Hi Folks

I have the opportunity to purchase an 1889/1890 silver cased KW and KS Waltham 18s OF pocket watch. The serial # is 4595789.
According to the Waltham database it is model 1883 and 7j unadjusted.

It unfortunately is missing the pusher stem to open the rear dust cover.

My questions are:
(1) What sort of price would it be worth as is and if fixed?
(2) Would it be possible to obtain a silver pusher stem for this watch? Any suggestions where?
(3) Is this watch just ordinary or something special?

I am not in a position to photograph it yet.

Gordon

1. As for value, if the case is clean and the watch runs, I would offer US$70.00 - $100.00 max.

2. The Open face has no (silver pusher)opener for the dust cover. To open the watch requires a case opening knife, or the sharp edge provided on many of the early winding keys (in experienced hands).

3. The Model 1883 had a total production run in the Millions, the 7 Jewel KW KS with that high a Serial# is only rare in the sense that many of that vintage had pendant winders.

Gordon,

Some heavier coin cases had a Fly Back rear cover, especially English made cases, which house many keywind Waltham movements of this time frame....and required a pusher to release it..A photo would help identify what would be needed.. I am sure it could be replaced.. David is correct, not a rare item..

We all know of the inaccuracies that show up in Shugart's book, but he has listed the AWWC, model 83, 7-9J KW as a one star and lists in average condition as $200. This is in comparison to the name movement version KW's that list for $100. Maybe this watch is more scarce than the name movements.

As for the pusher stem--I have fabricated more than one pusher stem utilizing a pop rivet or a 4d nail. Yes, an original type silver one is the best, but even if one is found to fit the case, they do not come cheap.

With a spring loaded back, my guess is that this is an English case made to house the Waltham.

Tom

Hi David, John and Tom

Thanks for your replies.

The watch definitely has a spring loaded rear dust cover and so requires a pusher to release it properly.

Tom I will bear in mind your ideas for a pusher when and if the time comes to make one. As a matter of interest, what is a 4d nail? Do you mean a 4" nail?

Gordon

It is refreshing to expand our knoweledge by these threads. Had I noted your location before replying, I may have been less "authoritative" about the case detail comment. I asked a friend here about this and they told me that they knew of one case where somneone had converted a silver "Hat Pin" to a new pusher which was slightly modified the locking screw.
Perhaps eBay might produce a large silver hatpin or knitting needle that you can have so fashioned in New Zealand.

Gordon,

While there are many make due fixes, these pushers are quite simple.. The photo shows a brass "blank" on the left and a completed pusher with the silver hat soldered on.. a person with a watch makers lathe can turn the brass part in a short period.. finding a suitable "hat" is not hard.. sometimes putting a spot of solder on the top of a brass piece, round it on the lathe to match the pendant curve, and polish is all that is needed..

Hi Gordon, To answer your question. I forgot that you are across the pond and probably use different nomenclature to describe a nail. A 4d penny is a 4 penny nail. Or I should have said a 4 penny common nail. This differentiates it from a finishing nail. In the US a common nail has the larger flat head. A four penny nail is about 1-1/2" long and has a diameter of about 1/16". To make a pusher, requires cutting the nail to length and reshaping the end to fit the hole against the spring. When using a nail for the stem, I hold it into the case opening by wrapping it with celophane tape to hold it in place. The tape will allow it to move to release the lid. I have done these with the tape as far back as 15 years, and the stems are still holding in place.

Tom

Hi David, Lindell, John & Tom

Many thanks for your suggestions. That certainly has given me some useful methods to try.

What a knowledgable bunch. I haven't seen you stumped yet.

Gordon

I was in a similar situation a while back. I bought a Hampden keywind in a 4oz coin case that was in great condition but was missing the pusher. One of our fellow members was willing to sell me one at a very reasonable price. Since my collecting focus is American keywinds, I figured it might be worthwhile to collect some of these pushers when I see them and I now have quite a few. I may very well have one that will fit your case. If you get the watch and measure the space for the pusher (both diameters, the overall depth to touch the case spring and the depth to the shoulder of the pusher) I'll see if I've got one that will work.

Hi Dave

If all goes well and I get the watch, I will take up your kind offer.

Gordon