reach out to William White and have him make me a crystal.

Another picture of the case

Here is a shot of the back.

Picture of the side.

Back opened

All,

Here is the finished watch. I have a local friend that owns a watch repair shop and he is a avid collector also. He had original glass for the case, and I had him finish putting it together for me.

Finished gem