Ball-Waltham Questions

Internet Horology Club 185

This topic can be found at:
https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1086047761/m/344105943

October 14, 2010, 14:55

Bill Manders

Ball-Waltham Questions

Can anyone tell me what Ball ser# B204824 should be.
Once again I just bought this without checking, and think it is a 19J Ball Waltham, but was also wondering what size it would be ? , and of course any other infromation on it.
Thanks in advance, will post when I receive it.
Bill

October 14, 2010, 15:58

Mike LaForest

It is a size 16, open face, lever, Official Std., Bill. Some in this serial number range were 17 jewels.
M.

October 14, 2010, 18:58

Bill Manders

Thanks Mike,
do you know how many made of this one, and it was mentioned as 2 1/8 inches across, which made me think it was 18s, but if the records say 16 I'm just as happy almost.
Thanks,
Bill

October 14, 2010, 19:31

Edward L. Parsons, Jr.

Bill,

The 19-J Ball-Waltham ORRS has its 2 extra jewels where they can do some good: a jeweled barrel.

That's a feature I like for smooth winding.

October 14, 2010, 19:31

Lindell V. Riddle

Bill,

Agreeing with Mike, I would add that your watch dates to 1904 production and likely came in a marked as "Ball-Model" case, more than 60,000 of the Ball-Waltham 16-size were produced between 1899 and 1922 with the majority of those being 19-Jewel movements. They came in 17, 19 and 21-Jewel, there were both Open-Faced and early-on Hunter configuration. My favorite Ball-Walthams are the Ball Brotherhoods, there were BofLF, BofLE, BofRt, ORC and BofLF&E movement and dial combinations sold and they are very good watches.

Hope this additional information is helpful.

Lindell

October 14, 2010, 21:03

Bill Manders

Thanks all for the info as usual.
I'll post pics when I receive it and then you can critique it for me,
Bill

October 27, 2010, 14:43

Bill Manders

Well Finally,
I just received it today, and as promised here are some pics of it. I noticed it was not in a Ball marked case, bur could see no other screw marks on the case, and also enclosed a pic of a Ball/Waltham case from an older J - H Auction.
The double cutouts for the lever give me some concern tho.
Here for your scrutiny and comments.
Thanks,
Bill

October 27, 2010, 14:43

Bill Manders

mvmt

October 27, 2010, 14:44

Bill Manders

inside case

October 27, 2010, 14:50

Bill Manders

J-H case

October 27, 2010, 14:54

Bill Manders

my case

October 27, 2010, 16:35

Lindell V. Riddle

Bill,

Both yours and the auction example are in "J. Boss Railroader" cases.

Those with the "double-cuts" are usually after-market replacement cases for when the original case wears out. Seeing no other case-screw marks means there was no other style of movement in the case but not conclusive as to whether or not the movement originally came in a particular case.

As we discussed previously, your Ball-Waltham number B204824 is from approximately 1904 production. By that time the majority of 16-size Ball-Walthams were sold in "Ball-Model" cases, the case you have is from about 20 years or so later which is about right to be a replacement.

Hope this helps,

Lindell