Hi All,
I have the opportunity to purchase from an estate an 18 Karat gold 1879 Waltham pocketwatch for $450.00. I believe this is a fair price but I don't know. I have no other information on the watch. If I purchase it I will share though.

Thanks in advance

fair for who? The case probably has that much or more melt value for the gold.

Fair for me I guess, Michael, I didn't know the gold was worth that much!

What size? For example, I got an 18K that is a 10 (I think) and it would be easily that value.

Beautiful thing over 100 years as a family Heirloom

The "Proof" is in the Mark!

Fascinating Dial and hands.

Beautiful pictures David, I don't know the size or the # of jewels, etc. but I think I will buy it! I'll share when and if I get it.

David,

I forgot, it is engraved and it is a long time family heirloom.

Thanks Again,

Steven,
The first question is, how do you know it's actually solid gold? You need the case marks to know for sure. Second, the size of the case will help when it comes to knowing the value of the case alone, not including the watch. The watch itself may be worth the $400.00, but can't know without the serial number and more information. Last, if the seller will tell you the information, we can tell you what the value of the watch is, and if he won't, then PASS.

Now, for the personal side of collecting, and some gold issues. (my opinion only)

I would never pay $500.00 for a size 0s, standard 7J Elgin, even in solid gold, and even when I know the value of gold is as high as it is now. HOWEVER, I have paid that much for one of my Pansy watches, size 0s, 7j, just because it was one that matched my collection, and they are all in solid gold cases, except one.
I find that sometimes we are paying for a gold case, and not the watch, that's ok, if that's what you want, but if it's the watch you are interested in, then stick to the watch, and pass on the gold case.
Last, Last, A solid gold case is a jewel, and $400.00 is a good buy today, in any size. In the future, you may love owning the case by itself, just because it would go perfect with another watch you pick up.

Get the serial number, and the case information, and let us know, then maybe we could give the best answer for you.

PS Gold is about $987.00 an ounce

A good example of what I mentioned.

This Waltham 14k solid gold Pansy cased watch sold on ebay for


$859.99

Thanks Sheila,
I will have the watch next tuesday night so I will post the info on wednesday morning. I will look for the marks, etc,

Hi All,

I finally got the watch. It turns out it it a Waltham Vanguard 21 Jewels, lever set. Serial# 1107004. Which in Shugart dates it to about 1902. The case says B.W.C. Co. Warranteed 18k. The serial # on the case is 59070. There is another marking under the serial number that looks like a fancy E or possibbly a W. The inscription reads to L. W. Gray from Father Aug 8th 1879. I don't have any pictures yet. this watch was handed down to the person I bought it from from the original owner who was her mother's great grandfather. what I question is wether this case is original to this movement and is it gold or gold filled. I know that usually when it says warranteed it is gold filled but i checked Shugart and there are some cases in the solod gold cases where it does say warranteed and the number of karats. the watch does not run. when I wind it appears to wind but it does not start ticking. It may just need cleaning or something.

thanks in advance for the help.

It sounds like you got an 18 size Model 1892 Waltham Vanguard, serial# series; 11070301- 11071000 which is the 21 Jewel Open face model. In decent shape that can be worth up to $425.00. I am not too sure about the case without any pictures, but if it has an 1879 "gift" engraving, that worries me a little, although such a case could have considerable separate value but is hardly "original" to the movement. I am anxiously awaiting a similar piece from the J&H auction. . . .

Thanks David,

The watch maybe originally an open face model but it is in a hunter's case as I described above. I will try and post some pictures.