Internet Horology Club 185
Elgin 455 BW Raymond questions

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https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1086047761/m/4513943787

March 28, 2016, 21:36
Gary Elmore
Elgin 455 BW Raymond questions
I am very new to the Horology so please excuse my ignorance.
I am looking for some input on a watch I just purchased for a project watch.
it is a Elgin BW Raymond 19J 16S grade 455 SN#23297933 in a GF Keystone case.

1. I would like to replace the dial because of the damage but I dont think the one on it is correct. where should I start looking. are there vintage watch part suppliers around other than eBay?

2. A balance jewel screw is missing. once again I will need parts.

3. Last question. isn't the lettering on the movement suppose to be gold?

feel free to point out anything i might have over looked
Thank you in advance for any input you may have.

movement

March 28, 2016, 21:37
Gary Elmore
this is the dial

Dial

March 28, 2016, 21:39
Gary Elmore
this is the case info

case marking

March 28, 2016, 21:50
Theodore J. Brown Sr.
Nice 455 Gary. That dial is not likely original, most 455's would have a "49" dial or a Montgomery.(The 49 dial has extra bold numerals, no red 5-min track, and heavy diamond shaped hour markers) The lettering should all be gold except for the Elgin markings under the balance which should be in black.That will make a really nice watch!Parts should be easy to find. Take care, Ted.
March 28, 2016, 22:00
Gary Elmore
Thanks Ted.
I will look for a 49 dial I know the one your talking about. as far as the gold lettering I dont think there is anything I can do about that. I have been carrying it for a few days now and haven't lost a minute. but i dont know about seconds. (yet)
March 29, 2016, 12:40
Donald C. Henderson
I have one of those 19j beauties. I prefer the damaskeening and regulator on them to the 21j BWR's that followed.
March 29, 2016, 12:46
Gary Elmore
I am very happy with it as well. I am timing it now. and haven't lost a second since yesterday. I almost hate to mess with the missing balance jewel screw.
March 29, 2016, 18:46
Theodore J. Brown Sr.
Hey Gary, There are gold inlay kits that are made for gun engravings that should work on a watch also, I've never tried it but seeing it on videos it looks like they do a nice job.I don't know if I can mention the company name on here, but if you search on Google for gold inlay kits it will come up.They only cost around 20 bucks....Ted.
March 29, 2016, 19:18
Gary Elmore
Thanks Ted! This was purchased as a restoration project. so it would be worth a try. I'll check it out.
March 29, 2016, 19:42
Gary Elmore
Ted, I just ordered the kit. I'll post pics of the outcome. Thanks again!
March 29, 2016, 20:35
Theodore J. Brown Sr.
I hope it works out, it looks easy to do and not much money, if it can last on a gun, it should be fine on a watch movement.Usually it's the black lettering on watches that gets washed out, I don't remember seeing it happen with a gold letterd watch.Most railroad watches like that were cleaned a million times in their working life, that's for sure.Regards, Ted.
April 03, 2016, 11:44
Gary Elmore
Here it is, it took a little practice because the engraving is so shallow. and doesn't have the luster of the gilting but I will leave it at that.

gold lettering filled in

April 03, 2016, 13:24
Theodore J. Brown Sr.
Gary, looks a thousand times better!Regards, Ted.
April 04, 2016, 14:45
Mike Hodge
That turned out nice. Congratulations
April 04, 2016, 19:36
Gary Elmore
Thanks Mike, I will see how it holds up to a full service.
April 04, 2016, 19:38
Peter Kaszubski
Looks good, now find that screw and you have yourself very nice watch.
April 04, 2016, 19:52
Gary Elmore
Thanks Peter. the new dial is on the way and i have a line on the balance jewel with screws. thats all im waiting for to start the dissassembly.