August 16, 2008, 00:05
David AbbeWaltham Vanguard 16s 19j . . . "well used" or Used Well
As happens so often a watch shows up that looks sooo bad that nobody bothers with it. So for 89 bucks it comes here
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1302...tegory0%3D%26fvi%3D1August 16, 2008, 00:17
David AbbeA beat up old thing with no sec hand (but isn't that a staff I see in the hole?), Rusty hands with a genuine "war plastic" crystal taking them to their grave, and a case that looks like a non-survivor of the Crimean war.
So It gets here, and after;
A full cleaning, case refurb, yes most of the gold was still there.
Re-staffing
Replacement of the bottom balance pivot jewel. New hands, and,
"Finally" a NEW CRYSTAL made of GLASS!
Under the grime and dirt of 50 years of storage, I find a s/n 20048119 vintage 1915, 19J, Vanguard with the best quality and condition jeweled motor barrel, and a Solid Gold center wheel all in a case with about 40 service marks, last one dated 1963, AND A PERFECT DIAL!
and . . . . . . .
August 16, 2008, 00:22
David AbbeNow
MAYBE the Railroader "traded cases" some time in the 30's, and
MAYBE bought a new dial to replace an old one, but this watch saw 40 services, AND IT STILL HAS BOTH
DIAMOND ENDSTONES!
So . . . is this a "well used" or a Used very well (thankyou) Railroad watch?!
August 16, 2008, 15:33
Theodore J. Brown Sr.Nice job on a nice Vanguard, Dave.The ones like yours with all the lettering in gold really look nice.Some had a combination of black and gold.....Ted Brown.
August 16, 2008, 16:29
Steve MiddlesworthThat is amazing Dave.....very nice job and job well done. I would have blown right by that.
Steve
August 18, 2008, 15:48
Edward KitnerDavid,
I believe it is a "used well' watch.