Hi All,

Trying to find as many serial numbers for Waltham 16s 3/4 plate Model 1868 and Kw16 or Model 1860 pocket watches. Seems that the database is incorrect in some instances with regard to these watches, even with serial numbers outside the missing Waltham Factory ledger numbers. All input is greatly appreciated, once I get some info correlated I will post for all.

Best Regards,
Bila

Bila, a series of 500 s/n 300001-300500 in August-Sept 1867, 100 s/n 360001-100 in December 1867 and 900 s/n 360101-361000 scheduled for January 1, 1868 - January 1, 1870 were assigned to 16s 3/4 Plate watch movements according to the hand-written American Watch Co. of Waltham records.

Thanks David for the info, still am very interested in any serial numbers of movements or complete watches with regard to these models as I have 5 of these, 2 1868's and 3 1860's which of these, 4 are listed incorrectly. One of these movements has a serial as low as 17698 this is listed in the database as a model 1857 18s full plate. Hence the reason I am chasing as many serial numbers as possible.

Best Regards & many Thanks,
Bila

No pictures or other data makes this a longer exercise.77698 was a 3/4 plate Wm Ellery, 11 Jewel movement. The "ditto" marks of the written record suggest an 18 size, that may be in error.

Is it possible the first number of yours is a seven?

First number id definately a 1 David, there is a full stop at the end of the number so I thought they may have left a serial number such as a zero of the end so I went though and ran numbers from 0 to 9 at the end of the serial then ran numbers from 1-9 at the front of the serial and comes up with nothing that even resembles this movement. I have uploaded some pictures of the dial and pillar plate and back plate for you to have a look over. Definately a 15 jewel Appleton Tracy 3/4 plate with a Abbotts stem wind mechanism which has been fitted like a factory add-on, it has been done very well.

Pillar Plate

Dial, marked American Watch Co.

I read somewhere that early on when Royal Robbins (A.W.Co. CEO) "adopted" the Nashua (New Hampshire) Watch Co. geniuses, they were allowed considerable autonomy with making their own designs (such as this one you have pictured) separately from A.W.Co.

This being the case it is entirely possible that their early contributions to the A.W.Co. sales came from their own serialized series.

A Waltham historian would know more about this.

Thanks David, if you happen to remember where you read that info could you let me know or hopefully a Waltham historian will way in to the conversation. It would be great to know if it came from one of the Nashua serial runs, maybe we will never know. I had this a couple of years and only just pulled it out of the draw a couple of days ago, actually had forgot all about these 3/4 plate models being in there, still runs like a dream.

Regards,
Bila

Bila -- I have one for you - a 16s and 3/4 plate (model 1868?). I just received it. Tremendous condition. Unusual minute hand style. Case #499.

ken h

the movement with stepped balance cock below the top plate. S#380,017.

Thanks Ken for the info, I had almost given-up on this request. Also, I hate to be the bearer of bad mews but the watch you have shown is actually a KW16 or Model 1860 not a 1868, so if it was sold to you as the latter I'd be looking for my money back, Still a very nice watch though.

Cheers,
Bila

Bila, I just got through that long ihc site page where you all ruminate about the differences between model 1860 and model 1868; as well the Amn Watch Co. v. American Watch Co. quality differences. Good information!
Now I understand that I will be getting a model 1860, rather than a '68, which I am fine with because I'm acquiring it in a horse trade. But if you have a handle on value, please advise the approx. difference between the two. Several hundred? Half a thousand?!

A temporary cease-fire at messengers is in effect.

ken h.

Bila,
Saw these the other day in a drawer..Movements only no cases..KW Appleton Tracy & Co. serial number 280,826..KW Amn Watch Co. serial number 330,926 and a 1868 Amn Watch Co. serial number 420,540..

Excellent Gary, thank you.

Cheers,
Bila

Hi Ken,

Value will always be dependant on the collector buying, and how original. Most cases for these are long gone, yours looks like it might be original (a lot of these were later put in an 18s case with a spacer ring) So therefore, one housed in the correct case regardless if it is a Model 1860 or 1868 will command a better price then when not in a case.

In saying this in my experience a model 1868 will bring the better money. Cost difference wise will be subjective, depending on as I said the collector and also condition, but I would think around the $300 mark, this is in my IMHO.


Cheers,
Bila

Thank you, sir.
[This one turned out OK for me, but the lesson learned is to search this site before entering into any serious negotiations for something out of the comfort zone, because one might just find some helpful information.]

ken h.