I'm in the process of refurbishing (replacing the dial and mainspring) a 16s 21 Waltham Riverside I just recently picked up. I've decided that this lovely watch will only be used for special events (until I find a nicer one), and the Keystone case it came in is quite well worn, so I'd like to find something better. What, in your opinion, would be the "perfect" case for this watch?

Regards,
Joe Martin

I do not think there is such a thing. In this day and age it comes down to 3 things.
First what you can find, then if you find more than one it is what you can afford. Then if you can afford more than one it is which you prefer.
Whatever answer you arrive at be sure another person will arrive at a different one. If you want to keep it authentic then keep an eye open for similar movements and see what case they use. After you have looked at a few you should start to see a pattern. Old advertisments are also a good source for information. If you can't make up your mind always try and go for the case in the best condition.
Have fun

Joe, The "perfect" case should be period appropriate for your watch. STyles of cases changed through the years. For us to make a recommendation, we need the serial number from your watch.

Tom

The serial number is 29240882, which I believe dates it to 1937. Also, it's lever set at the 11. I'm really looking for opinions here. In other words, if YOU had this watch, what case would YOU put it in? Again, bearing in mind that I won't be using it a great deal (I prefer to use my 7-17 jewel watches in either nickel silver or base metal cases while I'm working at the shop).

Regards,
Joe Martin

Joe,
We seem to have the opposite problem! I have a 16 size AWC 18K, open face, LS case for about a year now and I'm still looking for the perfect movement. The case is late 1800's. I guess it's a good problem to have.
In your case (no pun intended), if it were my watch, I would be looking for a Keystone GF case as close to the original as possible. I would also look for one that housed a like model so that the case screws are the same and you don't end up extra screw marks in the case. Makes for a longer search for sure. You may be better off looking for a good deal on a complete watch with a busted movement and an excellent case. Just my opinion. Good Luck!
gp

I thought I would post a few pictures of my Grandpa's 16sz Waltham which he bought in 1939-1940. The serial number is 30551199, from 1939 or thereabouts, within a couple years of the Riverside. I am sure the case is the original. It's an Illinois Watch Case Co. Spartan. Since it's a 9-jewel it doesn't compare to the Riverside, but this is an illustration of what sort of cases were available. I know the crown is a replacement; the original wore out or came loose and the watch repairman in the local town didn't have a white crown that would fit.

Back of the case. I think the engraving of the electric locomotive and initials was available for an extra charge, since my Dad's 9-j bought at the same time isn't engraved nor does it have the marginal minute dial.

The movement; plain and unadorned but doing it's job satisfactorily

Inside the back of the case.